The 'open circle' in counsellor education and training: Rationale and criticisms

The apparently simple open circle is described and five elements of a rationale are discussed: that it acts as a 'buffer'; contributes efficiently towards developing trust; highlights aspects of self-disclosure; enhances awareness of emotions, biases etc; and, most subtly, provides practice of feeling sympathetic but not 'rescuing'. In the final section, four criticisms of the open circle are countered: that it is pointless; artificial; taxing; and insensitive.