There are many aspects that makeup therapy and all that it entails. However, there are even more personal characteristics that determine an effective counselor. Within every individual lies certain strengths and weaknesses, as soon to be counselors, these need to be identified. One needs to perform a self-evaluation to know these fully. My personal characteristics strengths that will help me become an effective therapist are: know how to make choices that are life oriented, transparency-authenticity-truthful-sincerity, live in the present, sincere interest in the welfare of others, and maintain healthy boundaries. My weakness is not something I am proud of; however, I am aware that I rarely take ownership of mistakes …show more content…
I turned down a scholarship to attend college, many family members were extremely upset. What they did not know is God brought a love from my past into my life and we would soon be married. My next choice took me a thousand miles away from my family. Leaving home for the first time was difficult at 19 years old, however, it was a wise decision. “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2: 24, NASB). This is exactly what we needed to strengthen our marriage while clinging to each other. I did go back to school eventually, not once but twice. The first time was Cosmetology school, this wonderful endeavor instilled in me a passion for people and built a solid career for 26 years and growing. The second time is now at GBC, where people are still my passion while giving me skills to help them more. Much like Corey describes I can make decisions for myself, I am “not a victim of these early decisions” (2013, p. …show more content…
It begins at the initial meeting with the client. Boundaries need to be set, guidelines in place and the client needs to set goals. My strength is I am extremely time conscious, task-oriented, and flexible at the same time. These are building blocks in maintaining healthy boundaries. Another way to maintain healthy boundaries is never to cross the line sexually. At some point, the temptation may present itself, one needs a mental plan out of the situation, if it arises. Another way to maintain a healthy boundary is to keep transference out of the client/ therapist relationship. Finally, do not cross the professional relationship by associating in a personal setting. I have practiced this for years. I do not mix business with my personal life and I do not carry my work burdens