Micro-skills should not be used early in the session as they may hinder the client from sharing his/her experiences.

A conducive and welcoming environment may create unrealistic expectations from the client’s side, therefore the counsellor needs to be cautious not to open up the space too early in his/her encounter with the client.

“Opening up the space” within a counselling context is an automatic process and it requires no effort from the counsellor, otherwise it becomes an artificial and incongruous act.

The counsellor’s warmth, congruence and unconditional acceptance of the client irrespective of the client’s behaviour are essential in creating space for meaningful engagement.