It's a privilege to be allowed into a client's deepest thoughts, feelings, dreams and fears. A counselor must respect and honor that privilege and build a professional but empathetic relationship, and establish boundaries so as not to exploit the client's vulnerability, putting into practice what Carl Rogers called "unconditional positive regard." Doing so reinforces a client's confidence in the integrity of the therapeutic relationship, strengthens the effect of listening therapies and increases the likelihood of long-term positive outcomes.
One of the most helpful benefits of listening to the client is his perception of an environment of safety within which to explore deep and painful memories and behaviors. Listening, and reflecting back what's being said, reinforces the sense of the physical space as a sanctuary; as Dan Smith of the California State University observes, listening encourages the client's openness, honesty and willingness to explore the deepest issues. Clients find the courage to tackle difficult issues head on when they know that they are valued as individuals, held in high regard, and when they feel truly attended to, heard and understood.
Some clients who are not yet used to a non-directive method of counseling might flounder for a while during the initial stages of a listening therapy. Being listened to, rather than being given solutions, can feel disorientating and frustrating, and clients can sometimes express frustration or anger while they attune, particularly, as Smith says, if they do not make as swift a progress as they might initially have hoped. Alternatively, without clearly-defined boundaries, clients might become inappropriately attached to a counselor, transferring feelings of need or love onto the counselor.
Unless counselors undergo professional training and accreditation, and establish themselves as bona fide counselors, it is unlikely that they will appreciate quite how taxing the counseling relationship can be. Listening and reflection must be tempered by self-knowledge of your own beliefs and vulnerabilities, so as not to impact negatively on a client's autonomy and personal responsibility for growth, or to over-identify with the client's issues. Regular peer or supervisory debriefing is important to avoid the cumulatively stressful effects of what can be emotionally draining work.