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Counselor Gullibility
Author(s) -
MILLER MARK J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
counselor education and supervision
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.608
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1556-6978
pISSN - 0011-0035
DOI - 10.1002/j.1556-6978.1986.tb00702.x
Subject(s) - psychology , counselor education , empathy , social psychology , applied psychology , pedagogy , counseling psychology , higher education , political science , law
In this article the author argues that it is mandatory that counselors suspend any disbelief in their clients during the early stages of counseling. Disbelieving interferes with counselor spontaneity and empathy. Indeed, the real work of counseling cannot start until clients perceive counselors as gullible. I offer a justification for being gullible during the initial sessions, along with suggestions for what can be done to develop appropriate levels of gullibility in counselors in training.