Page 274 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and counseling

Notes A counselor must not judge in any way. This may be difficult in some situations, but is the basis of
a counseling relationship built on trust.
Accepting a client shows the individual that you are there to support them through the counseling
process, regardless of their weaknesses, negativity or unfavourable qualities.

Important values
At all times counselors must show a commitment to values such as the following :
• Human dignity
• Alleviating personal distress
• Appreciating the differences in culture
• Remaining non-judgmental
• Ensuring the integrity of the client/counselor relationship
• Maintaining client confidentiality and ethical principles.

Personal skills
Each counselor will bring their own unique abilities, qualities and skills into a counseling relationship
to help ensure that their client feels safe and supported. These may include :
• Active listening skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• The ability to question, reflect and challenge attitudes and beliefs
• A genuine interest in providing support.
Other important skills include good planning and motivational skills, problem solving, organisational
ability and re-orientation skills.
Personal knowledge
In addition to counseling qualifications, a counselor should be armed with sufficient personal
knowledge and understanding of what counseling is all about.
He/she must also be clear about the role of the counselor and the problems, issues and expectations
every client will present.
counselors must be self-aware, and must be in control of their feelings, thoughts and emotions
whilst working with clients.
Personal development

Through his/her own development a counselor will also pick up additional understanding and
knowledge, which can be used effectively to support a client during the counseling process.
Counseling skills are constantly improved if the counselor has an interest in self-awareness and
self-development. This continual process can include a growth in the following :
• Self-awareness
• Self-counseling
• Work /life balance
• Career and personal focus
• Goal setting.

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