Extract

This paper investigates the relationship between the design of the counselling workspace and therapeutic practice for individuals who self harm. Architectural science encompasses how a built environment physically fits its function; in this paper the subject of investigation is how the design of the counselling workspace affects its function, the delivery of mental health services and therapy. Firstly, the counselling workspace design is discussed across three key themes which were significant points of overlap between architecture and clinical literature during the literature review undertaken. These themes include: self disclosure; territories, self image and autonomy; and body language in therapy. Secondly, the research methods relevant to understanding the significance of counselling workspace design in therapy are discussed. Thirdly, following fieldwork research undertaken by the author, a table of design initiatives is presented. This is suitable for architects and designers working in the design of counselling workspaces, and is also expanded to the wider field of designing for mental health and designing for inpatient and/or hospital care.

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