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The limitations of counsellors' knowledge highlighted by examining the concept ‘authenticity’

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 February 2016

Raj Sanggaran*
Affiliation:
Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus
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Extract

This paper attempts to highlight the potential dilemma counsellors face because of their limited knowledge. It argues that counsellors should be aware of their limitations and develop a critically self-reflective approach to deal with this shortfall. The adherence to ‘truth’ or the ‘right thing to do’ in counselling is questioned. Counsellors' knowledge is seen as emanating from beliefs that cannot be validated, but are accepted as the guiding principle. To espouse this point the concept of authenticity is examined as it is a central concept underlying most counselling relationships.

Type
Professional Issues
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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