Chapter 2 | The Professional Counselor

Introduction

• One of the most important instruments a counselor has is themselves.

• Preparing for counseling involves:

  • Acquiring knowledge of personality theories and psychotherapy.

  • Learning assessment and intervention techniques.

  • Understanding human behavior dynamics.

• While knowledge and skills are essential, they are not enough for effective therapy.

• Counselors bring their human qualities and personal experiences to sessions.

• The human dimension is a powerful influence on the therapeutic process.

• Research supports the idea that psychotherapy is fundamentally a human encounter (Norcross & Lambert, 2019c).

• Personal Reflection and Self-Evaluation

  • Studying contemporary counseling theories begins with self-reflection.

  • Self-evaluation expands self-awareness and strengthens professional development.

  • The personal and professional aspects of a counselor are inseparable.

  • Research suggests that the therapist’s personal qualities and therapeutic relationship impact therapy outcomes as much as the treatment method (Duncan et al., 2010; Elkins, 2016; Norcross & Lambert, 2019a, 2019c; Norcross & Wampold, 2019).

The Counselor as Therapist

• Counseling is an intimate form of learning that requires authenticity from the practitioner.

• The client’s growth occurs within the person-to-person connection.

• Hiding behind a professional role may lead clients to withhold themselves.

• Technical expertise alone is insufficient without genuine personal engagement.

• A counselor’s genuineness significantly impacts the therapeutic relationship.

• Self-reflection and personal change allow counselors to model authenticity.

• Appropriate self-disclosure encourages clients to be honest in return.

• The Importance of the Counselor in Therapy Outcomes

  • The counselor’s personality is a key factor in establishing effective therapy relationships.

  • Research indicates that the therapist’s personal qualities influence therapy outcomes (Elkins, 2016).

  • Clients value the therapist’s character and personality over specific techniques (Norcross & Lambert, 2019a; Norcross & Wampold, 2019).

  • Evidence-based psychotherapy relationships are crucial to therapy success.

• The Role of Techniques vs. Relationship Factors

  • Techniques have limited impact on therapy effectiveness.

  • Wampold (2001) found that personal and interpersonal factors are more influential than specific techniques.

  • Contextual factors—such as therapist-client alliance, interpersonal skills, client agency, and external influences—determine therapy success.

  • Humanistic psychologists emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship over techniques (Elkins, 2009).

  • The therapy relationship contributes to client improvement as much as, if not more than, treatment methods (Norcross & Lambert, 2019c).

  • Effective therapists:

    • Use specific methods tailored to the client.

    • Build strong relationships.

    • Adapt treatment methods and relational approaches to the individual (Norcross & Lambert, 2019a).

  • Ethical therapy prioritizes the client’s culture, values, and preferences (Norcross & Cooper, 2021).

Personal Characteristics of Effective Counselors

• Certain qualities are essential for building a strong therapeutic alliance.

• No therapist embodies all traits perfectly—what matters is the willingness to grow.

• Key Traits of Effective Therapists

  • Have an identity – Know who they are, their potential, and what is essential.

  • Respect and appreciate themselves – Feel secure and empower others.

  • Are open to change – Willing to grow and step out of their comfort zones.

  • Make life-oriented choices – Acknowledge past influences but actively shape their future.

  • Are authentic and honest – Align their personal and professional selves.

  • Have a sense of humor – Maintain perspective and laugh at themselves.

  • Admit mistakes – Acknowledge errors without dwelling on them.

  • Live in the present – Engage with clients in the “now.”

  • Appreciate cultural influences – Respect diverse perspectives and identities.

  • Genuinely care for others – Show trust, respect, and value for clients.

  • Possess strong interpersonal skills – Build collaborative and empathetic relationships.

  • Are passionate about their work – Find meaning and fulfillment in their role.

  • Maintain healthy boundaries – Stay present for clients without carrying their burdens.

  • Developing as a Therapeutic Person

  • These traits exist on a continuum—self-examination and growth are key.

Care for the Counselor

• Counselors benefit from personal therapy, supported by research (Norcross, 2005; Orlinsky et al., 2005).

• Self-exploration before or during training enhances counseling skills.

• Benefits of Personal Therapy for Counselors

  • Increases self-awareness, self-care, and self-acceptance (Ronnestad et al., 2016).

  • Enhances interpersonal skills and provides a model for practice.

  • Helps manage stress and countertransference in clinical work.

  • Teaches warmth, empathy, and patience, improving therapeutic relationships.

  • Encourages understanding of personal blocks (e.g., anger, conflict, or depression).

• Personal Experience & Growth

  • Early counseling experiences can reveal unresolved personal struggles.

  • Personal therapy helps counselors separate their own needs from clients’ needs.

  • Engaging in therapy builds resilience and patience when guiding clients through struggles.

• Professional Development & Self-Care

  • Personal therapy fosters humility—reducing arrogance and the illusion of being "fully healed."

  • Graduate clinicians with therapy experience feel more confident and aligned with client goals (Gold & Hilsenroth, 2009).

  • Wise & Barnett (2016) recommend periodic therapy as an ongoing self-care strategy.

  • Counselors must commit to their own healing to effectively guide clients.

Core Principles of the Therapeutic Process and Values

1. The Role of Values in Counseling

• Influence of Values in Counseling

  • Personal values shape assessments, goals, interventions, and client interactions.

  • Counselors should help clients explore their own values rather than impose their own.

• Respecting Client Autonomy

  • Clients have the right to their own values, even if they differ from the counselor’s.

  • The goal is to create a safe, accepting space for clients to examine their beliefs.

  • Counselors guide clients in aligning values with behavior without imposing their own views.

• Bracketing Personal Values

  • Bracketing: Setting aside personal beliefs to avoid bias in counseling (Kocet & Herlihy, 2014).

  • Clients should not face discrimination or judgment based on counselor values.

  • The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) prohibits imposing personal beliefs on clients.

• Managing Value Conflicts

  • Counselors must recognize and avoid direct or indirect value imposition.

  • Value exploration through personal therapy can help counselors navigate conflicts.

  • Seek supervision or consultation if struggling with value differences.

  • Referrals should only occur when the counselor lacks competence, not due to value disagreements.

• Client-Centered Approach

  • Counseling focuses on the client’s values and needs, not the counselor’s.

  • Help clients clarify their beliefs and apply them to problem-solving (Herlihy & Corey, 2015).

Can Counselors Who Self-Identify as Religious Provide Value-Free Counseling to LGBTQ1 Clients?

• Human Diversity and Challenges in Counseling

  • Diversity includes oppression, discrimination, and prejudice based on age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

  • LGBTQ+ clients often face unique challenges, particularly when working with counselors who hold traditional values.

• Self-Reflection and Ethical Considerations

  • Counselors must challenge their own biases, fears, and assumptions about sexual orientation.

  • Some religiously conservative counselors view same-sex relationships as immoral, which can harm LGBTQ+ clients.

  • LGBTQ+ clients have the right to judgment-free counseling to discuss personal concerns.

• Study on Religious Counselors and Value Conflicts (Bayne et al., 2021)

  • Interviewed 12 religious counselors about their ability to provide ethical counseling to LGBTQ+ clients.

  • Counselors had varying comfort levels in addressing sexual orientation in counseling.

  • Key findings:

    • 7 participants believed in God’s love and acceptance, helping them navigate conflicts.

    • 9 participants emphasized client autonomy and prioritizing client needs over personal beliefs.

    • Most relied on professional ethics to guide their practice.

• Bracketing and Professional Ethics

  • Counselors should bracket personal beliefs to maintain ethical and competent practice.

  • The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) emphasizes maintaining professionalism while respecting client diversity.

  • Value conflicts should be seen as a developmental process that requires continuous learning.

• Training and Ethical Responsibility

  • Graduate programs should create a safe space for discussing personal values and ethics.

  • Counselors must actively avoid imposing personal values on clients.

  • The focus should be on supporting client decision-making, not directing outcomes based on the counselor’s beliefs.

Addressing Religious and Spiritual Values in Counseling

• The APA (2017) recognizes religion as a key part of diversity (Principle E).

• Addressing a client’s religious and spiritual values can positively influence therapy outcomes.

• Asking about religion/spirituality early in therapy signals openness to discussing these topics.

• Religious and spiritual values can foster social belonging, connection, and support.

• These values can inform case conceptualization, treatment goals, and interventions (Captari et al., 2018; Hook et al., 2019).

• Research on Religious and Spiritual Accommodation in Therapy

  • Meta-analyses (Captari et al., 2018; Hook et al., 2019) show that incorporating religious/spiritual values improves treatment outcomes.

  • Therapists must avoid assumptions based on religious identification since client needs vary.

  • Suggested client questions:

    • What do these values mean to you?

    • How do they influence your daily life?

    • Are they a source of strength or conflict?

    • Have you faced oppression or abuse due to your religious/spiritual beliefs?

• Clinical Practice Recommendations

  • Consider religion and spirituality as a key part of a client’s identity.

  • Explore religious/spiritual history, values, and commitment during intake and informed consent.

  • Follow the client’s lead in incorporating religious/spiritual beliefs in therapy.

  • If the client seeks spiritual development alongside symptom relief, integrate religious/spiritual values into treatment.

  • Customize treatment based on the client’s religious/spiritual influence in daily life.

  • Respect cultural humility when discussing religious worldviews and practices.

• Ethical Boundaries

  • Therapists must not impose their religious/spiritual views on clients.

  • For many, religion/spirituality is a core aspect of identity and worldview.

  • These beliefs may serve as sources of strength or conflict in therapy (Barnett & Johnson, 2011).

  • If a client does not view religion/spirituality as relevant, therapists should not introduce it into sessions.

The Role of Values in Developing Therapeutic Goals

• Client Responsibility in Setting Goals

  • Most counseling theories agree that clients should primarily set their goals.

  • Therapists collaborate with clients to refine and support goal development.

  • Counselors’ general goals should align with the personal goals of the client.

• Values and Goal-Setting

  • Therapy goals are closely tied to personal values.

  • Clients and counselors should explore:

    • What the client hopes to achieve in therapy.

    • Whether their goals align.

    • Whether they can work together effectively.

  • Counselors must respect and work within the client’s worldview rather than imposing their own values.

• Client Expectations in Therapy

  • Many clients start therapy with unclear goals.

  • Common reasons clients seek therapy:

    • Looking for solutions to problems.

    • Wanting to stop emotional pain.

    • Hoping to change others to reduce personal anxiety.

    • Seeking acceptance from important people in their lives.

    • Being mandated to attend therapy (by parents, courts, etc.).

• The Role of the Initial Interview

  • Helps clarify the client’s goals or lack thereof.

  • Key questions a therapist may ask:

    • What do you expect from counseling?

    • Why are you here?

    • What do you want to change?

    • How is your current approach working for you?

• Client Participation in Therapy

  • Clients should actively participate in shaping their therapy journey.

  • Counselors should avoid pre-planning without client input.

  • The focus must stay on the client’s needs and expectations, not the therapist’s agenda.

The Therapist and Multiculturalism

• Multicultural Competence in Therapy

  • Therapists must actively engage with and effectively work with diverse client populations.

  • Diversity competence is an ongoing process requiring:

    • Formal training

    • Self-reflection

    • Awareness of cross-cultural dynamics

• Developing Multicultural Counseling Skills

  • Counselors should use techniques that align with clients' cultural values and life experiences.

  • Effective counselors continuously refine their attitudes and beliefs to better serve diverse populations.

  • Cultural competence is never fully achieved—it is a continuous journey (Corey et al., 2024).

• Key Aspects of Multicultural Competence (Sue et al., 2022)

  • Cultural Awareness – Recognizing personal biases and assumptions.

  • Cultural Knowledge – Understanding different cultural backgrounds.

  • Cultural Skills – Adapting interventions to meet clients’ cultural needs.

• Impact of Culturally Responsive Treatment

  • Tailoring therapy to match clients' cultural backgrounds improves:

    • Engagement in treatment

    • Retention in therapy

    • Positive therapeutic outcomes

  • Therapists should seek client feedback on cultural adaptations to ensure effectiveness.

• Ethical and Professional Considerations

  • Counselors have an ethical duty to understand cultural differences.

  • They must help clients make decisions that align with their worldview, not impose the therapist’s values.

  • Ignoring cultural influences limits effective interventions (Pope et al., 2021).

• Training and Educational Standards (CACREP, 2016)

  • Counseling programs must include:

    • Multicultural and pluralistic trends

    • Education on diverse national and international groups

    • Supervised practicum experiences with clients from different backgrounds

  • Areas of study should cover:

    • Ethnic groups and subcultures

    • Gender roles and sexism

    • Urban vs. rural societies

    • Cultural mores and spiritual practices

Acquiring Competencies in Multicultural Counseling

• Understanding Cultural Conditioning

  • Diversity-competent counselors recognize their own cultural background, values, and biases.

  • Awareness of how sociopolitical systems impact themselves and their clients is essential.

  • Self-examination of attitudes, expectations, and biases is necessary to avoid interfering with client care.

  • Recognizing personal biases takes courage, as unconscious biases can be obstacles to effective therapy.

• Challenging Personal Assumptions

  • Counselors must question whether their values and assumptions about therapy apply to culturally diverse clients.

  • Cultural competence is not about imposing one’s beliefs, but about adapting to the client's worldview.

Framework for Multicultural Counseling Competencies (Sue et al., 1992; Arredondo et al., 1996)

1. Beliefs and Attitudes

   • Move from cultural unawareness to cultural sensitivity.

   • Ensure personal biases and values do not interfere with counseling.

   • Respect clients’ religious, spiritual, and cultural beliefs.

   • Recognize that traditional theories and techniques may not be effective for all clients.

   • Monitor their own biases through consultation, supervision, and training.

2. Knowledge

   • Understand their own cultural background and how it affects their counseling.

   • Recognize racism, discrimination, oppression, and stereotyping.

   • Learn about clients’ cultural backgrounds, traditions, and values.

   • Avoid imposing personal values and stereotyping.

   • Be aware of institutional barriers preventing minorities from accessing mental health services.

   • Utilize community resources and indigenous support systems.

   • Seek additional education and training where knowledge is lacking.

3. Skills and Intervention Strategies

   • Educate clients about the therapeutic process, including:

     • Setting goals

     • Expectations

     • Legal rights

     • Counseling approach

   • Adapt counseling methods and strategies to align with clients' life experiences and cultural values.

   • Avoid forcing clients into one counseling model; recognize that techniques may be culture-bound.

   • Develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

   • Engage with clients in their communities when culturally appropriate.

   • Seek ongoing education, consultation, and training in multicultural counseling.

   • Consult with experts in multicultural counseling and refer clients when necessary.

Incorporating Culture in Counseling Practice

• Understanding Client’s Cultural Background

  • Counselors do not need to know everything about a client's culture but must have some understanding.

  • Clients should be encouraged to share cultural information relevant to their therapy.

  • Culture should be considered in therapy for all clients, not just those from specific racial or ethnic backgrounds.

  • Ignoring a client’s worldview and background limits therapy’s effectiveness.

• Flexibility in Therapeutic Approaches

  • No single ideal therapeutic approach exists in a multicultural society.

  • Different cultural groups may resonate with different theoretical approaches.

  • Some therapy models may not be suitable for all populations.

  • Effective multicultural counseling requires:

    • Openness to diverse perspectives.

    • Flexibility in therapeutic strategies.

    • Willingness to modify approaches based on client needs.

  • Counselors must respect client hesitations and avoid misinterpretation.

  • Empathy for clients’ struggles is crucial, even if therapists have not shared the same experiences.

Practical Guidelines for Addressing Culture in Counseling

• Self-Awareness & Personal Growth

  • Reflect on how your own cultural background influences your thoughts and behaviors.

  • Identify personal assumptions related to culture, race, ethnicity, gender, class, spirituality, and sexual orientation.

  • Consider how your assumptions impact your counseling practice.

  • Examine where your knowledge of different cultures originates.

  • Commit to continuous learning about cultural influences on therapy.

  • Acknowledge and confront personal biases and prejudices.

• Cultural Awareness in Practice

  • Look for common ground among people from diverse backgrounds.

  • Be adaptable in applying counseling methods—avoid rigid adherence to a single technique.

  • Recognize that a multicultural approach can improve both counselor effectiveness and client satisfaction.

Multicultural Competence as an Ongoing Process

• Multicultural competence requires a mix of:

  • Cultural awareness

  • Sensitivity

  • Knowledge

  • Skills

• It is a lifelong learning process, not a one-time achievement.

• Expressing cultural humility and tracking client feedback on cultural responsiveness improves therapy outcomes.

• Adapting therapy to the whole person leads to better engagement and reduces client dropouts.

Challenges for the Novice Therapist

1. Dealing With Anxiety

• Common Feelings for Beginners

  • New counselors often feel ambivalent when meeting their first clients.

  • A certain level of anxiety is normal and shows awareness of uncertainties in therapy.

  • Doubting your abilities is expected—what matters is how you manage these doubts.

• Healthy Ways to Address Anxiety

  • Acknowledge and confront your anxieties rather than denying them.

  • Seek supervision—discuss self-doubts with a supervisor for guidance.

  • Engage with peers—sharing concerns with fellow interns provides support and reassurance.

  • Meaningful exchanges with colleagues can help normalize these feelings and build confidence.

2. Being Yourself and Self-Disclosure

• Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

  • New counselors often feel self-conscious and anxious, leading them to focus too much on techniques.

  • Authenticity is key—being yourself fosters a genuine connection with clients.

  • Appropriate self-disclosure can strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

• Common Pitfalls in Self-Disclosure

  • Extreme professionalism—some counselors hide behind a facade, making them seem distant or impersonal.

  • Over-disclosure—sharing too much personal information can burden clients and shift focus away from them.

  • Finding balance—determine what, when, and how much to disclose based on the client’s readiness.

• Effective Self-Disclosure Strategies

  • Use self-disclosure to enhance therapy, not for personal validation.

  • Observe client reactions during self-disclosure to ensure it is helpful.

  • Utilize immediacy—share thoughts or feelings about the session when appropriate, without judgment.

  • Exercise caution, discretion, and sensitivity when sharing personal insights.

3. Avoiding Perfectionism in Counseling

• The Myth of Perfection

  • Many counselors believe they must never make mistakes—a self-defeating mindset.

  • While we intellectually know humans are not perfect, emotionally, we often feel pressured to avoid errors.

  • Mistakes are inevitable for both new and experienced therapists.

• Impact of Perfectionism

  • Striving for perfection can distract from being fully present for clients.

  • Holding onto an image of being flawless can create stress and hinder professional growth.

• Healthy Approaches to Growth

  • Question the belief that you must know everything or be perfectly skilled.

  • Supervision and peer support—sharing mistakes helps in learning and professional development.

  • Embrace self-doubt as a learning opportunity rather than a weakness.

  • Being open to making and learning from mistakes leads to real growth and effectiveness as a therapist.

4. Being Honest About Your Limitations

• Acknowledge That Success with Every Client is Unrealistic

  • Not every counselor can effectively work with every client.

  • Recognizing your limitations is a sign of professional maturity, not failure.

• Knowing When to Make a Referral

  • Be honest about when a client’s needs exceed your expertise.

  • Learn how to refer clients to professionals better suited to help them.

• Balancing Limitations and Growth

  • Distinguish between true limitations and self-imposed doubts.

  • Before assuming you lack the skills to work with a particular group, challenge yourself.

  • Gain experience by working with diverse populations through field placements or agency visits.

5. Understanding Silence

• Silence Can Have Many Meanings

  • Clients may be processing thoughts or insights from the session.

  • They might be waiting for the therapist to guide the conversation.

  • Both the client and therapist could be distracted or momentarily without words.

  • Communication may be occurring nonverbally through silence.

• Silence Can Be Beneficial or Challenging

  • It can be refreshing and allow for reflection.

  • It can also feel overwhelming if there is discomfort in the session.

  • Fear or hesitancy may prevent deeper discussions.

• Addressing Silence in Therapy

  • Rather than avoiding it, acknowledge and explore its meaning with the client.

  • Encourage reflection on whether the silence signals deeper emotions or hesitation.

6. Dealing With Demands From Clients

• Common Client Demands

  • Requesting more frequent or extended sessions.

  • Wanting a social relationship outside of therapy.

  • Expecting constant reassurance of care and concern.

  • Seeking direct solutions rather than guidance in problem-solving.

• Challenges for Therapists

  • New counselors may feel obligated to always give and meet every demand.

  • Unrealistic expectations can lead to burnout and boundary issues.

• Setting Boundaries

  • Clearly define expectations and limits early in therapy.

  • Use a disclosure statement or initial session discussion to outline boundaries.

  • Maintain professionalism while showing empathy and care.

7. Dealing With Clients Who Lack Commitment

• Challenges With Involuntary Clients

  • May be mandated by court order to attend therapy.

  • Often resistant or unmotivated to engage in the process.

  • Establishing a working relationship can be difficult.

• Effective Approaches

  • Openly discuss the nature of the counseling relationship.

  • Address clients’ thoughts and feelings about therapy early on.

  • Clarify confidentiality limits and other therapy-related expectations.

  • Avoid making promises that cannot be fulfilled.

  • Prepare clients for the counseling process to increase cooperation and involvement.

8. Tolerating Ambiguity

• Common Anxiety for Beginners

  • Uncertainty about whether therapy is helping.

  • Worry that the client may be getting worse instead of improving.

• Key Considerations

  • Accept that immediate results are not always visible.

  • Clients may seem to worsen before making therapeutic progress.

  • The positive effects of therapy may emerge after therapy ends.

  • Learning to tolerate uncertainty is essential for effective counseling.

9. Becoming Aware of Your Countertransference

• Understanding Countertransference

  • Emotional reactions and projections that affect how a counselor perceives and interacts with a client.

  • Can occur when a therapist reacts defensively or loses objectivity due to personal issues.

• Managing Countertransference

  • Recognize personal triggers and emotional responses to clients.

  • Avoid carrying clients’ problems outside of sessions.

  • Stay fully present during therapy but allow clients to take responsibility for their own lives.

  • If therapists take on clients’ struggles, they risk becoming ineffective in guiding them.

• Importance of Self-Awareness

  • Awareness of personal conflicts, needs, and unresolved issues prevents them from interfering with therapy.

  • Therapy should not be used to meet the counselor’s own emotional needs.

• Strategies for Managing Countertransference

  • Engage in self-exploration through personal therapy, supervision, or consultation with colleagues.

  • Accept that complete resolution of personal issues is unrealistic, but awareness helps manage their impact.

  • Express compassion and empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.

  • Recognize that the client’s pain is theirs to carry, not the therapist’s.

• Long-Term Professional Growth

  • Personal therapy helps therapists develop emotional resilience.

  • Understanding countertransference fosters more effective and ethical counseling.