Research on Counselor and Client Safety

Solution Preview

Research on Counselor and Client Safety

Abstract
Counselling in Psychology entails the exploration of core issues and gaining unique and different perspectives on problems and psychological difficulties. Also, it involves building a rapport and trust with the counsellor, so that clients can feel comfortable enough to 'let down their guards", be vulnerable, and voice their worries. This relationship is built on trust and confidentiality, and can make all the difference between a positive and negative counselling experience. Although most would rather not think about it; the first meeting with clients can also be one of the two most vulnerable times for counselling therapists: counsellors engaging with clients can be quite risky. As such safety should be a core component of the counselling process for the client, the counsellor, and others. It is the responsibility of the counsellor to ensure that safety measures are observed throughout the session. Since the client can be a danger to him/her self, to others or could be facing danger from someone else. It is critical the counsellor controls them and bring them to constraint, or make them safe from any impending danger.

Research on Counselor and Client Safety
Not every intervention or counselling session will require heightened safety measures include suicidal attempts, homicide, and fear of the safety of a loved one from a third party among others (Echterling, Presbury, & McKee 2005). Personal safety is an ethical, legal and professional response in counseling practice (James & Gilliland, 2012). The beginning and the end, marks the two most vulnerable times in counselling. Whether counsellors work in a team environment or isolated settings, the risks are and can be psychological as well as physical. Particularly due to the nature of the work, and the settings in which it takes place, counselling practitioners are often alone with clients-some with disturbance levels that are unknown at the outset (Echterling, Presbury, & McKee 2005).
This can leave the counselling therapist open to the possibility of being subjected to physically or psychologically aggressive behaviour from his or her client(s). Another very, vulnerable time is the ending phase of the counselling. Disturbed client behaviours especially those with related to attachment disorders have been more significantly associated with the ending stage of counselling. Despenser (2017) also postulates, that one would argue that it is then logical to opt for more suitable, safer settings to minimise such risks. This however could trigger stalking behaviour, or other disturbing and vengeful client' behaviours and complaints. To this end, it is recommended that to minimise the risks of disturbing or vengeful behaviours, including but not limited to cyber-bullying, harassment, slander, and stalking, counsellors should take all measures even hire experts in the field to protect their privacy (Despenser, 2017).

Munsey (2008) cited a task force report that stated that between 35 percent and 40 percent of psychologists in clinical practice are at risk of being assaulted by a client at some time during their clinical careers (Munsey, 2008). Munsey also reported that many counsellors do not receive nearly enough training in how to evaluate potentially violent clients and defuse potentially violent encounters. At a minimum, Munsey (2008), recommends, that counsellors who study safety issues, need to consider these important safety factors when working with clients: their office layout, their initial visit procedures and their ability to handle a client who's become angry or agitated (Munsey, 2008).

It is important that counsellors/therapists remain cognizant of warning signs that are danger and safety threats. For example, many clients will try to manipulate counsellors. The work can be immensely satisfying and rewarding. However, if counsellors are working most of the time and especially with those who are in difficulty, and with abuse, neglect, violence and trauma, it is important to monitor and safeguard their well-being, and taking steps to prevent secondary trauma, such as burnout, compassion and fatigue, other organisational pressures - and why safety is sometimes ignored (Despenser, 2017).

To these ends, Counsellors must remain vigilant about keeping themselves and their staffs safe. Studies have indicated that overall, the profession needs to better recognize and acknowledge the risks, and train counsellors in creating more secure environments and prepare psychology students for possible threats before they begin interacting with clients (Munsey, 2008). This level of caution is necessary because as Munsey (2008) posits, there is a moderate elevation ...