How social justice changes through counselling.

Looking at promoting social justice and equality by using an ethical framework for counselling and incorporating difference within a humanistic approach. 

About me and the issues outlined.

I am a student at Birmingham Newman University. I am studying counselling, mental health and well-being. This website will help us to understand how the counselling safe space (Reeves, 2013, p.247) can be more inclusive when working with differences and establishing good ethics.

Carl Rogers believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self, termed ‘self actualization’ (Rogers 1961). Self actualization is the state of realisation or fulfilment of one's talents and potential. The journey allows freedom of thought through congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard leading to an understanding of underlying feelings beyond the client's present expression. (Mearns and Thorne, 2013).

 

This self-actualization process is innate and accessible to everyone (BACP, 2024).

Awareness of the counsellor

If a counsellor is aware of social injustice, it is more likely to inform couselling practice. 

"Clients need to be able to participate freely as they work with practitioners of the counselling professions towards their desired goals" (BACP 2024).