Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-29T17:31:21.239Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

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
Get access

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

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Adorno, T. (1973). The search of Authenticity. London: R.K.P.Google Scholar
Ayer, A. (1956). The problem of knowledge. Harmondsworth: Penguin.Google Scholar
Bugental, J.F.T. (1981). The search for authenticity. New York: Irvington Publishers.Google Scholar
Corey, G. (1990). Theory and practice of group counseling. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.Google Scholar
Gadamer, H. (1975). Truth and method. London: Sheed and Ward.Google Scholar
Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and time. New York: Harper and Row.Google Scholar
Hutchins, D.E., & Cole, C.G. (1986). Helping relationships and strategies. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.Google Scholar
Tzu, Lao, (1963). Tao Te Ching: Translated by D. Lau. Harmondsworth: Penguin.Google Scholar
Nelson-Jones, R. (1992). Life Skills Helping. Marrickville: Harcourt Brace and Company.Google Scholar
Sartre, J. (1966). Being and nothingness. Translated by Barnes, H.B.. New York: Washington Square Press.Google Scholar
Wiske, A. (1973). The self as private property. University Park, London: Pennsylvania University press.Google Scholar