Seeking self-awareness or self-understanding is a major component of effective …show more content…
Reflective counsellors are aware of their own strengths and limitations. They are able to conduct counselling with purpose and intention. They can monitor their own levels of stress and are mindful of personal matters that may interfere with their performance. Reflective practitioners should always take the time to evaluate and refine their performance after each counselling session and are committed to ongoing personal growth and professional development. Effective reflective practice includes developing self-awareness, evaluating own performance and ensuring adequate self-care. As with Most professions it is important to evaluate your performance as a counsellor. However in say that most people are hesitant to objectively look at their performance but, it is important to be able to critically evaluate how you performed. This way you can identify any areas that may require …show more content…
Even though many professional do not apply this practice, reflective writing asks counsellors to shift their perspective; to see situations from all angles. Through reflective writing, counsellors can begin to, not only, process and assimilate their experience but also learn, grow and develop their skills (University of Melbourne, 2006).
In terms of professional development counsellors working within agencies should have supervision sessions built into their work schedules, but it is sometimes overlooked by those working in other organisations or in private practice. While recognising its value, some counsellors may feel threatened by the idea of someone "judging" their effectiveness and avoid seeking supervision if it is not part of their work situation.
Geldard and Geldard in their book Basic Personal Counselling (2005) stated that all counsellors need supervision to support them in resolving their own issues and to avoid burnout in what is an emotionally draining occupation. As well as providing a sounding board for the counsellor's concerns, a supervisor is in a good position to spot the onset of any symptoms of burnout and to assist the counsellor in dealing with