What does the term "informed consent" refer to in counseling?

The term "informed consent" in counseling refers to the process of providing clients with comprehensive information about their therapy. This includes explaining the nature of the counseling relationship, the types of interventions and procedures that will be used, potential risks and benefits of those interventions, the confidentiality limits, and the client's rights and responsibilities. The goal is to ensure that clients fully understand what to expect from the therapeutic process, enabling them to make knowledgeable decisions about their participation in therapy.

This process is essential for establishing a trusting relationship between the counselor and the client. It empowers clients by making them active participants in their mental health care. When clients are well-informed, they can provide effective consent, which is a fundamental ethical obligation in counseling practice.