The Qualities of a Good Counsellor

A skilled and competent counsellor will:

· Believe in you, and believe what you say.

· Explain what’s involved in counselling, and discuss the change process with you.

· Convey respect for your beliefs, opinions, feelings and values.

· Acknowledge and discuss any gender, cultural or religious differences.

· Encourage you to do things that will assist with your growth and personal development.

· Encourage you to take steps that will facilitate your healing journey.

· Encourage you to develop supportive relationships outside the counselling relationships.

· Help you to broaden your repertoire of skills so you are able to move towards the goals you’ve set yourself.

· Invite your feedback regarding concerns you have about the way the sessions are going, or concerns about the counselling relationship.

· Never coerce or pressurise you into doing something you don’t want to do.

· Help you to decide when the work had been done and it’s time to move from counselling.

 

Note In addition to this, the counsellor should display the following essential qualities: a sense of personal integrity, empathy, genuineness, warmth, acceptance, a non-judgmental stance and responsiveness. They should adhere to a professional code of morals and ethics, and they should be willing to explain the code to you.