These 3 ways of relating contribute to an atmosphere of trust and safety that a client needs in order to share and allow a spontaneous uncensored flow of thoughts and feelings  to take place.

Acceptance is an attitude , an inner experience that is beyond technique.  In an accepting state , a counsellor is viewing the client as fundamentally ok , as a fellow wayfarer.  Acceptance transcends  seperating categories such as age , gender, financial status , reputation etc.

An accepting attitude generates a type of listening that is compassionate , curious yet respectful.  A quiet sense of awe is present as the counsellor is open to discovering how their client is doing in the dance of life.

Listening …..Every counsellor needs to find a way of listening that receives both verbal and non verbal information which can create an emphathetic connection to the client.

Understanding…..is a phenomena that grows and develops throughout the life of the counselling experience.  Both client and counsellor uncover realizations and insights that previously have remained in the unconscious of the client.  Through time and the strength of the counsellor-client relationship we can strive to bring the unconscious into the conscious.