What are the characteristics of a counselor?

Here we present a very useful article on the Characteristics Of A Counselor which is very important for B.Ed and all the teaching exams. In this article, you will be able to read the Characteristics Of A Counselor notes and can also download the PDF from the link given below.

INTRODUCTION

Counseling is a professional process that aims at solving the problems of individuals. It is an integral and central aspect of guidance.

Counseling involves the relationship between two individuals i.e. one that is professionally trained (counselor) and one who attains help from a counselor (counselee) in order to attain happiness in life and achieve his/her goals. In education, counseling is a collaborative process.

Counseling plays a key role in this scientific process. He/she be the one who tries to help the client/counselee in such a way that the client becomes stable in his life. Through the counselor’s help, the counselee learns the quality of adjustment in life.

Characteristics of a counselor

A counselor acts as a guide, facilitator to the client. There should be a sense of responsibility or mutual understanding in the counselor so as to make this process of counseling effective. The following are the characteristics/qualities of a counselor that he/she must possess-

1. Genuineness

A counselor needs to be genuine and real with his/her clients. He/she should suggest all the possible ways and ideas to the client to get out of the problem.

2. Empathy

A counselor should keep himself/herself in the shoes of the counselee and should identify the counselee well rather than being sympathetic to him.

3. Maintaining confidentiality

A counselor should keep secrets of counselee to himself only to avoid any embarrassment to him. This would low down the counselee’s confidence and he/she would be hesitant to express his feelings and fears to the counselor.

4. Knowledge of latest courses and subjects

the counselor should have all the knowledge about the latest researches and subjects to allow the client to choose best for him.

5. Respect

Respector one’s fear and ability to identify clients’ hidden talents and helping them adjust with situations and arouse their coping skills.

6. Constant Positive

Constant positive regards to be given to counselor to boost confidence of the counselees.

7. Problem Solving

A counselor should identify problems faced by counselee.

8. Patience

A counselor has to be very patient. The patient/client needs to be satisfied with the patient so that he can have trust in the counselor. Thus the counselor needs to have ample time for his client.

9. Good Listener

Problems can only be solved if they are understood well. Hence a counselor needs to be a good listener. He should never interrupt what the client has to say. The counselor should give his inputs only when the client has finished talking.

10. Knowledgeable

The counselor should have good knowledge of solving the problems. He should know what to prescribe to the patients. He should deal with every patient/client differently.

11. Confidentiality

Confidentiality is very important in all matters. It takes so much of the courage to openly say what the problem a person is having. However, a counselor should ensure that he maintains confidentiality on what the client tells him. The client would be greatly offended if the counselor discloses any of the information about him or her to other people. This means that the counselor must keep everything confidential.

12. Observant

a good counselor needs to be very observant and able to interpret body gestures or non-verbal communications. If the client seems angry, he should find out the cause of his/her anger before suggesting something.

13. Warm

Counselors should provide non-possessive warmth in a counseling environment. He/she should Smile and show concern and acceptance to the client.

14. Personal integrity

Counselor must maintain a high degree of credibility, personal integrity, and mutual trust.

15. Be respectful and non-judgmental

A counselor must respect each client’s beliefs and struggles, and never assert his/her personal values or beliefs.

16. Maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the counselee

Give the patient/client the opportunity to make his/her own decision from your message.

17. Have a flexible attitude

A counselor should be accommodating. Some of his clients will be late or may cancel, along with clients that are seeking a session urgently. A good counselor should possess a flexible attitude to ensure his clients feel safe and understood.

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