Characteristics of counsellor

-Rapport Building – Positive relationship between people.

-Giving Support

-Intervention

 Counselling is determined by rapport between counsellor and the client.

 Rapport must be established from the beginning and must be maintained throughout the
counselling relationship.
 Support refers to those aspects of counselling that makes the counselee to feel that the
counsellor is in their corner, understanding and not condemning them.
 Intervention refers to the strategies that may be used to resolve the counselee’s problem.
Intervention may include information giving, planning a strategy to deal with a situation,
teaching a skill, referral, etc.
 Actively listening and just being an ear to listen to them, may build rapport.

Characteristics of effective counsellors

1) Warmth – being approachable, showing concern in nonverbal ways such as smiling and
handshakes, friendliness, genuine interest in people, use their name when possible, pausing
for small talk, etc.
2) A good listener – avoiding interrupting and making sure you understand what the client is
saying and feeling.
3) Empathy – the ability to feel with another, perceiving from the perspective of another.
Counsellors often demonstrate empathy by using a “You feel…” statement.
4) Acceptance – Being non-judgmental. This is the ability to respect another person without
necessarily condoning the wrong they may have done, unconditional positive regard, the
ability to suspend judgement.
5) Confidentiality – being trustworthy. Can the client trust you with confidential personal
information.
6) Compassionate and patient - Remember those who come could be in distress
7) Self- awareness – be in touch with your own feelings and be able to manage them. Be aware
of your anger issues and be in control or choose to defer a session. Be aware of your fears.
8) Genuineness or congruence – being real and sincere, there is no need to wear a mask
(façade).
9) Good Judgement – whether a client needs support or intervention or both. Must to be non-
directive, point a person to a possible solution