Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives and desires. In counselling, self awareness also implies having a clear perception of your personality, including thoughts, feelings, beliefs, needs, values, motivation, strengths and weaknesses.

Developing self-awareness as a counsellor is regarded “central to many of the mainstream theoretical approaches.”(McLeod, 2009:624) Sanders (2002) argues that the emphasis is on the continuing process of improvement rather than arriving at a given state of awareness. Self-development has such crucial importance that it is incorporated in the BACP Ethical Framework. Counsellors are required to pursue self-development regardless of how well-qualified or experienced they are e.g. by receiving supervision and continuing professional development.

In person-centred approach, Rogers (1988) emphasised the importance of the core conditions of empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with the client. Being congruent can only be achieved by a high level of self-awareness. Lack of self-awareness would result in the counsellor not being congruent and the client would pick on it, which would undermine the therapeutic relationship.

Being aware of differences between the counsellor and the client is also paramount because blocks to empathy can be identified and the counsellor's own agenda can be put aside. The counsellor can use reflective responses while staying in the client's frame of reference. If this empathic understanding is perceived by the client, she opens up and further explores her concerns without the fear of feeling judged or rejected. This results in the client's feeling seen, heard understood and accepted. Similarly being aware of one's prejudices has equal importance.

According to Sanders, (2002) self-exploration by writing a journal can be similar to being in therapy because it can help to become aware of how we and others feel and think. Being given constructive feedback can help counsellors become more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. (supervision, peer supervision)

Supervision can also be beneficial regarding self-development, as the counsellor-client relationship can be mirrored in the supervisor-counsellor relationship and consequently the relationship between the client and counsellor can improve. The counsellor can explore her feelings and emotions in a non-threatening way and can became more aware of how to stay in the client's frame of reference by being asked questions and being guided off her agenda.

In personal therapy counsellors can explore their emotional lives further as well as review the patterns of their past and present relationships. They may examine their prejudices further and understand their motivation to do helping work. According to McLeod (2009) being aware of own motivations can prevent client exploitation or abuse. It will also be a great opportunity to explore and work through their own psychological issues in order to become more competent counsellors in the future.

Deep emotional issues should rather evoke during counselling training than as a result of working with clients. Furthermore, experiencing therapy as a client provides insight into the nature of counsellor-client relationship and the counsellor can be observed at work. Lastly, one can gain awareness of the stages of the counselling process.

Bibliography:

Hough, M. (2014) Counselling Skills and Theory Hodder Education

References:

Mearns, D. & Thorn, B. (1988) Person-centred Counselling in Action Sage Publications

Sanders, P. (2002) First Steps in Counselling (3^rd edn) PCCS Books

Mc Leod, J. (2009) An Introduction to Counselling (4^th edn) Open University Press