A counsellor's perspective - Dr Veronica Williams

Dr Veronica Wiliams' presentation will look at how the counsellor based in private practice will face the challenge of the introduction of the fit note. Working with what we know about the fit note at this point and what may emerge in time, Dr Williams looks at a range of potential scenarios and how the counsellor's interventions may change depending on the specific circumstances of the client. How this new emphasis will affect the contract, confidentiality and the nature of the work, is something she has explored for herself and she challenges us all in her presentation to think ‘out of the box' as new requirements determine. Dr Williams presents the challenge of ensuring that therapeutic work in this context is a positive experience for both client and counsellor, so that both can be ‘fit for business'.

The elephant in the room - Janet Soma

Managing the flow of information

While some counsellors may see that information not directly provided by the presenting client contaminates and complicates a counselling process, Janet works daily as a counsellor on the basis of working with the expectations of both the client and a referring manager when responding to ‘business referrals'. While some clients feel they can manage quite well without therapeutic work, they know they cannot manage without their paid work! Janet presents the challenge and opportunity of responding to a working brief that accompanies the client to the session, that may create some pressure for client and counsellor.

Transparency with all parties about the scope and limitations of the counselling provision, Janet argues, helps to create realistic expectations and good outcomes from the process. And what about managing the feedback to the organisation at the conclusion of the process? How does the counsellor strike a balance between encouraging disclosure to assist communication in the workplace, while protecting the client against over-disclosure of sensitive issues which may compromise his/her employment? Janet shares her experience of these challenges.... and more!

Back for a future - Kathy Woodcock

Counselling clients referred by their employer

Kathy will focus on her own experience of working with ‘sent' clients and how the counsellor responds to the figurative presence in the counselling room of more than two people with sometimes quite different explicit or implicit agendas. Kathy will share her own journey of coming to terms with ethical considerations this way of working has thrown up for her during many years of counselling. Kathy believes that engagement with several parties is key to the success of counselling within the dynamics of formal referrals. Tools for engaging the client, securing the employer's commitment to support and adjustments and also engaging the counsellor who may not readily see the benefits of this way of working, are all essential to ensuring everyone benefits from responding to a ‘fit for work' agenda.