The personal qualities that contribute to the development of a
"therapeutic- self" are:
- Ability to respond with appropriate verbal and nonverbal
responses according to the emotional and psychological state of the
client or patient.One should be able to select the right words and
nonverbal communication that best suits the present scenario.
Should know when to talk and when to be silent.
- Should have clear concept about one's own values, attributes
and attitudes,so that it may not interfere in the counseling
process and to avoid the judgement and criticism of the client or
patient.
- Should have empathy to understand the condition of the client
so that there is a connectedness.
- Should be internally consistent and balanced .
- Should develop an insight about one's own bias, prejudices and
stereotypes so that it may not effect the counseling process while
providing service to clients from different backgrounds and
cultures.