How to and not to support your clients with emotional problems.

 

📝 Easy Read: Do’s and Don’ts for Student Counsellors

✅ Do’s

• 👂 Listen carefully – Give the client time to talk.

• 😊 Show empathy – Let them know you care and understand.

• 🔐 Keep things private – Respect confidentiality (unless safety is at risk).

• 🧠 Stay calm – Even if the client is upset.

• 🕰️ Give time and patience – Don’t rush the conversation.

• 💬 Use clear and simple words – Make sure the client understands.

• 📖 Know when to get help – Ask a supervisor or senior counsellor if needed.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Encourage, don’t judge – Support the client’s feelings and choices.

• 🌱 Help set small goals – This gives the client hope and direction.

• 🛠️ Teach coping strategies – e.g., breathing exercises, writing feelings down, talking to trusted people.

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❌ Don’ts

• ❌ Don’t interrupt – Let clients finish speaking.

• ❌ Don’t give too much personal advice – Focus on the client, not yourself.

• ❌ Don’t make promises you can’t keep – Be honest.

• ❌ Don’t ignore signs of danger – If someone talks about hurting themselves or others, get help straight away.

• ❌ Don’t rush solutions – Sometimes clients just need to be heard first.

• ❌ Don’t judge or criticise – Respect every client’s story.

• ❌ Don’t break confidentiality – Unless it is about safety.

• ❌ Don’t act like you know everything – Keep learning and ask for support.

• ❌ Don’t make the client feel small or weak – Build their confidence instead.

• ❌ Don’t push your own opinions or beliefs – Stay neutral.

Counsellor Dos Donts Quiz· other

# Slide 1 – Title

**Easy Read Quiz: Do’s and Don’ts for Student Counsellors**

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# Slide 2 – Question 1

What should a student counsellor do when a client is talking?

- a) Interrupt them

- b) Listen carefully

- c) Talk about themselves

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# Slide 3 – Question 2

If a client is upset, what should the counsellor do?

- a) Stay calm and supportive

- b) Shout at them

- c) Ignore them

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# Slide 4 – Question 3

What must counsellors keep private (unless someone is unsafe)?

- a) Confidentiality (what the client shares)

- b) Their favourite food

- c) Their homework

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# Slide 5 – Question 4

What should a counsellor avoid doing?

- a) Encouraging the client

- b) Judging or criticising the client

- c) Showing empathy

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# Slide 6 – Question 5

If a client talks about hurting themselves, what should the counsellor do?

- a) Ignore it

- b) Tell them to stop it

- c) Get help straight away

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# Slide 7 – Question 6

What is one good way to help clients cope with emotions?

- a) Breathing exercises or writing feelings down

- b) Making promises you can’t keep

- c) Rushing them to find answers