Evolving Expectations for Personality Traits in Counselling Psychologist in Training

Abstract

Practising counselling psychologists are aware of the dynamics and stress that therapists experience; therefore, the effort expended on counselling psychologists in training that will succeed and be satisfied with their work is an important concern. Counselling professionals may increasingly recognize the role of personality characteristics in evaluating students for admission and retention in counselling programmes and the significance of a counsellor’s personality characteristics has been linked to effective outcome. In view of these, this paper examines evolvement of expectations for personality traits among the counselling psychologist-in training. In doing this, the author traces the evolution of trait theories in personality description, discusses neuro-biology of personality traits and aims of counselling, together with the dynamics to enhance counselling effectiveness. He avails the reader a brief empirical review justifying the need why counselling psychologists in training should contend with robust personality traits; precursors to effective counselling practice. A cursory glimpse into the 10 counselling psychologist’s personality traits is made with the probable challenges that can stare at the counselling psychologist-in training in the face are captured and appropriate recommendations are proffered.

Keywords: Personality, Personality trait, Traits, Counselling, Counselling-psychologist-in-training