ABSTRACT
Professional support comprises collegial and peer relationships, continuing professional development, and membership of accrediting and professional bodies. In the primary care setting, staff alliances and knowledge of the unique culture of the medical organizational setting are very important. Never forget that when working in primary care, you are subject to the same group pressures as everyone else working in that setting. The counsellor will probably experience casework supervision as the major part of the external support network. The supervisor needs to help the counsellor to regularly explore his/her own contribution to the triadic relationship between counsellor, general practice, and patient. A support network comprises all that is supportive in the counsellor's private life, for example, family bonds, friendships, insight and self-awareness, hobbies and interests, and knowing your limits, both psychical and physical. A counsellor's inner objects are the internalized relationships, both good and bad, that have been set down in infancy.
