ABSTRACT
Most counsellors agree that the concept of time is important and that we, as humans, are not just as we seem in the moment, but that our lives are influenced by our past experiences as well as our ideas about our present and future. Regarding the contract between patient and counsellor, J. Mann argues that the greater the ambiguity as to the duration of the contract, the greater the influence of child time on unconscious wishes and expectations. People who have carried unmitigated shame since childhood will often apologize for coming for counselling and feel they are not worthy of help. The sense of relief and moving on that can occur when a patient is able to uncover the unresolved or delayed grief can amaze both patient and counsellor. A short-term cognitive–behavioural therapy counselling contract can be used with well-motivated patients who can think in an organized way.
