Characteristics and behaviors of an effective counselor

Characteristics and Behaviors of Effective Counseling

The purpose of this paper is to analyze counselor behaviors and characteristics utilizing a

case study from the COUN 6100 learning resources (n.d.). The first section will include aspects of the counselor’s responses I find to be effective. The next will examine areas where I see the counselor’s interactions as ineffective. The final section will feature an overview of how the factors in the preceding sections might impact the case study session.

Effective Characteristics and Behaviors

Levitt (2001) stresses active listening as a key element of successful counseling interactions. This listening style includes a number of verbal and nonverbal skills that give the client a sense of being heard and understood (Cooper, 2010). I was only able to analyze the verbal aspects of the counselor’s interactions due to the nature of the case study.

The counselor in this scenario does a good job of asking several open questions and paraphrasing the client’s thoughts. An example of an open question is when he says, “Tell me about what anger issues look like for you.” This gave more control to the client and elicited specific information to deepen the conversation (Cooper, 2010).

There is a time in the scenario when the counselor suggests that the client’s wife come to the session, despite the client’s earlier comments about his wish to focus on himself. The counselor realizes his mistake and apologizes to the client immediately. He then reflects on how that exchange might have felt, which is validated by the client. This could be effective in strengthening their relationship.

The summary is another important way for the counselor to help the client organize key thoughts, feelings and...

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...tentiveness, I think that the therapeutic relationship started in this scenario can be productive.

References

Cooper, J.B. (2010). Counseling microskills. In B.T. Erford (Ed.), Orientations to the Counseling Profession: Advocacy, ethics, and essential professional foundations (pp.148-162). New Jersey: Pearson.

Levitt, D. (2001). Active Listening and Counselor Self-Efficacy: Emphasis on One Microskill in Beginning Counselor Training. Clinical Supervisor, 20(2), 101.

Tape Transcript. (n.d.). [Learning resource]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/76294/CRS-WUPSYC6205-6211712/6100_Wk_5_Tape_Transcript_1.26.10.doc

Sheperis, D.S. and Ellis, C.M., (2010). The counseling process. In B.T. Erford (Ed.), Orientations to the Counseling Profession: Advocacy, ethics, and essential professional foundations (pp.124-147). New Jersey: Pearson.