Assertiveness for counsellors

The work of Ogden and Siegal involves the identification of optimum arousal states in which emotions can be experienced as tolerable. Whilst this theory has most significance in the avoidance of re-traumatisation when working with previously traumatised clients, it has a value when working with all clients.

Sometimes clients are ready to face difficult emotional content however it is the counsellors discomfort with their own emotions which prevents them from working at the client’s optimum level. This workshop encourages exploration of self within the therapy relationship plus evaluates the skills and attitudes required for using emotions optimally and assertively with clients.