rs.
Peterson and Nisenholz (1994) state that what counselors essentially do is assist people to become more self-actualized (to be free of obstacles impeding their personal growth). According to the authors, research suggests that effective counselors can do this because they are themselves self-actualized people.
Several traits of the self-actualized are listed by Peterson and Nisenholz who state that research has shown these characteristics to be present in most effective counselors and therapists. These characteristics include:
(1) Efficient perceptions of reality and comfortable relations with others.
(2) Acceptance of others and nonjudgemental nature.
(3) Spontaneity with nonconventionality but not anticonformity.
(4) Focused on finding solutions to problems.
(5) Ability to detach self from work and to enjoy privacy.
(6) Autonomous and independent of limitations imposed by cultural and environmental factors. (The self-actualized depend on their internal resources and not external circumstances).
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