Counselor as Client: Emerging Answers and New Questions

Authors

  • Signe M. Kastberg Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Rachel A Jordan St. John Fisher College
  • John M Kiweewa St. John Fisher College
  • Tamara Clingerman St. John Fisher College

Keywords:

counselor development, client role, empathy, skill development, personal growth

Abstract

This manuscript reports results of a survey and qualitative research that explored the personal experiences of one graduate counseling program’s alumni/ae regarding their perceptions of personal counseling and the impact it has had on their practice as counselors. Data analysis reveals that most alumni/ae who completed the counseling program had individual counseling experiences and all of those alumni/ae felt that those experiences had a positive impact on their practice as counselors.  Further, three major themes were identified that describe the benefit that being a client has had on their practice.  Those themes include empathy for the client role, development of skills and personal growth.  Conclusions and limitations are discussed.

Author Biographies

Signe M. Kastberg, Florida Gulf Coast University

Assistant Professor

Rachel A Jordan, St. John Fisher College

Director and Assistant Professor

Mental Health Counseling Program

Wegmans School of Nursing

St. John Fisher College

John M Kiweewa, St. John Fisher College

Assistant Professor

Mental Health Counseling Program

Wegmans School of Nursing

St. John Fisher College

Tamara Clingerman, St. John Fisher College

Assistant Professor

Mental Health Counseling Program

Wegmans School of Nursing

St. John Fisher College

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Published

2014-02-03

Issue

Section

Articles