ABSTRACT
Counsellors are trained in a number of techniques to create and maintain a productive environment and to deploy the interpretative skills that will enable them to evaluate what their clients are telling them. These skills may not be overtly evident, but if any of them are lacking it will soon be seen to have an adverse effect on the counselling relationship. Some processes, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, are primarily aimed at problem solving; other techniques may be more concerned with revealing the significance of events from our early years and exploring how these may still be influencing our thoughts and behaviour today. For these reasons, it can be useful when first making contact with a counsellor to find out how they like to work, particularly in relation to the issues one will be bringing with oneself. An important component of the relationship between counsellor and client is the observance of boundaries.
