Self Assessment - Communication Skills

Careerplanning.about.com defines self assessment as, "The process of gathering information about yourself in order to make an informed career decision". It is always important to do an assessment of one's self. It helps to determine the stage at which we are. It also serves as a measuring rod in bringing to our consciousness how much we know and what we do not know. It also brings into sharp focus our strengths and weaknesses. From the self-assessment, it is clear that I consider myself comfortable and competent in my role as a teacher. The ratings indicate that my strength lies in the ability to communicate and impart knowledge. Whereas I do not see myself as having expertise in the counselling skills, I am aware that I am particularly capable of displaying those skills that directly relate to my interaction with the client. On the other hand, my handicaps rest in the consulting skills. I am not familiar with consulting framework, and as a result I will have to dedicate much time and effort into developing my competence in this regard. My research skills, though not lacking, also require improvement.

It is evident that I have not mastered several of the skills that a Counselling/Consulting Psychologist should have. I recognize though that all these skills are important if I intend to be an effective Counselling/Consulting Psychologist. I am of the opinion that the three most important skills to be mastered are communication skills, facilitative, and research skills.

Communication Skills

Communication is of utmost importance for any effective human interaction. Ourdictionary.com defines communication as, "A giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages as by talk, gestures, or writing". Many persons are of the opinion that communication is a learned skill. Most people are born with the physical ability to talk, but speaking well and communicating effectively must be learned. Speaking, listening, and the ability to understand verbal and nonverbal meanings are skills we develop. It stands to reason then that we demonstrate that we can communicate effectively when these skills are displayed. Effective communication is a process where a message is received and understood by the receiver in the manner that the sender intended it to be.

In order for any therapeutic or consultative encounter to be considered successful, the client must be able to express verbally or non-verbally, the issue or concern. The Counselling/Consulting Psychologist must then be able to interpret and analyze the case, make correct diagnosis, and help the client to resolve the issue. This can only be done through effective communication.

Through communication, the Counselling/Consulting Psychologist helps the client to understand the counselling or consulting process, the boundaries to be established, and the ramifications of the contract. Communication is also important, as with this, the Counselling/Consulting Psychologist is able to alleviate the fears or drawbacks that could act as potential hindrance to a productive outcome.

With the effective application of communication skills, the Counselling/Consulting Psychologist will be able to determine the progress that is being made during the counselling/consultative encounter. The Counselling/Consulting Psychologist could then use the opportunity to communicate this to the client without causing any undue alarm or further stress to the client.

It is important that the Counselling/Consulting Psychologist hone his or her communication skills as this will help him or her to effectively interpret the many modes of communication that the client might use to transmit information. The Counselling/Consulting Psychologist can use his or her communication skills to detect any apprehension or anxiety the client might be experiencing, and in turn use his or her communication skills to counteract them.

Facilitative Skills

Like communication skills, the facilitative skills are of extreme importance to the counselling/consulting encounter. This set of skills includes warmth, primary empathy, genuineness, and concreteness. Genuineness is an important aspect of the facilitative skills in counselling. The genuine Counselling/Consulting Psychologist is one who simply tries to be himself or herself. He or she is without facade. It involves the element of self awareness and is able to communicate his/her feelings appropriately. It means that he/she comes into a direct encounter with his/her client, meeting him/her on a person to person basis. The basis for the entire therapeutic or consultative process is the establishment of a genuine relationship between the Counselling/Consulting Psychologist and the client. The degree to which he/she can be honest with himself/herself will largely determine the outcome of the therapeutic or consultative engagement.

A client will sometimes have negative attitudes towards the Counselling/consulting Psychologist. The skilled practitioner though, should be able to understand what the client is thinking and feeling, and continue to work with him/her. The genuine Counselling/Consulting Psychologist is comfortable with himself/herself and can examine negative criticism honestly.

The genuine Counselling/consulting Psychologist is capable of self-disclosure. This self sharing, if done at the appropriate time, will help the client to feel comfortable to express himself/herself. This openness is important as it also permits the client to risk himself/herself. Thus the practitioner opens up his/her defenses to make the whole relationship an authentic one; which is an important stage in building authenticity in the process. The fact is, persons do not always open up to persons easily; especially those that they have not shared a close relationship with. The Counselling/consulting Psychologist, with his/her display of genuineness will be able to get the client to trust him/her, thus setting the stage for client improvement and a successful process.

Another very important facilitative skill that the Counselling/consulting Psychologist must have is warmth. Warmth is used to describe sensitivity, friendliness and consideration on the part of the Counselling/consulting Psychologist. This is the same as what Carl Rogers refers to as 'unconditional positive regard'. Showing personal warmth is fundamental in an effective counselling/consulting relationship. Carkhuff, R.R., & Anthony, W.A. (1979) are of the opinion that warmth is an effective skill in practice as it contributes significantly to personality change in the client. Consideration for the client is rooted in the fact that the client is a person and should be respected as such. This conveys to the client that he/she is worthy of respect and