How to Make a Significant Difference in the Lives of Clients

LA 245 – Intro. to Counseling Theory
Student Reflection Paper #1 – DUE: June 6, 2022
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Reflection Paper #1 – Criteria
Counseling demands a practitioner be willing to be authentic in the therapeutic relationship. Our own
genuineness can have a significant effect on our relationship with our clients, and particular personal
qualities and characteristics of counselors are significant in creating a therapeutic alliance. An effective way
to begin your study of contemporary counseling theories is by reflecting on your personal values. By
remaining open to self-evaluation, you not only expand your awareness of self but also build the
foundation for developing your abilities and skills as a professional.
Review Ch 2 – The Counselor as a Person and Professional. Read the following personal qualities and
characteristics of counselors below and use each statement to explain how you would create a working
relationship with clients. Your response must be two full pages typed, using double-spaced, and uploaded
as a Word Document. Develop well-organized paragraphs for each statement in an essay format (DO NOT
LIST NUMERICALLY) and include specific examples from the e-book as an additional resource. Your
submission must be in an APA format.
Qualities and Characteristics of Effective Counselors – (Write your own reflection on how you intend to be an effective counselor for each of the following statements):
Effective counselors respect and appreciate themselves. They can give and receive help and love out of their own sense of self-worth and strength.
Effective counselors are open to change. They make decisions about how they would like to change, and they work toward becoming the person they want to become.
Effective counselors are authentic, sincere, and honest. They do not hide behind rigid roles or facades.

Effective counselors have a sense of humor. They can put the events of life in perspective. They have not forgotten how to laugh, especially at their own contradictions.
Effective counselors make mistakes and are willing to admit them. They do not dismiss their errors lightly, yet they do not choose to dwell on misery.
Effective counselors 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.