One’s philosophy of counseling must include the purpose, process, nature, and principles of counseling. As all counselors have their own personal views and conceptions of counseling, many aspects of it can be considered and evaluated. A counselor’s philosophy of counseling is a critical component in his or her approach to guiding clients to lead purposeful lives, attend to unique personal circumstances, enhance objective realization, and reach their many goals and undertakings. As a future mental health counselor, I am aware that I must possess certain characteristics to carry out my responsibilities. In addition to the outline, scopes, and skills outlined in the ACA Code of Ethics, when providing for clients, the principles that I feel are imperative to possess are nonmaleficence, beneficence, and fidelity. Also, while striving to use eclectic therapy methodologies, I feel that cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy techniques are essential.

                 An effective counselor must have the characteristics of responsiveness, care, and understanding.  He or she must endeavor to care for and understand the client in every possible aspect and situation. Every person is unique, and each holds their own individual personality and each faces distinctive situations and circumstances.  Effective counselors need to take into consideration not only the client’s personal life but their family and social life as well. They understand that everything around clients, inside or outside subjective experiences, affects their behavior, feelings, and outlook toward their own life. Every individual’s thoughts and feelings must be respected by the counselor. An effective counselor must be ready, willing, and able to understand these countless needs and provide their clients with the utmost, equitable care. 

             As I feel that a person’s mind can distort and interfere with the thinking process which can lead to negative thoughts and irrational perceptions, the best therapeutic approach for this is cognitive behavior therapy. This approach will assist the client to correct their negative thought processes and enable them to better cope with their daily lives and relationships more effectively. In addition to this approach, I also feel that an acceptance and mindfulness method is needed, especially in an individual setting. As many issues and circumstances that affect the lives of clients are related to relationships, this approach will help allow them to work on healthy, positive relationships whether it is related to peers, family, or romantic partners. This will help the client develop healthier and more meaningful relationships.

                 All counselors should strive to provide the best care and therapeutic approaches possible for their clients. All clients have the right and deserve the opportunity to go forth into society and succeed as human beings. Counselors must be willing and able to take the responsibility of providing vital services to help clients cope with their unique circumstances, promote mental health, and use methods to help ensure success.