Therapeutic Relationship

 

  A child centered therapeutic relationship should involve an atmosphere, where the child feels safe and open to expressing themselves. A counselor should structure a warm and accepting environment for the child, and in doing so, not trying to change the child in any way (Smith, 2014). The child should feel comfortable to express his or her emotions, and acknowledging the child’s feelings so that they can gather information on their behavior. As a counselor it is also important to let the child solve his or her own difficulties, and make sure they assume responsibility for their own behaviors and choices. In child therapy it is crucial to follow the child’s lead in the therapeutic process as well (Smith, 2014). The general principle of respect for people’s rights and dignity comes into play, when fostering a therapeutic relationship. As mentioned earlier a child must be respected by the clinician, and the respect for self-determination as well, which goes along with letting the child solve his or her own difficulties and lead the therapeutic process. Certainly when working with children a clinician must be responsible. The principle of fidelity and responsibility expresses that psychologists should establish a relationship of trust with whom they work with. A clinician must uphold professional standards and resolve any ethical issues that may arise in therapy. Play therapy is commonly used for treatment of children and this type of therapy can give a better insight into a child’s family origin, and also increase a child’s social interest. The use of play therapy goes along with making sure the use of assessments are accurate. The ethical code 9.02 explains how the assessment methods must be appropriate to an individual’s age and competence. Many factors need to be addressed before the counseling of a child. A clinician must create an environment where a child feels safe and respected. Letting the child express his or her emotions, and having them solve their own difficulties by leading the therapeutic process, is crucial for a professional counseling session.

 

References

Smith, E. (2014, October 29). Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Retrieved November 28, 2015, from https://books.google.com/books?id=4T8sBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA364&lpg=PA364&dq=structuring the therapeutic relationship for counseling children and ethical standards&source=bl&ots=EhNEu_MxqG&sig=NbY7fPYev10BXp_yebzsnwzVjVA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOtcelz7PJAhWEoD4KHU

 

de Haan, A. M., Boon, A. E., de Jong, J. M., Geluk, C. L., & Vermeiren, R. M. (2014). Therapeutic relationship and dropout in youth mental health care with ethnic minority children and adolescents. Clinical Psychologist, 18(1), 1-9. doi:10.1111/cp.12030