Personal Narrative: A Career In Professional Counseling

I have become more aware of what it is going to look like to be a counselor, the process of becoming a counselor, and if I am a good fit to be a counselor. This course has been foundational in my continuation of a degree in professional counseling. I learned what the development of counseling over the years looked like, which has given me insight into the core values of the field and has drastically it has changed and will continue to change. I have become more aware of what the licensing process looks like, which is a necessary component of my professional pursuit. Finally, I have learned what it takes on a personal level to be an effective counselor. Given all these factors I am excited to continue to grow in knowledge and use these components …show more content…
Frank Parsons and Carl Rodgers seem to be the two counselors that cause a dynamic shift in the view and approach to counseling others. It was Parsons who first made note the importance of having a facilitator and support through emotion distress and life tragedy, and that the helper should never impose views or make a decision for another person (Neukrug). It was Rodgers that introduced the client-centered approach (Neukrug). It brought a more relationships and compassion approach to the counseling profession which transformative in the identity of the individual counselor and the counseling field as a whole. These values were mention previously as being important components of professional counseling for us still …show more content…
3). I often struggle with self-doubt or doubt if I am pursuing a career in which I will be effective. I experience reassurance and confirmation as I read about the nine characteristic which are: empathy, acceptance, genuineness, wellness, cultural competence, the “it” factor, compatibility with and belief in theory, competence, and cognitive complexity (Neukrug, 2014, ch. 3). I see myself and my skills presented clearly in some, and I also recognize some of the areas I am not as confident in such as, cultural competence and having a core theoretic belief. However, I know these types of areas can grow through education and practice. Recently, others have pointed out some similar strengths in me which were: empathy, genuineness, joyfulness, and the ability to explain complex things simply while instill hope. I am not confident in what my “it factor” is, however, I was wondering with the simplicity and hopefulness might be part of it. This course has given me the confirmation I needed to pursue this career with confidence in my calling. I know that I have ways to grow and learn in all of these nine key characteristics, however, I also know that I have a start in all areas. This gives me great hope and a great foundation for the rest of my education pursuit and professional