According to the Collins Thesaurus, Professional means: Adept, competent,
efficient, experienced, expert, practised, skilled, qualified, trained and
specialist.
When relating this to the profession of psychologists, mentors, mediators
and counsellors, I think two words are missing from the above definition: Open-minded
and un-biased.
Professional counsellors need a qualification (which will include a certain
amount of practical hours), an open mind and a desire to help people.
It is always great if the counsellor you choose has these qualities and also
has lots of experience in their specialisation. Experience can come either
from years of working in the field or from a personal perspective or both.
Sometimes people choose to seek advice from family members, work colleagues
and church elders. Whilst these people may all be well-meaning in their advice,
if they are not properly trained, they could do more damage.
- It is advisable, especially in the case of divorce where children are involved,
to seek proper professional guidance. This professional person is:
- Someone who is not emotionally involved in the case and who does not personally
know all the people involved.
- Someone who does not stand to gain anything.
- Someone who is not trying to convince you that their way of thinking is the
best way for you too.
This way, the counsellor will be able to see the bigger picture and give un-biased
guidance. If you do not feel that the counsellor you have chosen is right for you, it
is a good idea to look for someone that you feel can genuinely assist you and
your family through your crisis. |
