RE: The Person-Oriented Paradigm: Developing a Helping Relationship

What practical steps can I take to show that I genuinely care for my counselees? Have I been intentional in expressing my concern and support for them?

As a Christian, I strive to be fully present, to listen carefully, and to respond with understanding and compassion rather than judgment, in order to show my genuine concern for my counselee. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment so that he or she feels heard, recognized, and valued. I express my care through prayer, consistent follow-up, and by remembering details from our previous conversations. However, I honestly acknowledge that I still need to grow deeper in guiding them, as emphasized here: they must be respected and treated like family. In such situations, if these principles are not followed, there is a tendency for counselees to speak negatively about the counselor. In this context, it is also important that my relationship with God remains strong, because there may come a day when I myself will need counseling. If my connection with God is weak, I could be easily influenced or led astray by others.