Defined as a field of study involved in the provision of guidance in the decision-
making process of the client. This discipline helps clients but does not sort their problems for them to avoid dependence. Counselors are professionally trained and certified to perform counseling. Clients on the other hand, are individuals or a group of people that is in a demoralized, distressed, or negative state of mind. Counseling is not giving advice, sorting client’s problems, or judgmental. CHARACTERISTICS OF COUNSELING A. It is a conversation with someone regarding a problem. B. Counselor may draw out facts from client. C. Helps client in making selections and following them. D. Assistance to those with behavioral problems related to emotions. E. Interactions where counselor is responsible for the positive development of other people’s well-being. F. A learning-oriented process. G. Face-to-face relationship between a counselor and a client. H. The client may behave as s/he wishes (democratic system). I. It is a professional service. J. Problem-oriented. K. Based on the appropriateness of the counselor’s predictions. L. Yields best result/s when the counselee makes a firm and wise decision. M. Only possible in humorous and cooperative environments. N. Completely based on self-guidance. CORE VALUES Professional counselors appreciate: The potential of every human being to change and to continue learning throughout the lifespan, in formal and informal settings, especially in the environment of counseling and psychological services; Strong relationships as the primary vehicle in helping others to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, that includes but is not limited to collaboration with various institutions;