The role of the counsellor in a medical centre

The counsellor is one member of the para-medical team being used more and more frequently by doctors. His role is allied to, but distinct from the doctor. He is not an authority figure who diagnoses and prescribes, but acts so as to help the patient diagnose the nature of his own dysfunction and assist him to draw on his own resources for growth and change. The methods the counsellor uses vary, but his goal harmonises with the doctor--the removal of disease from the psychosomatic unity of the patient.