What is the recommended distance for counseling situations?

In counseling situations, a distance of about 5 feet is often recommended to establish a comfortable yet professional boundary between the counselor and the client. This distance strikes a balance, allowing for close enough interaction to foster a feeling of safety and trust while still maintaining a level of personal space that is respectful and conducive to open dialogue.

At this distance, the client may feel more comfortable sharing personal thoughts and feelings, as it provides a sense of physical and psychological space. It also encourages eye contact and non-verbal communication without making the client feel overly claustrophobic or threatened, which can occur when individuals are too close.

While other distances may serve specific contexts or preferences, the 5-foot guideline is widely recognized in therapeutic settings as optimal for creating an environment conducive to counseling.