Final answer:
Counselors who act in line with their own values demonstrate congruence, reflecting authentic behavior that aligns with their beliefs. This concept is significant as it fosters trust and leads to improved self-regulation in the therapeutic process. Congruence differs from the often ideal standards of society, as it encapsulates the individual's consistent personal behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Counselors who consistently behave in accordance with their own values and perceptions are showing congruence. Congruence is when one's ideal self is in harmony with their actual behavior. In practice, this means that the counselor's actions are aligned with what they believe to be right, reflecting a genuine and authentic nature in their professional role.
In contrast, values portray an ideal culture, the standards society strives for, but they often do not reflect how people actually behave. For instance, while American teenagers may be encouraged to value celibacy, the occurrence of unplanned pregnancies indicates a discrepancy between ideal cultural values and real behavior. This difference illustrates why the consistent embodiment of one's own values, as seen in congruent counselors, is significant.
Congruence in counseling encourages improved self-regulation and can lead to a change in perception of the oppressive systems that clients navigate. The tendency for individuals to align themselves with groups that share their values, practices, and goals reflects the importance of counselors modeling congruent behavior. By demonstrating congruence, counselors positively contribute to the therapeutic process, fostering trust, and authenticity.