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The Role of Self-Awareness in Counselling(DATE 26th April 2025)


Self-awareness is not just a professional requirement for counsellors—it is the very foundation upon which ethical and empathetic practice is built. It allows counsellors to recognize their own biases, emotional triggers, and blind spots. Without this internal clarity, there is a risk of projecting unresolved issues onto clients or responding from a place of personal emotion rather than professional grounding.


When I first encountered the concept of self-awareness during my training, I’ll admit—it was deeply uncomfortable. It felt like standing under a harsh, unforgiving light that exposed parts of myself I had long kept hidden: insecurities, unhealed wounds, defence mechanisms I didn’t know I relied on. There was a strong urge to look away, to resist what I was beginning to uncover.


But as I stayed with the discomfort and leaned into honest self-reflection, I began to see its immense value. Understanding my inner world—my experiences, assumptions, and pain—allowed me to create space for my clients without unconsciously colouring their narratives with my own. I learned that knowing my wounds doesn’t make me weak; it makes me responsible. If I’m aware of what hurts, I can ensure that pain doesn’t silently bleed onto the people I aim to help.


Self-awareness also serves as a mirror for growth. Through supervision, journaling, feedback, and personal therapy, I’ve discovered how my personality and emotional tendencies influence my counselling style. I’ve noticed patterns—moments when I feel overly invested in a client’s outcome, or when certain topics stir up personal discomfort. Each realization, though sometimes jarring, has made me a better, more attuned counsellor.


In the journey of becoming a counsellor, self-awareness isn’t a milestone to be checked off. It’s not a chapter in a textbook that ends with an exam. It is a lifelong companion—quiet, watchful, and often humbling. It challenges me to keep looking inward, to confront the parts of myself I’d rather ignore, and to stay grounded even as I hold space for others to do the same.


Ultimately, self-awareness doesn't just make us better counsellors; it makes us more compassionate human beings. And perhaps, that’s where true healing begins.


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