Role of the Professional “Total Counsellor” in a Society of Self-Acclaimed Counsellors.

Abstract

In spite of the development around the world, it appears to be getting more and more difficult in most settings in the country for individuals to confide in or share personal problems with people who claim to be professional counsellors/therapists. This is as a result of the proliferation of counsellors and the counselling profession in Nigeria. This study beamed a search light on the role of the “Total Counsellor” who is expected to serve as a therapist in providing “Professional Counselling”. The skills, competencies, qualities/characteristics and ethical issues in professional counselling were outlined. Personal experiences of authors with participants from diverse settings were also highlighted. There is an urgent need to strengthen the “Counselling Profession”, a profession that does not seem to have been totally accepted in Nigeria.