QUESTION 4
A person who uses counselling skills within an ethical framework must possess several key personal qualities.
These qualities are essential for ensuring that the counselling relationship remains ethical, professional, and
beneficial for the client. Here are some of the key qualities:
1. Empathy: An empathetic counsellor is able to understand and share the feelings of their client.
2. Non-judgmental attitude: A non-judgmental attitude means that the counsellor does not judge the client
based on their past experiences, beliefs, or behaviors.
3. Respect: Respect for the client and their autonomy is essential for an ethical counselling relationship.
4. Cultural competence: A culturally competent counsellor is able to understand and respect the cultural
backgrounds and beliefs of their clients.
5. Self-awareness: A self-aware counsellor is able to understand their own biases, assumptions, and
emotions, and how these may impact their work with clients.
6. Professional boundaries: A professional boundary is a clear and defined limit that separates the
counsellor’s personal life from their professional life.
7. Ethical decision: An ethical decision-maker is able to make decisions that are in the best interest of the
client, even if these decisions are difficult or unpopular.
8. Continuous learning: A continuous learner is committed to ongoing professional development and
staying up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in counselling.
Competencies Required to Use Counseling Skills within an Ethical Framework
1. Knowledge of Ethical Guidelines: A fundamental competency for using counseling skills within an
ethical framework is a thorough understanding of the ethical guidelines and codes of conduct relevant to
the counseling profession. Counselors must be familiar with these guidelines to ensure that their practice
aligns with the ethical standards set by professional bodies, such as maintaining confidentiality,
obtaining informed consent, and practicing within their scope of competence.
2. Active Listening: Active listening is a critical counseling skill that involves fully concentrating,
understanding, and responding to the client’s verbal and non-verbal communication. This competency
allows counselors to provide appropriate feedback, demonstrate empathy, and ensure that the client feels
heard and understood. Active listening is essential for maintaining an ethical practice, as it fosters a
therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect.
3. Confidentiality Management: Counselors must be competent in managing confidentiality, which is a
cornerstone of ethical practice. This includes understanding when to maintain confidentiality and when
it is ethically appropriate to break it, such as in cases where there is a risk of harm to the client or others.
Competence in confidentiality management ensures that clients feel secure in sharing personal
information, knowing that it will be protected unless there are compelling ethical reasons to disclose it.
4. Boundary Setting: Setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries is a key competency for counselors.
This includes establishing clear professional boundaries with clients, such as defining the scope of the
counseling relationship, avoiding dual relationships, and managing time and space within sessions.
Competence in boundary setting helps prevent ethical violations, such as conflicts of interest or
exploitation of the client.
5. Cultural Competence: Cultural competence involves the ability to work effectively with clients from
diverse cultural backgrounds. This competency requires counselors to be aware of their own cultural
assumptions, understand the cultural context of the client, and adapt their counseling approach to be
culturally sensitive. Cultural competence is essential for providing ethical and effective support to
clients from all walks of life.
