As awareness of mental health grows, more people are seeking mental health services. This process can feel like a big step—a blend of hope, uncertainty, and curiosity about what’s next. People’s expectations and goals for counselling vary, as do the techniques counsellors use. However, there is one thing that is true and universal to all counselling processes. That is the right clients hold. You, as clients, have rights you can exercise to feel safe, empowered, and fully engaged in your counselling journey.

Have you ever wondered if, as clients, you can ask questions, set boundaries, or even adjust the direction of your sessions? If so, then you’re not alone.

Clients often have concerns about their therapy experience. “Is therapy working for me?” or “Am I getting what I came here for?” Yet, most people keep these questions or concerns to themselves because they feel they might be inappropriate or disrespectful to ask. This can hold them back from fully benefitting from therapy. Sometimes, when therapy doesn’t seem to meet your needs, you haven’t communicated what you’re looking for. This lack of communication can lead to frustration or even the urge to quit therapy altogether.

All clients have the right to address things that don’t feel right. You are entitled to privacy, respect, and control over the counselling process. These rights exist to show you that you have a choice. A choice that you can make at any point in your counselling journey. Yes, you have the choice to communicate openly, to question the approach being used, to set boundaries, and even to seek a different therapist if you feel your needs aren’t being met.

The most crucial right every client should be fully aware of is confidentiality. Therapy can be a safe, protected bubble where your thoughts, fears, dreams, and doubts can be freely expressed. Confidentiality means that whatever is shared with the therapist stays in that bubble. It’s the foundation of trust in therapy. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to protect your privacy, which ensures you feel secure enough to explore even the most sensitive parts of your life.

However, it’s also important to understand that confidentiality has its limits. In certain situations, therapists may be required to share information, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, cases of child or elder abuse, or when legally required to access therapy records.

You also have the right to ask questions—even the “difficult” ones. It’s normal to feel like the therapist “knows best” because of their training and expertise. However, you contribute something just as crucial—your unique experiences, insights, and sense of what areas need growth or change. By sharing your perspective, you shape your sessions to align with your goals, making therapy a collaborative effort that fosters the best possible outcomes.

You also have the right to ask about practical details, like costs and scheduling. Even asking for your therapist’s credentials and areas of expertise is okay so that you feel more confident in their abilities. You can also ask about their treatment approach and why they chose it. If you think a different approach might work better for you, always feel free to address this. Therapists are always open to hearing your feedback and making adjustments.

Your feedback helps shape future sessions. If you’ve thought, “I wish we’d talked about something else,” or “That exercise didn’t work for me,” don’t hesitate to bring it up. Therapy is flexible; it’s a space for honest conversation, and therapists appreciate and encourage this kind of openness.

Another typical scenario clients tend to feel is that they should stay with the same therapist, even if something doesn’t feel right. Some may not realise that switching is an option, while others worry it might seem impolite. But therapy is where you should feel entirely comfortable. If you find yourself holding back, it may be a sign that the therapist isn’t the best fit. Many therapists understand the importance of finding the right match. Many will refer clients elsewhere if they sense a disconnect. Bringing it up in a session is okay if you feel this way.

Similarly, therapy can sometimes feel intense, and it’s important to remember that you’re not required to discuss anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you’re not ready to face. It’s perfectly okay to set boundaries on what you’re willing to explore at each stage of therapy. You can always let your therapist know if you need a break, want to shift the topic, or need coping strategies when conversations feel overwhelming.

These core rights are just the beginning of what supports you on this path. You should explore many more before stepping into a session. So, as you walk through this journey, remember therapy is a space that adapts to your needs. Take your time, ask questions, and let each session reflect your pace, needs, and hopes. Just think of how it feels to fully trust in your voice, to share openly, and to shape the path ahead. Therapy is a safe place to explore that answer—gently, gradually, and always at your rhythm.