Major characteristics of a “therapeutic person” according to scientific research

Certain characteristics are typically shared by effective counselors. A study by Jennings and Skovholt suggests nine qualities of outstanding therapists:

•(1). They are eager learners.

•(2). draw heavily on experience.

•(3). They handle ambiguity and complexity well.

•(4). They can recognize and accept emotions.

•(5). They are emotionally healthy.

•(6). They are self-aware.

•(7). They have strong interpersonal skills.

•(8). They believe in the counseling relationship.

•(9). They can use their interpersonal skills to develop this counseling relationship.

According to study (Norcoss,2011, Scovholt & Jenning, 2004, Corey, 2013) there are some personal characteristics which are very important for making a significant difference in the lives of others. We cannot expect any therapist to fully exemplify all the traits described in the list that follows. Rather, the willingness to struggle to become a more therapeutic person is the crucial variable.

1. Effective therapists have an identity. They know who they are, what they are capable of becoming, what they want out of life, and what is essential.

2. Effective therapists respect and appreciate themselves. They can give and receive help and love out of their own sense of self-worth and strength. They feel adequate with others and allow others to feel powerful with them.

3. Effective therapists are open to change. They exhibit a willingness and courage to leave the security of the known if they are not satisfied with the way they are. They make decisions about how they would like to change, and they work toward becoming the person they want to become.

4. Effective therapists make choices that are life oriented. They are aware of early decisions they made about themselves, others, and the world. They are not the victims of these early decisions, and they are willing to revise them if necessary. They are committed to living fully rather than settling for mere existence.

 5. Effective therapists are authentic, sincere, and honest. They do not hide behind rigid roles or facades. Who they are in their personal life and in their professional work is congruent.

6. Effective therapists have a sense of humor. They are able to put the events of life in perspective. They have not forgotten how to laugh, especially at their own foibles and contradictions.

7. Effective therapists make mistakes and are willing to admit them. They do not dismiss their errors lightly, yet they do not choose to dwell on them, either.

8. Effective therapists generally live in the present. They are not riveted to the past, nor are they fixated on the future. They are able to experience and be present with others in the “now.”

9. Effective therapists appreciate the influence of culture. They are aware of the ways in which their own culture affects them, and they respect the diversity of values espoused by other cultures. They are sensitive to the unique differences arising out of social class, race, sexual orientation, and gender.

10. Effective therapists have a sincere interest in the welfare of others. This concern is based on respect, care, trust, and a real valuing of others.

 11. Effective therapists possess effective interpersonal skills. They are capable of entering the world of others without getting lost in this world, and they strive to create collaborative relationships with others. They readily entertain another person’s perspective and can work together toward consensual goals.

12. Effective therapists become deeply involved in their work and derive meaning from it. They can accept the rewards flowing from their work, yet they are not slaves to their work.

13. Effective therapists are passionate. They have the courage to pursue their dreams and passions, and they radiate a sense of energy.

14. Effective therapists are able to maintain healthy boundaries. Although they strive to be fully present for their clients, they don’t carry the problems of their clients around with them during leisure hours. They know how to say no, which enables them to maintain balance in their lives.

3. Positive and negative motivators for becoming a counselor.

Позитивные и негативные мотиваторы при выборе профессиональной карьеры консультанта

Вопрос № 4