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P7-Coun Psy - Q2- Define counselling.What are the characteristics of…
P7-Coun Psy - Q2- Define counselling.What are the characteristics of effective counselor.
Counselling
Counselling is a helping approach that highlights the emotional and intellectual experience of a client: how a client is feeling and what they think about the problem they have sought help for.
The process that occurs when a client and counsellor set aside time to explore difficulties which may include the stressful or emotional feelings of the client.
The act of helping the client to see things more clearly, possibly from a different view-point. This can enable the client to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour, with a goal of facilitating positive change.
A relationship of trust. Confidentiality is paramount to successful counselling. Professional counsellors will usually explain their policy on confidentiality. They may, however, be required by law to disclose information if they believe that there is a risk to life.
Counselor
A counselor who is aware of their own fears, insecurities, and weaknesses will be effective in the therapeutic relationship. It is important that you do not react defensively to what a client shares. You must be able to keep your own feelings out of the session. You will be better able to do this if you are self-aware.
10 qualities/CHARACTERISTICS of an effective counselor
Patience
As a counselor you need to have patience with your clients as they process the discussion. It may take them time to accept certain things and to move towards positive changes. Some people need to discuss something many times before they are prepared to make a move in any particular direction.
Good Listener
Counselors spend a significant amount of time listening to their clients. You will do more listening than talking. You must be content to give the client time to express their story and their feelings. You will need to be intuitive in discerning what the client is really saying and “read between the lines”.
Compassionate
It is very important that your clients feel your compassion for their problems and that they sense you truly care about them. You may not be able to relate to every issue that is shared with you, but you need to be able to have compassion for how it feels to be in their shoes. Genuine concern yields positive results.
Nonjudgmental
Counselors hear all kinds of private information and encounter all types of people. You may hear dark secrets from someone’s past involving such things as sexual or criminal behavior. You must do you best to refrain from judgment and instead communicate positive regard. There are times when it may be necessary to judge a particular behavior, but the client must not feel that you are judging them.
Research-Oriented
Being a counselor involves a significant amount of time spent researching. You will need to stay current on the research in order to help your clients. This involves reading books and journal articles on a regular basis.
Empathetic
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. You need to be able to put yourself in the shoes of your client and understand the situation from their point of view. Even if you don’t agree with their perspective, you still need the ability to understand how it feels to them in order to address their issue effectively.
Discreet
Confidentiality is of upmost importance when you are a counselor. You must be able to maintain confidentiality so the client can trust you with their most intimate concerns.
Encouraging
The ability to encourage is important for a counselor. Many clients are struggling to find hope in their situation. One of the primary jobs of a counselor often involves instilling hope in a hopeless individual.
Self-Aware
A counselor who is aware of their own fears, insecurities, and weaknesses will be effective in the therapeutic relationship. It is important that you do not react defensively to what a client shares. You must be able to keep your own feelings out of the session.
Authenticity
Authenticity is vital when working with clients. Clients will know if you are being fake or not showing genuine concern. They will not open up to you or trust your advice unless they feel you are genuine. This is even more critically important when working with teens.
Prepared by: Srinivas Adapa;
Content Source:
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