iove couse

Personal and Professional Qualities for an Effective Counselor

By

{Author}

{Institution}

Abstract

This research paper discusses the qualities that are necessary for an effective counseling and as such any counselor considered effective must posses them. The paper has a separate discussion of both personal and professional qualities required for any good counselor. The personal qualities form a larger part of the discussion because the professional qualities depend wholly on the individual characteristics since professional qualities alone can’t qualify a counselor but effective personal qualities alone can make a good counselor. The main objectives of …show more content…

Other notable personal qualities of an effective counselor may include toleration of ambiguities from the client, considering things from other peoples perspectives especially the client, being active in all processes involved in a counseling program as well as being present oriented and not dwelling so much on the past to solve current problems.

Education in psychology or related field is considered an important professional quality that counselor must posses. However, a degree or certificate in this field doesn’t make an individual an effective counselor but the integration of this knowledge into real life experiences that are causes of many social problems that require attention of a counselor. Good educated counselors will always strive to learn more about themselves and others. Experience is another professional quality of an effective counselor which can be two fold. First the experience attained from the guidance and counseling career is very important in making an effective counselor. On the other hand, life experiences present an individual with chances to grow to a more complete person which is also a necessary quality for effective counseling. Practice is part of experience and is a more practical quality that effective counselor must possess. Adequate training in the field of counseling through organized forums, conferences and workshops are necessary to perform an effective