The Career Center’s code of conduct strives to provide guidance, support and therapeutic services rooted in mutual trust, respect and collaboration between you – the client – and your therapist. Therapy is a shared journey, not a one-way process. Together, we work towards exploring your challenges and unlocking your potential for personal growth, self-improvement and professional development.
We understand that everyone feels differently about discussing and dealing with challenging topics. Sessions at the Center are a safe and ideal space to face and address these concerns. Sometimes, it’s not just the issue, itself, that doesn’t seem easy, but the why. Why something is hard to talk about, deal with or manage. Our sessions provide a structured, compassionate space to explore this together. The key to success is honesty and openness. You’ll gain the most from the sessions when you express your genuine thoughts and feelings, even when something feels uncomfortable.
However, for sessions to be effective, it’s essential to address any obstacles – big or small – as they arise.
Below are some common issues that may crop up during your sessions or therapy, along with suggestions to help you navigate them. Addressing these issues sooner than later ensures a smoother and more productive experience.
Your therapist respects your right to confidentiality. What you share in sessions stays private – no exceptions without your written consent – unless:
- There’s a risk of harm to you or others, or
- Evidence of abuse and neglect, particularly involving minors or vulnerable individuals, or
- Reporting is required by law (e.g., abuse or safety concerns).
If you feel uncertain about these boundaries, don’t hesitate to ask. Knowing where confidentiality begins and ends helps create a safer, more trusting space for you to share openly.
Therapy isn’t something ‘done’ to you; it’s something you do ‘with’ your therapist or facilitator. Think of it as a collaborative partnership. Your therapist doesn’t have all the answers, and they’re not there to ‘fix‘ you. Instead, they help you uncover insights and develop competencies to navigate challenges more effectively.
Together, you and your therapist or facilitator work hand-in-hand to achieve meaningful change by combining your lived experiences and their expertise. Trust the process, stay engaged and remember that progress happens when both sides commit to the journey.
Establishing an effective guidance and therapeutic relationship requires honesty, transparency and trust. You are the expert on you, and your therapist can only help with what you share.
It’s natural to hold back at first – maybe you’re comfortable discussing surface-level issues – but hesitant to address deeper, more painful topics. However, staying silent about key struggles can limit your progress. Examples of common issues people tend to avoid sharing include:
- Childhood trauma or abuse,
- Alcohol or substance use,
- Disordered eating habits,
- Intense emotions like rage, shame, sadness or guilt.
If something feels ‘too big‘ to say out loud, consider writing a note or sending an email to your therapist or facilitator. Sharing these aspects allows your therapist to gain the full picture and work with you to address the root cause of the issue.
Sometimes, therapists may inadvertently say or do something that feels dismissive, patronising or off the mark. For instance:
- A comment that downplays your experience,
- A misunderstanding about your emotions or struggles,
- An interpretation that doesn’t resonate with you.
While these moments can feel uncomfortable, don’t let them fester. Addressing them – whether in the moment or later — is essential for the therapeutic and guidance process. If you feel hurt, frustrated or unheard, bring it up. Your feedback helps your therapist better understand you and adapt their approach to meet your needs.
Therapy is deeply personal, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist or facilitator. If something doesn’t feel right – whether it’s the therapist’s style, approach or personality – it’s perfectly reasonable to seek another therapist who better suits your needs and fits your requirements.
Therapists understand the importance of a good ‘fit‘. Trust your instincts and advocate for yourself if the connection isn’t there. A healthy therapeutic relationship is built on trust and mutual respect and finding the right therapist can make all the difference.
Occasionally, clients encounter therapists who exhibit unprofessional behaviour, such as:
- Arriving late,
- Answering calls during sessions,
- Not fully paying attention.
If this happens, you have every right to address it immediately. While it might feel awkward, speaking up ensures that the issue is either resolved – gives your therapist a chance to correct it – or helps you decide if the therapist is the right fit for you.
Tears, anger, frustration or sadness. These emotions aren’t weaknesses; they’re human responses. In therapy, expressing your emotions and feelings is not only acceptable but essential for healing. Your therapist’s role is to help you understand and explore the ‘why‘ behind these emotions and feelings in a supportive, judgment-free space.
Real change doesn’t happen overnight. Therapy is a journey that requires time, effort and commitment. Your progress depends not just on the sessions themselves but also on:
- Practising new skills outside of therapy,
- reflecting on insights gained,
- Taking action to address your challenges.
Your facilitator or therapist can guide and support you, but the hard work of change ultimately happens outside the guidance and therapy space. While the therapist provides the tools, you are the one driving the transformation. Applying new strategies and remaining engaged in the process is essential to meaningful personal growth and professional development.
It’s natural to question whether therapy or guidance is helping, especially during challenging moments. Some people feel stuck and, instead of addressing their doubts, stop therapy altogether.
Before walking away, consider:
- Feeling stalled can be part of the process. Working through difficult times often leads to breakthroughs.
- Therapy styles and personalities vary. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You and your therapist can work together to address the issue.
Thus, before deciding to stop therapy, share your concerns with your therapist. Open communication can clarify whether you’re experiencing a temporary setback or whether adjustments to the process are necessary.
Financial stress can interfere with therapy and it’s important to address this early. If you’re struggling to meet payment obligations, speak to your therapist or facilitator. Open communication allows for practical solutions, such as adjusting the schedule or exploring payment options.
When costs become an issue, ignoring financial concerns can add unnecessary strain or even lead to prematurely ending therapy or support, neither of which helps you achieve your goals. Open communication ensures both parties can explore solutions without disrupting your progress and the gains achieved.
Our setting is unique and offers a peaceful, natural environment for sessions or therapy. But to make the most of this space, maintaining certain rules ensures a productive and respectful experience:
- Switch off your mobile phone, put it on silent or leave it behind to avoid unnecessary interruptions during sessions.
- Respect confidentiality. What’s shared in the bush, remains in the bush.
- Speak up if something feels uncomfortable or unclear.
- Share your thoughts, concerns and feelings; even if they’re difficult.
- If something feels off or unhelpful, address it immediately.
- Embrace Your Role. Remember, therapy is about empowering you to solve challenges and overcome obstacles.
To keep the process running smoothly:
- We recommend using Telegram for secure and seamless online communications.
- Your email address acts as your unique identifier. Avoid changing it during our work together.
By addressing these common challenges, we can create a space – together – that is safe, collaborative and empowering, allowing you to explore, learn and grow. At the Career Center, we consider it a privilege to walk alongside you on this path and to support, guide and empower you every step of the way. Remember, the process works best when both client and therapist commit fully to the shared journey.
Successful sessions and therapy rely on clear communication, mutual respect and a willingness to engage in the process. While your therapist is there to guide and support you, the journey of growth, healing and meaningful change is ultimately yours to navigate.
Last Updated on 10 February, 2025 by Jan Viljoen (More Info)
Words of Wisdom
"One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up to get it."
Sydney Howard