Venue...does it matter?

[Cherrypie]

I wonder where your counselling (as a therapist or client) takes place and does it matter to you what the surroundings are like?

[IndieSoul]

My counseling takes place in a few different rooms - my therapist works part time at the office so she doesn't have her own room at this time. Most of the rooms we've been in have been very casual and for the most part pretty comfortable. One room in particular is my favorite because it's bigger and has a leather couch that I love :) I think I'm more comfortable in a room that appears less professional, because to me, the room is a reflection of the therapist him/herself. A spotless, professional-appearing room could resemble a closed down, emotionless therapist. While a casual, somewhat disorganized room could reflect a down to earth, warm, sensitive therapist. But this is just me - some people probably prefer a more professional office :)

[TDM]

I think it does. The school counsellor used to have an office right at the front of the school, next to the uniform shop, and so no one ever went there unless it was open because it was very out of the way, compared to the rest of the school. And then last year, she moved and she's right with all the other teacher's offices and I don't like it there, because the room's smaller and it's right where all the student traffic goes and so it doesnt seem very private to me... but that's just my personal preference. The only upside is that I can now hear the bells for each period, so I can rush off to class on time. But that's the only upside. In terms of it being helpful counselling wise, it does zilch.

smorz.

[Cherrypie]

I just realised I cannot describe my previous counsellors venue or it might give me or him away a little too much as its a little unusual so I have started a thread I can't really answer!! :doh: Sorry!!

I shall say however that yes, I think it really does matter. I prefer to go out of my home area for privacy and the longer the drive the better as I have time to think. Also safety is one of my main concerns..being assured I am not overheard. Somewhat related I do also feel that the room itself is important, decor, chairs, tables and all that jazz can impact on the session too IMO.. I noticed a definite change of feel to a session when chairs were changed one time..how odd..and interesting.. well to me of course!!

Why am I still here at 3am talking about flippin chairs and tables?? :insomnia: I feel I may regret this...just can't sleep tonight..

Maybe if I put my laptop down it would help....I'll give it a try..

:sleep:

nitey nite..

xCherrypie

[Jenny]

My therapy took place at my counsellors home in a nice little warm room.. it felt really safe. There wasn't too much junk or clutter, just the sofa i sat on, her chair and a little table with a lamp. With of course a box of tissues too!

I do think it makes a difference where the therapy is held.. i too would hate the thought of someone being able to hear me and i'd find it distracting if i could hear others. One time in my therapy her partner came home half way through and i could hear them in the kitchen.. my therapist apologised for the noise but it did hinder what i was saying etc. But that was the only time.. all other times i'm sure we were the only ones in the house.

Although thinking about it, it is a bit strange that i know a lot about my ex therapist as i've been to her house. I know what car she drives.. what her hallway looks like.. that she likes cats.. etc etc I wonder where boundaries come in to play in that sense? I mean, i could be a stalker or something (and believe me i've thought about it LOL) and if i'd seen her on the nhs or in some organisation i wouldn't have a clue where she lives, etc. I guess that takes a lot of trust on the counsellors' side huh.. and the ability to really stick to boundaries.

[ScottishLass]

In my opinion venue is so important. My counsellor sees me in a quiet garden room which is next to a stream at the bottom of her garden. There are windows but the are high up so you couldn't see in from the outside. I have to walk through her hallway and kitchen to get into her back garden so sometimes do see her family but know that once we are in the garden room then the door is closed and there are no distractions. It's a very peaceful room and I love the sound of the stream. My only worry though would be if it was a male therapist. There's no way I would want to be so isolated at the bottom of the garden like that. I would never see a male therapist anyway because I'd my sexual abuse issues. I also think it might put my counsellor in a vulnerable position if she sees male clients who she hasn't met before at the bottom of her garden. Perhaps she doesn't see it as a problem but I would feel a bit vulnerable if it were me.