Attributes of a Successful Mental Health Counselor
- Emotional intelligence
- Trustworthiness
- Flexibility
- Optimism
- Desire to improve
Before you commit yourself to a counseling career path, evaluate your aptitude according to the five attributes of a successful mental health counselor. If a career helping others has always been your dream, and you have the skills and motivation to undertake this demanding profession, chances are excellent that you will find success in the counseling profession.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is more of a skill set than any one particular attribute, but it is an essential group of characteristics to have if you wish to be an effective mental health counselor. The combined elements of emotional intelligence, according to Bruce E. Wampold of the American Psychological Association, are as follows:
- Verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal intuition/perception
- Expressiveness
- Empathy
- Warmth
- Acceptance
- Focus
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness is another of the five key competencies of a successful mental health counselor. If the people you counsel see that you are perceptive, empathetic and accepting, they are more likely to trust you with their innermost thoughts. If you are focused on understanding their issues, they are more likely to discuss them candidly.
A working relationship based on trust is critical to your success as a counselor because it helps your clients buy into your suggestions for resolution. When establishing trust, you not only need to demonstrate your professional acumen but also affirm your genuine desire to help.
Flexibility
As a mental health counselor, you automatically have the authority within the therapist/client relationship, but how you handle that authority makes a significant difference in how effective you are in your work. Often, being flexible within a treatment plan and agile in responding to changes is more effective than staying the course no matter what. For example, if your client has a schedule change that reduces the frequency of your sessions, you should be able to adjust your treatment plan accordingly. If a client is not making progress despite following your suggestions, you should review and revise for a better outcome.
Optimism
Optimism is an important attribute of a successful mental health counselor. Despite setbacks, obstacles or relapse, you must maintain and demonstrate a firm belief in the work you and your client are doing. Your optimism will transfer to your client, improving the pace of your progress.
That is not to say that you must put a positive spin on everything. In fact, acknowledging difficulties or problems is essential to maintaining trust. However, communicating your confidence in the counseling process will ultimately succeed for your client keeps both of you going in a positive direction.
Desire to Improve
Your desire to know more, learn new techniques and keep your finger on the pulse of the contemporary counseling community keeps you at the top of your game as a successful mental health counselor. As you practice your professional skills from day to day, you should listen to the feedback coming in from clients and colleagues with a willingness to improve and evolve.
By seeking to improve in your career, you model the behavior you are striving for in your patients: improvement, learning and evolving. You not only keep your skills as a counselor sharp and up-to-date, but you demonstrate by your actions the importance of setting and reaching your life goals.
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A career as a mental health counselor is a wonderful one if you enjoy a challenge, want to help others improve their lives and also improve your own. If you possess the five attributes of a successful mental health professional, this career path is likely be an great fit for you.