This report is split into two parts…
Part 1) Critical discussion of counselling ethics with reference to prominent counselling theories and ethical
frameworks. This can include discussions of limits to confidentiality, importance of boundaries, the needs of
minority groups, multiculturalism, and individual differences. You should also discuss how these topics impact
upon counselling skills.
Critically evaluate the importance of counselling ethics (for e.g., BACP Ethical Framework in the context of the therapeutic relationship).
Word count: around 1000 +/-10%
Overall: Why are ethics so important in counselling? And make lots of references to theory and ethical framework, such as BACP.
Part 2) Consists of Self-Evaluation:
A Relevant and brief introduction- why are you reflecting on your skills, how is this helpful to you?
Make references to your observer feedback forms (attached as STUDENT COUNSELLING SKILLS FEEDBACK
FORM) and include these in your appendices as a reference point.
Highlight your knowledge of what counsellors working within various therapeutic approaches do (or do not do)
within sessions, and what kind of counselling techniques counsellors use to facilitate therapeutic progress.
A self-evaluation of your own development of the core counselling attributes and skills, such as contracting,
creating a safe and secure base clarifying; focusing; confronting and challenging; using silence and summarising. This reflection should include comparing and contrasting skills and their potential application in practice.
Evaluate your own ability to use counselling skills based on feedback sheets you received from peers (observers) during triad work.
Word count: around 1500 +/-10%
Reflect upon interventions you used in the counsellor roles, be specific. Such as, open-ended questions,
empathetic reflections etc, QUOTE yourself from the feedback forms you received… What did you say EXACTLY?
Identify your strengths: e.g., good use of summarising and reflection of empathy to the clients.
Identify your areas of improvement: for e.g., struggled in the moments of silence, or difficulty to paraphrasing relevant material etc.
Tentative thoughts about what may have helped or hindered your skills (i.e., feeling anxious or self-conscious, uncomfortable working with someone of different genders etc.)
– Have TRUST in your reflective abilities. YOU know YOURSELF and highlight interest in your personal and professional development!
– Don’t get lost in theory… It’s important to reference it, but do not spend time describing theoretical concepts.
– Summarise at the end – overall consider: How are you doing as a counsellor? Is there scope for personal growth, have you developed already?
Write your reflective report from an ‘I’ perspective.