How did you know you were experiencing personal change while on the counselling course?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Answer:
I knew I was experiencing personal change during the counselling course because I became more self-aware, empathetic, and reflective. I noticed shifts in how I viewed myself and others, my communication skills improved, and I developed a deeper understanding of emotions and human behavior. These changes were evident through both my thoughts and actions, as well as feedback from peers and instructors.
Explanation (300 words):
Personal change during a counselling course often occurs as a natural part of the learning and growth process. One clear sign of personal change is increased self-awareness. As the course encourages reflection on one’s own values, beliefs, and experiences, I started recognizing patterns in my behavior and emotional responses that I had previously overlooked. This heightened awareness helped me understand how my own background and biases influenced my interactions with others.
Another way I knew I was changing was through my growing empathy. Counselling training emphasizes seeing the world from others’ perspectives, which helped me develop a deeper capacity to listen without judgment and to connect emotionally with clients’ experiences. This shift not only improved my counselling skills but also influenced how I related to people in my personal life.
I also noticed that my communication skills became more effective. I learned to use active listening, open-ended questions, and reflective responses, which made conversations more meaningful and supportive. This practical improvement was a tangible sign of change that I could observe in real-time during role plays and supervised sessions.
Finally, feedback from instructors and peers confirmed my progress. They pointed out improvements in my ability to build rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and manage challenging emotions. These external affirmations reinforced my internal sense of growth.
Overall, the counselling course acted as a catalyst for personal development by challenging me to explore my inner self and build skills that transformed both my personal and professional relationships. This evolving self-awareness and enhanced empathy are key indicators of personal change during such training.