Characteristics Of Professional Counseling

1.In your view, what is counseling and what purposes does it serve?

Professional counseling has emerged as the descriptor for the treatment of interpersonal and intrapersonal issues within the U.S. culture (Hackney & Cormier, 2013). Counseling takes the form of individual and group counseling which tends to include both internal and relational concerns. The American Counseling Association or ACA defines professional counseling as the application of mental health psychological and systematic intervention strategies that address wellness, personal growth, and career development, as well as pathology (American Counseling Association, 2005). Counseling serves the purpose of assisting clients obtain a greater understanding, appreciation and wisdom about life’s many potentialities. Counseling also assists with client change when life situations have become disruptive resulting in unhappiness, stress, dissatisfaction and anxiety. Counseling can be though out as a preventative measure to assist clients with avoiding predictable life events that produce stress.

In our class discussion regarding this topic we identified that counseling assists clients with coping mechanisms that result in greater happiness throughout the lifespan. Another alternative view would be that counseling might assist with rectifying pathology when counseling is viewed from a clinical standpoint. According to our text, clinical counseling has traditionally referred to care provided at the bedside of an ill patient and is used to provide psychotherapy and diagnosis of mental illness.

2. What are the characteristics of an effective counselor?

Characteristics of counselors are an integral factor regarding the counseling process. A counselor’s self-awareness and un...

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...ory within counseling. (1) It helps counselors find unity and relatedness within the diversity of existence. (2) It compels counselors to examine relationships they would have otherwise ovelerlooked. (3) It gives counselors operational guidelines by which to work and helps them evaluate their development as professionals. (4) It helps counselors focus on relevant information and tells them what to look for. (5) It helps counselors assist clients in the effective modification of their behavior, cognitions, emotional functioning and interpersonal relationships. (6) Lastly, it helps counselors evaluate both old and new approaches to the process of counseling.

In our class discussion regarding this question we identified that theories within counseling serve as a road map, epicenter or center piece of therapy and distinguishes the way counselors work and don’t work.