l An ability to symbolize and model individuation
Counsellors working with adolescents require the ability to communicate their own individuation symbolically by demonstrating their personal individuality and in the process joining with the client. When counselling adolescents, the counsellor needs to join their own ‘self’ with the young person in a dynamic process (Fitzgerald, 1995). We believe that the counsellor needs to be proactive in this process if the process is to be dynamic. The way the counsellor dresses, sits and speaks can indicate to the adolescent that individuality is encouraged and respected. If the counsellor is able to project qualities prized by adolescents, such as risk-taking, resilience, flexibility, vulnerability and creativity, combined with appropriate humour and gravity, the young person will be likely to have an experience of acceptance and one that values and honours uniqueness.