Index IntroductionThe personal characteristics of an effective counselorStrengths and weaknessesCounseling modelsConclusionReferencesIntroductionIntroduction: Counseling and therapy are not aimed at solving people's problems, but to help people deal with daily life, problems and everything else. Thesis Statement: In the contents of this essay, I will reflect on the personal and effective characteristics, key skills, personal strengths and weaknesses that I have as a future consultant. Furthermore, I will also look at the principles, theories, practice of counseling in South Africa and how they relate to me as an individual and future counselor and/or psychologist. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Personal Characteristics of an Effective Counselor Evidence and Quotes: Personally, I am not the type of person who is easily influenced by my thoughts and beliefs, although I am a shy person, I speak my mind and defend myself when I need it. Thematic sentence: Knowing who I am, what I want and what is most valuable to me is a characteristic that will be useful to me as a consultant and also to my clients because not only will I advise them to trust and courage but I will put into practice what I preach. Evidence and Quotes: “The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own example” [John Wooden]. Topic Sentence: By being respectful and appreciative of myself, I exhibit the kind of behavior I desire and offer it to other people, which will allow me to build a healthy, respectful relationship between myself and my clients. Being able to accept change and move forward to step out of my comfort zone to be able to work towards becoming what I want to become will help me adapt to whatever situation I face in my career path as I may have to work in different places. Topic sentence: My past choices and mistakes do not block my perspective on the present and future. I recognize past mistakes and use them as lessons that I apply in the future, this helps me both personally and professionally when I apply the same characteristics to my clients' situations. Topic sentence: Being truthful, authentic and sincere is essential in counseling. Evidence and Quotes: The only problem with my honesty is that it's open and naked, I tell it like it is and most of the time it comes across as rude, harsh or too harsh and that will disadvantage me as a consultant because clients I might run out of for being afraid to open up to me. Putting life events into perspective and not taking everything personally grants me the ability to help clients see their problem in another way and increase the chances of solving it. Topic sentence: admitting to making mistakes is not a weakness but a strength because I will be able to show my clients that making mistakes is okay, but admitting them and doing things right is emotionally and physically beneficial. Thematic sentence: the past and the future are unknown, what we have is the gift of the present. Evidence and Quotes: Counselors should be in the present to relate to their clients' current problems. Topic sentence: As a consultant, it is important to recognize the variety of cultures in order to be of good help to my clients. Evidence and quotes: This helps build a relationship between me as the consultant and the client. Topic sentence: Communication is vital in any relationship, whether personal or professional. Doing my job because I love it and for no other reason will bring positive results for me and my clients. Separate personal and professional life for a lifestyle.