Volume : 4, Issue : 2, February - 2015

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONFIDENTIALITY AND EMPATHY ON THE OPENNESS OF CLIENT IN A COUNSELLING SESSION

Rev Fr Dr Jude J Obiunu

Abstract :

<p>&lt;p&gt;This study investigated the relationship between confidentiality and empathy on the openness of clients in a counselling session. Relevant and related literatures which acted as theoretical background to the study were examined. Three research/ hypothesis were developed for the study. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised of all secondary school students in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. The instrument used for the student a questionnaire titled CONFIDENTIALITY AND EMPATHY ON THE OPENNESS OF CLIENT (CEOC). The instrument was developed using the 4 point likert scale of SA, A, SD, D. There was a total of 30 items in the questionnaire. The data from the respondents were analysed using regression analysis. The results indicates that confidentiality and empathy are strongly correlated to openness of clients in a typical counselling session. The conclusion therefore was that counsellors should try to assure their clients through effective empathic behaviours and skills that the information shared with them in the process of counselling will be kept safe and secret. This will ensure that openness of clients is achieved&lt;/p&gt;</p>