Abstract.

In an earlier paper (Tyson, 2003) I argued that on an introduction to counselling training, eight methods were used by the trainers to structure the first three hours of training.  Together I suggested that they resulted in trainers treating the trainees more seriously than the trainees would ordinarily treat themselves – the ennoblement of self.  I not only argued that the ennoblement of self was a trainer activity, but also constituted the seen but unnoticed methods of counselling itself – the omnipotence of methods.  In this paper I develop the theme of the ennoblement of self within further ongoing professional training on a Diploma in Counselling.   In particular I focus upon the social contexts in which criteria for adequate performance of the ennoblement of self are co-constructed and enforced, and the implications these have for the personal and professional development of counsellors.  I argue such knowledge is, in large measure, the knowing ‘how’ of therapy.  Furthermore, enforcing the ennoblement of self on clients is not a preparation for therapy, but often the therapeutic aspect of the talk itself.

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