Birbeck University: Introduction to Counselling Course

Term 1, Coursework essay: 19th February 2013 (submission date)

Author: Monica Malkani

Describe some aspects of your learning about helping in a counselling way and what this has taught you about yourself

This essay aims to address a number of aspects of counselling that I have found particularly interesting since starting the introductory course in Counselling in October 2012. This will include a brief history of counselling; what it means to help in a “counselling way” from both a client and counsellor’s perspective and what the course has taught me as an individual.
Reflecting on the history of counselling and considering today’s society and culture, I believe there is …show more content…

Within my managerial position at work, it is important that I set the appropriate boundaries with those who I am helping, however, I have come to recognise that I have not done this as effectively in all situations. An extract from my personal journal dated 19th October 2012 recounts my efforts to help a work colleague who was suffering from severe depression. I would set up an hour with my colleague each week and actively listen to what he wanted to share with me. I recall making a conscious effort to not be judgemental and to be more empathetic to his situation. Unlike a professionally qualified counsellor, I offered to meet with his parents who were significantly worried about his personal welfare. We interacted on a couple of occasions and although it proved to be a fruitful approach for this situation, I am well aware that this type of set-up would not be appropriate in a professional counselling environment that adheres to boundaries.
A number of core elements required for counselling also coincide with Abraham Maslow’s original hierarchy of needs (1954) – a concept taken from his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation", which describes the stages of growth in humans.
His original five stage model can be divided into basic needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) and growth needs (cognitive, aesthetics and self-actualization). In order to build the right