Competence in Counseling Essay

You must be trustworthy in order to keep client information confidential, which also requires restraint and discipline. Most importantly, a counselor must keep up with their own mental health. Knowing how to cope, unwind, and relax after serving others can sometimes become emotionally taxing. Taking care of oneself in order to help others is paramount to success in their career. I believe that I posses all of these qualities and can learn to strengthen and apply them through your graduate program. In a world that is ever changing, diversity training and sensitivity is also important. As a therapist, I will be placed in environments with the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, traditions, and approaches than I. Building rapport through relationship and empathy will be the key to giving my clients the assurance needed to make their first step toward changing their lives and moving forward toward their desired self. My job, as a counselor is to empower, not to tear down, which is why I will seek to give back my services in low income areas, nonprofit organizations, as well as on a volunteer basis to improve my very own community.

Counsellors are required to have adequate training and supervision to help maintain them throughout their professional lives. Counsellor must be respectful of their professional position and remain loyal to their clients.

It was Eleanor Roosevelt who stated, "A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably” (Roosevelt). There is a great deal of truth in her statement. However, there are at least four additional characteristics that every well-functioning, effective person possesses. 1) An effective individual should demonstrate a life of integrity, committed to the truth despite how much it may hurt; and willing to speak truth into the lives of others even when it is humiliating and difficult. (A lesson learned from a very valued professor of mine.) 2) He is responsible and accountable for his own actions; and without blame, nor excuse, accepts the resulting circumstances and consequences. With humility, he willingly admits it when wrong. 3) An effective person must develop a learner’s attitude; and have a teachable spirit. He is willing to listen and expand his perspective; and able to keep an open mind. A mind that is receptive counsel, and responds to reproof. 4) A well-functioning person is available, open to interruption and accessible to others. He values and cherishes time well spent with people, and sets priorities and strives to maintain them. This is my purpose, my responsibility, my calling and I will strive to carry out all of

I need to stay very professional at all times and make sure I do not use my personal values towards my clients. I also need to make sure my attitude does not affect my client. When working within community and private mental health system, I need to be the helper and help my clients. They come to get help not to be judged or to be told what to do. The counselor disposition will help me incorporated in my session by being aware of my own biases and making sure I do not use them towards my clients. The counselor disposition is a backup procedure I can reflex if I have a concern with a client and how to stay professional at all times. I will also build rapport with clients so they can feel comfortable and trusted. They will be able to open up without being judged or disrespected. I will make sure I give them my full attention and work as a team. The key to have better outcomes is to have empathy towards and client and be present at all times so they can feel they have a caring

This How a client perceives a counselor is very important in how they effective they feel they

Counseling others is a difficult job that requires people to listen, take notes, and respond in ways that are positive and helpful. It is important that trust be built between the counselor and the patient so that the patient will feel comfortable speaking about issues that are private or embarrassing. There are many different types of counselors including drug counselors; marriage counselors, grief counselors, job counselors, diet and exercise counselors, and others that can help people improve their lives in different ways. Counselors are trained to offer advice and listen to issues that may be bothering other people. They are not allowed to prescribe medication or expected to provide

Each person is unique with different gifts, abilities, and struggles. Counselors are committed to walk with individuals on their journeys to growth and healing without judgement.

Edward and Bess (1998), stated that in order to be a successful counselor, the counselor must be aware of who they are in the room with the client (Edwards & Bess, 1998). There are many ways to develop a therapeutic self however; this does vary from counselor to counselor. Some of the most important qualities that lead to a therapeutic self are as follows; empathy to show true understanding, genuineness to understand ones true self, commitment to show dedication, and purpose for understanding why one choose the career path of a counselor (Edwards &Bess, 1998). The counselor must understand where he or she stands in regards to these qualities. Coady and Wolgien (1996) stated that the most important thing brought into the therapy session is the counselor’s true

First, counselors need to be experienced about mental health and addiction; that is, be knowledgeable about mental health diagnosis and symptoms, as well, the various substances that are commonly used and know possible ways drugs can interact with symptoms of mental health. Counselors should be aware of other risks self-harm and suicide, as well a firm understanding of crisis intervention.

As human being we receive and perceive information in a wide variety of different ways. The understanding of communication to one person might be the total opposite to another person. Counselors within the human service field have to obtain the abilities and skills to interact and communicate with clients in a counseling setting. In doing so a counselor has to possession ability to use verbal and non-verbal communication skills, ask open and close ended question during the sessions, use reflective techniques, and identify explorations,

It is my belief, a school counselor must have the personality characteristics of an effective counselor and have a personal approach to treatment. Personal characteristics of an effective counselor are as follows: making life oriented choices, being authentic, sincere, and honest with students at all times. Other characteristics consist of appreciating the influence of different cultures and being passionate with students as they are counseled. Having the respect for others, regardless of culture, race, and ethnicity are also characteristics of being a great counselor. Being authentic, honest, and sincere helps build a great rapport with students, parents, and co-workers. Students need someone to be passionate and show genuine concern when helping them through their educational journey. Each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. It should be a counselor’s desire along with teaching staff to help students meet their needs to their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites shared ideas.

A counselor would need trustworthiness, respect, self-discipline, and diligence (21-1014.00). Anyone planning to become a counselor must master these skills because you are helping the client with some of their darkest secrets or fears. The client has to trust you so they can open up to you can tell you what is bothering them so much. That is where the trustworthiness, respect, and self-discipline come into the job. Every counselor would need diligence so they can be careful with the client’s feelings and emotional health and diagnose them correctly with the right mental illness. All of the skills listed above is necessary for a job as a mental health

They have to be worthy to talk to people and have listening skills. Listening skills are positive skills to have while taking on this job. They have to have an outgoing personality to be a counselor because they are around different types of people all day and have to get along with them and become closer to their patients every time. (“Working Conditions”, 1). Employees are paid hourly about a median amount.

It is quite remarkable to see the skills I have learnt put into action with individuals I encounter in my every day dealings. By implementing the basic counselling skills learnt, it has aided me in being a better person and also laid the foundations for my future career. Many skills were used in a variety of situations in the past quarter of a year, however, only a brief description of a few will be discussed below. It is simpler to learn a core skill from a textbook however it is more complex to apply that skill in practise; every individual is different and so are each of their issues. It is important as a student to familiarise ourselves with the key skills needed to become a successful skilled helper. In the beginning we are taught

This paper will reflect the practice session taping number six that I did for this class. In this reflection, I will estimate my strengths and weaknesses from the taping for improving on my counseling skills. I will also evaluate the techniques and skills that I have learned and we have discussed so far in the course. This paper will be a guide to my process and assess the skills that I need to work on for the near future. In closing for the paper, I will discuss the various ways that I can advance myself in the practice session taping so that I can strengthen my skills as an effective counselor overall.