The relationship between your counselor and you is vital to the success of therapy. Research shows that sixty percent of the benefits of therapy come from a good therapeutic relationship with your counselor. You have the right to expect your counselor to keep your information private and confidential. Your counselor should act as a professional and respect your autonomy always to make decisions. While your counselor may sometimes offer challenging statements, you should always expect these to be respectful.
Your counselor will collaborate with you to develop goals, listen carefully to your story, ask clarifying questions, and likely assign “homework” outside sessions. While this builds momentum for change, it provides you and your counselor with information on what works and does not. Completing homework is always your choice. Ultimately, counseling is a partnership with you toward successfully achieving your goals.