The role of a Counselor or Psychotherapist may seem very easy, but is very stressful. They therefore need to continuously engage reflexively, so that they can de-stress themselves and not be impacted psychologically.

What an interesting point Emmanuel on psychological contact and impact... I wonder if you could suggest further reading

I believe that Donald Schön’s classic work The Reflexive Practitioner very ably addresses this question. In fact, the practice of counselling / psychotherapy is one of the practices that is highlighted and discussed. Stated briefly, Schön argues that practitioners need to engage in three forms (movements) of reflection. The first is post hoc reflection as it “reflects on” an event or encounter after the fact. Psychotherapy students tend to do this when they review their audio/video recordings, write a verbatim and write their clinical notes. The second form of reflection is forward looking ("reflecting for"). For most students this form of reflection is usually formed in supervision when the supervisor invites the student to look forward and reflect on the possible direction for future clinical interactions. This skill is also fostered whenever a student writes a “clinical plan of care.” In time students begin to engage this type of thinking on their own and will integrate their reading etc. within their thinking. The third form of reflexivity occurs within the session ("reflecting in"). This form of reflexivity consists of in-the-moment awareness of self and other. When it is done well the practice results in the sensitive use of interventions. In addition, “reflecting in” creates an awareness of self that supports the clinician practicing what is known as “the safe and effective use of self.”