Counselor Dispositional Expectations And Dispositions 999455

Counselor Dispositional Expectationsdispositions Are The Values Commi

Dispositions are the values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behaviors toward others, and, if sincerely held, dispositions lead to actions and patterns of professional conduct. The Grand Canyon University Counseling Program’s dispositions adhere to the University’s mission statement, as well as to the established counseling profession codes of ethics. The Grand Canyon University Counseling Program have adopted the following dispositions for its students derived from the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. Although these dispositions are not all inclusive, they do represent values and qualities that are warranted by counseling students.

Students who fail to adhere to or demonstrate such dispositions may be subject to disciplinary actions.

· Psychological Fitness: Counselors* are aware and assess their motives for pursuing the counseling profession. They are aware of their unfinished emotional and/or mental health issues, and resolve them before starting to provide counseling services to others. Counselors engage in self-care and seek resolutions to issues that arise during their practice. Counselors adhere to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and/or the NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals Code of Ethics.

· Self-Awareness: Counselors are aware of their personal moral, ethical, and value systems and provide counseling services with objectivity, justice, fidelity, veracity, and benevolence. Counselors are acutely aware of their personal limitations in providing services, and are willing to refer clients to another provider when necessary.

· Cultural Diversity: Counselors respect, engage, honor, and embrace diversity and a multicultural approach that supports the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of people within their social and cultural context. Counselors promote self-advocacy and assist clients in advocating for empowerment within their cultural context.

· Acceptance: Counselors foster a healthy climate of change by providing and promoting acceptance, and a nonjudgmental environment during the therapeutic process. They understand their personal value system and do not impose their values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors on their clients.

· Empathy: Counselors foster understanding, compassion, and avoid any actions that can cause harm to a client. Counselors treat others with dignity and respect.

· Genuineness: Counselors deal truthfully with themselves and their clients, in order to avoid harming their clients.

· Flexibility: Counselors practice a client-centered approach, and align treatment to the client’s goals for therapy.

· Patience: Counselors understand the therapeutic process and respect client’s efforts to gain control over their lives. Counselors encourage an environment that promotes self-empowerment and allows client’s voice in the therapeutic process.

· Amiability: Counselors do not support or engage in any act of discrimination against a prospective, current, or former client. Counselors promote and practice social justice and do not exploit others in their professional relationships.

· Professional Identity: Counselors adhere to regulatory state boards and nationally recognized codes of ethics. Counselors practice only within their scope and competencies. They seek to utilize best practices and empirically supported treatments. Counselors stay current with the counseling profession through seeking continuing education, and by supporting counseling associations.

* The term counselor is used to refer to counselors in training at the graduate level. American Counseling Association (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author. Walz, G. R., & Bleuer, J. C. (2010). Counselor dispositions: An added dimension for admission decisions. Vistas Online publication, 1, 11-11. © 2015. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.

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The concept of counselor dispositional expectations is fundamental to ensuring that future counseling professionals uphold the ethical standards and core values that facilitate effective and ethical practice. These dispositions encompass a range of traits and commitments, such as psychological fitness, self-awareness, cultural competence, acceptance, empathy, genuineness, flexibility, patience, amiability, and professional identity. Adherence to these dispositions not only aligns counselors with professional ethical codes, such as those established by the American Counseling Association (ACA), but also promotes a client-centered, respectful, and empowering therapeutic environment.

Among these dispositions, psychological fitness is paramount. Counselors must possess or actively resolve personal emotional and mental health issues to prevent harm to clients and to ensure they can provide unbiased support. Engaging in self-care practices and honest self-assessment allows counselors to maintain emotional stability, which is crucial given the emotionally taxing nature of counseling. This disposition aligns with ACA's emphasis on counselor wellness and professional competence (American Counseling Association, 2014).

Self-awareness forms the foundation for ethical practice. Counselors must understand their personal values, biases, and limitations so they can provide objective and nonjudgmental support. When a counselor recognizes their boundaries and limitations, they are more likely to refer clients to other providers when necessary, which enhances client care and safety (Gray & Bleuer, 2010). This disposition also fosters humility and a commitment to ongoing self-reflection, essential attributes for effective counselors.

Cultural competence is another critical disposition. In an increasingly diverse society, counselors must respect and embrace client diversity, supporting clients' identities within their social and cultural contexts. By promoting self-advocacy and empowerment, counselors help clients navigate societal challenges and foster resilience. Cultural humility, ongoing education, and active engagement with diverse communities are strategies to enhance this disposition (Sue et al., 2009). Such practices ensure counselors can provide inclusive and sensitive services that respect individual differences and promote social justice.

Acceptance and empathy are intertwined dispositions essential to fostering a safe, trusting counseling environment. Acceptance involves creating a nonjudgmental space where clients feel valued and understood, which facilitates therapeutic change. Empathy enables counselors to genuinely understand their clients’ experiences, fostering compassion and rapport. Both dispositions are vital for building an alliance conducive to healing and personal growth (Rogers, 1957). Cultivating these qualities involves active listening, reflection, and unconditional positive regard.

Genuineness and flexibility further contribute to effective counseling. Genuineness ensures that counselors are authentic, truthful, and transparent with clients, which builds trust. Flexibility allows counselors to adapt their approaches to meet individual client needs, aligning treatment goals with clients' personal objectives. A client-centered approach emphasizes tailoring interventions and demonstrates respect for clients' autonomy (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2013). These dispositions support a dynamic, responsive therapeutic process.

Patience and amiability underpin a supportive therapeutic environment. Patience respects the slow process of change and encourages clients to progress at their own pace. Amiability involves promoting social justice and avoiding exploitation or discrimination. By embodying these dispositions, counselors advocate for fairness and equality within their professional relationships (Lum, 2017). Developing patience and amiability requires active listening, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social responsibility.

Professional identity refers to adherence to ethical standards, scope of practice, and continual learning. Counselors must practice within their competencies, maintain current knowledge, and seek ongoing education to serve clients effectively. Supporting professional organizations and abiding by state and national regulations reinforces the integrity of the profession (ACA, 2014). Developing a strong professional identity involves reflective practice, mentorship, and dedication to lifelong learning.

While these dispositions collectively promote ethical, effective, and culturally competent counseling, counselors must also recognize areas for growth. For example, some may need to enhance their cultural humility or develop additional skills to better serve diverse populations. Continuous self-assessment, supervision, and professional development are essential for fostering these dispositions and ensuring that counselors meet the evolving needs of clients and society (Sue et al., 2009).

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Gray, C., & Bleuer, J. C. (2010). Counselor dispositions: An added dimension for admission decisions. Vistas Online publication, 1, 11-11.
• Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H. (2013). culturelle counseling and social justice: A practitioner’s guide. Cengage Learning.
• Lum, J. (2017). Social Justice Counseling: Towards Best Practices. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95(2), 156–163.
• Rogers, C. R. (1957). The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 21(2), 95–103.
• Sue, D. W., Arredondo, P., & McDavis, R. J. (2009). Multicultural counseling competencies and standards: A call to the profession. Journal of Counseling & Development, 77(4), 474–487.
• Walz, G. R., & Bleuer, J. C. (2010). Counselor dispositions: An added dimension for admission decisions. Vistas Online publication, 1, 11-11.