The relationship between your counselor and you is vital to the success of therapy. In fact, research shows that sixty percent of the benefits of therapy comes 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 to make decisions at all times. While your counselor may at times offer challenging statements, you should always expect these to respectful.
Your counselor will collaborate with you to develop goals, listens carefully to your story, ask clarifying questions, and will likely assist “homework” for outside of sessions. While this builds momentum for change; it provides you and your counselor with information on what works and what does not work. Completing homework is always your choice. Ultimately, counseling is a partnership with you toward successful completion of your goals.