Characteristic of counselling

1)      Counselling is a dynamic relationship between the counsellor and the client.

2)      It is a process of change, development and learning.

3)      It’s a formal, private and personal process.

4)      Counselling is direct and face to face relationship.

5)      Counsellig is continues process.

6)      Counselling helps the individual to become self-sufficient, self direct and self-dependent.

7)      Counselling makes an effort to solve the day to day problems.

Confidentiality

Your counsellor treats all the information you share as confidential material. The counsellors are involved in case consultations and supervision for the purposes of best practice. These meetings involve discussion of clients concerns with the aim of formulating the best possible assessment and intervention plan. Where possible, the identifying personal information is removed from the discussion.

Restrictions on the release of information

Information that you share with your counsellor will not be released to anyone outside Student Services without your prior written permission, except under certain unusual and rare circumstances as indicated by relevant State and Commonwealth legislation to which the University complies. These restrictions are detailed in the Student Services Confidentiality and Privacy Policy. Please feel free to discuss with your counsellor any concerns you have regarding confidentiality.

Characteristic of counselling

Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers individuals to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Here are some key characteristics of counseling:

Empathy and Understanding

A good counselor demonstrates empathy, which means they understand and share the feelings of their clients. They create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and understood.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counseling. Clients need to trust that their personal information and discussions remain private, which fosters an open and honest dialogue.

Professionalism

Counselors maintain a high level of professionalism, adhering to ethical guidelines and standards set by professional organizations. They continually seek to improve their skills through education and training.

Active Listening

Effective counselors practice active listening. They attentively listen to their clients, providing feedback, summarizing what they've heard, and asking clarifying questions to ensure they fully understand the client's issues.

Goal-Oriented

Counseling often involves setting specific, measurable goals that the client aims to achieve. The counselor helps clients identify these goals and develop a plan to reach them.

Therapeutic Alliance

A strong therapeutic alliance, or the collaborative relationship between counselor and client, is essential. This alliance is built on trust, respect, and a mutual commitment to the counseling process.

Cultural Competence

Counselors must be culturally competent, understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their clients. This includes being aware of cultural differences in communication, values, and beliefs.

Flexibility

Effective counselors are flexible and adaptable. They tailor their approaches and techniques to meet the unique needs of each client, recognizing that no single method works for everyone.

Communication Skills

Counselors possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal. They effectively convey empathy, understanding, and support through their words, tone, and body language.

Patience and Persistence

Counseling can be a slow and challenging process. Good counselors exhibit patience and persistence, supporting their clients through setbacks and encouraging them to stay committed to their goals.

Self-Awareness

Counselors must be self-aware, recognizing their own biases, limitations, and emotional triggers. This self-awareness helps them remain objective and effective in their practice.

These characteristics are vital for creating a supportive and effective counseling environment, ultimately helping clients achieve their personal and psychological goals.