Why Is the Initial Consultation so Important? What Factors Will an Ethical Therapist Cover at This Time?
Word count: 1892
Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time?
In this essay I will be looking at the purpose of the initial consultation, what happens during this meeting and why it is such an important time in the client/therapist relationship. I will endeavour to cover as many of these issues as possible in order to illustrate the importance of this initial consultation and the factors that an ethically minded therapist should cover.
The initial consultation…free or not?
The initial consultation may well be the most crucial aspect of hypnotherapy, if not all therapies. Everything from the knowing the client, interpersonal dynamic to the eventual success of the therapy has a basis in this first meeting between the client and the therapist. Indeed, the client’s decision to remain engaged with the therapeutic process may be determined by factors from this early meeting.
There is much controversy and debate around whether the client should be charged for the initial consultation. One thought is that charging would be unjust if the therapist cannot provide the sought therapy for one reason or another. A counter argument to this is: if there is no charge clients may take advantage of this “free” session without any intention to return. It could also be said that a “free” session acts as a lure for the client, implying they may feel obligated to enter into a contract with the hypnotherapist.
In my opinion, the initial consultation is fundamental for the evaluation of the client, in order to have a clear idea of the client’s issues and needs. It would be unethical practice on the part of the therapist if this evaluation was not carried out. As long as this is explained to the client in the very first contact then it is right to charge. However I myself would prefer to offer this as a “free” consultation because I see the first session as an evaluation for both parties. It is an opportunity
Why is the initial consultation so important? What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time?
In this essay I will be looking at the purpose of the initial consultation, what happens during this meeting and why it is such an important time in the client/therapist relationship. I will endeavour to cover as many of these issues as possible in order to illustrate the importance of this initial consultation and the factors that an ethically minded therapist should cover.
The initial consultation…free or not?
The initial consultation may well be the most crucial aspect of hypnotherapy, if not all therapies. Everything from the knowing the client, interpersonal dynamic to the eventual success of the therapy has a basis in this first meeting between the client and the therapist. Indeed, the client’s decision to remain engaged with the therapeutic process may be determined by factors from this early meeting.
There is much controversy and debate around whether the client should be charged for the initial consultation. One thought is that charging would be unjust if the therapist cannot provide the sought therapy for one reason or another. A counter argument to this is: if there is no charge clients may take advantage of this “free” session without any intention to return. It could also be said that a “free” session acts as a lure for the client, implying they may feel obligated to enter into a contract with the hypnotherapist.
In my opinion, the initial consultation is fundamental for the evaluation of the client, in order to have a clear idea of the client’s issues and needs. It would be unethical practice on the part of the therapist if this evaluation was not carried out. As long as this is explained to the client in the very first contact then it is right to charge. However I myself would prefer to offer this as a “free” consultation because I see the first session as an evaluation for both parties. It is an opportunity
References: and Bibliography Chrysalis Module 3 handout ‘The role of the Subconscious’ Karle and Boys Hypnotherapy, A Practical Handbook (2nd edn), Free Association Books (2010) Heap and Dryden, Hypnotherapy A Handbook,Open University Press (2010)