An exploratory study of clients’ experiences and preferences for counselling room space and design

Abstract Background Elements of the built environment can impact on an occupant's frame of mind, their interaction with other occupants and their physiological state. It is anticipated that counselling spaces will have some influence on clients’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours and potentially affect the therapeutic process. Aim To examine clients’ experiences and perspectives of counselling room design, with the aim of identifying what they considered to be an “ideal” counselling room. Method A descriptive qualitative design was employed to examine 15 clients’ perspectives of counselling spaces. Semi‐structured interviews and a previously unused method of model design, in which participants created and recreated models of counselling rooms, were used to encourage participants to express their views of these spaces. Findings Thematic analysis revealed an interaction between physical–spatial features and clients’ thoughts and feelings. The driving force behind clients’ design preferences was the desire for a sense of physical and emotional comfort, which was achieved by creating a welcoming, relaxed and homely environment that promoted a sense of safety and security. Moreover, an association between clients’ opinions of the counsellor and the space in which they were counselled was revealed. Implications The design and layout of counselling rooms affect clients, particularly women who are feeling vulnerable. While we cannot create a space that fulfils every client's needs, we believe that clients should be included in the decision‐making process to promote their sense of safety and comfort because this impacts on the therapeutic practice.