In chapter 1, Neukrug identifies and explains eight “characteristics” of effective helping.  Read his explanation of each of these carefully.  This assignment is developed to help you know what an effective counselor may look like and to identify what strengths (s)he brings to counseling and what (s)he will need to work on.  Address the following in a discussion with others:

• Identify two characteristics you believe are your strongest.  Give an example of one of these from your experience.

• Identify two characteristics which will be the most challenging for you.  Why?

Support your work with scholarly academic resources, textbooks, or other sources provided.  Quoting or paraphrasing from any source in discussion posts requires APA format by including an in-text citation and listing the reference at the end of the post.

The 8 characteristics are:

1. the "it"factor"

2.empathy

3. genuineness

4. acceptance

5. cognitive complexity

6.wellness

7.competence

8. cultural sensitivity