Psychological Fitness.

CITs can demonstrate self-reflection and self-care in many ways, including taking time to reflect on weekly individual supervision feedback and analyzing of recorded sessions. Both of these practices can help a counselor-in-training can become more aware of the areas of growth they can work on increasing their skills. It is also crucial for a CIT to take care of their own mental health, including frequent personal check-ins to ensure that they are well and then taking the time to address areas that may need more care.

Cultural Diversity.

Counselors-in-training can further embrace cultural diversity by making time to continue learning more about different cultures and belief systems, especially those that are different from their own. By acknowledging their shortcomings and biases, CITs are able to better prepare to honor the cultural diversity of their clients.

Genuiness.

Counselors-in-training can meet each of their clients with genuineness and authenticity, both of which will assist their clients in the counseling process. Having honest, open communication with clients can help to facilitate positive growth and progress during the counseling journey.

Flexibility.

Flexibility is an essential part of a counselor-in-training's toolkit for ensuring client's receive the best possible care during their treatment process. CIT's can help maintain flexibility by keeping an open mind to create treatment plans and sessions that meet client's individual needs and goals.

Self-awareness.

Counselors-in-training can become more self-aware in numerous ways. One way of increasing self-awareness is taking frequent opportunities to meditate and journal. Another is to take the feedback given by peers and supervisors and take time to recognize the areas that they can grow in. It is also crucial that CITs work to recognize areas of theirselves that could potentially lead to countertransference, or how their biases may show up in their practice.

Patience.

Patience is an essential part of becoming a CIT, as clinicians will work will many different individuals with many different challenges. Clients seek guidance and assistance from their clinicians, and it is crucial that counselors-in-training work to ensure their continued patience with their clients during their treatment.

Empathy.

Counselors-in-training have an important role to play for clients, and empathy plays an essential role. CIT's can increase their empathy by continuing supervision, as well as fostering a space of understanding and kindness for all clients. While clinicians will undoubtedly have views and values that differ from their clients, it is essential that they continue to seek to meet them with curiousity and empathy.

Amiability.

Amiability is an essential part of the work of a counselor-in-training. To increase amiability, it is crucial that a CIT takes care of their own mental health through engaging in self-care and continuing training to help guide themselves during challenging situations.

Acceptance.

Acceptance is a crucial part of being a CIT in many different ways. Part of the work of counseling is being able to provide acceptance and understanding to different populations while working with them on their counseling journey. In addition, acceptance is crucial for CITs when given constructive criticism by supervisors, as this can help them to become stronger, more effective clinicians in the future.

Professional Identity.

A large part of the professional identity of a counselor-in-training is found in continued supervision and application of the ACA Code of Ethics in practice. Using feedback given during supervision can help a CIT to ensure they are offering their clients the best level of care.