Characteristics and Behaviors of an Effective Counselor The purpose of this document is to analyze counselor behaviors and characteristics using a case study from the COUN 6100 (nd) learning resources. The first section will include aspects of the consultant's responses that I find effective. The next one will look at areas where I find advisor interactions to be ineffective. The final section will present an overview of how the factors in the previous sections might influence the case study session. Effective Characteristics and Behaviors Levitt (2001) highlights active listening as a key element of successful counseling interactions. This listening style includes a variety of verbal and nonverbal skills that give the client the feeling of being listened to and understood (Cooper, 2010). I was only able to analyze the verbal aspects of the counselor's interactions due to the nature of the case study. The counselor in this scenario does a good job of asking several open-ended questions and paraphrasing the client's thoughts. An example of an open-ended question is when he says, “Tell me what your anger issues are like.” This gave more control to the customer and elicited specific information to deepen the conversation (Cooper, 2010). There is a moment in the scenario when the counselor suggests that the client's wife come to the session, despite the client's previous comments about his desire to focus on himself. The consultant realizes his mistake and immediately apologizes to the client. He then reflects on how that exchange might have felt, which is validated by the client. This could be effective in strengthening their relationship. Summarizing is another important way the counselor helps the client organize key thoughts, feelings and... middle of paper... uncertainty, I think the therapeutic approach the relationship started in this scenario can be productive. References Cooper, J. B. (2010). Micro-skills of consultancy. In B. T. Erford (Ed.), Orientations to the counseling profession: Advocacy, ethics and essential professional foundations (pp.148-162). New Jersey: Pearson. Levitt, D. (2001). Active listening and counselor self-efficacy: Emphasis on a microskill in initial counselor training. Clinical Supervisor, 20(2), 101.Transcript of the tape. (n.d.). [Educational resource]. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/76294/CRS-WUPSYC6205-6211712/6100_Wk_5_Tape_Transcript_1.26.10.docSheperis, D.S., and Ellis, C.M., (2010). The consultancy process. In B. T. Erford (Ed.), Orientations to the counseling profession: Advocacy, ethics and essential professional foundations (pp.124-147). New Jersey: Pearson.