What should counselors do when they recognize their own biases impacting their work?

When counselors recognize that their own biases are influencing their work, seeking supervision and actively working to address and mitigate those biases is the most appropriate course of action. This approach emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and professional growth within the counseling profession.

Addressing biases is crucial as they can significantly affect the counselor-client relationship and the effectiveness of the counseling process. By seeking supervision, counselors can gain insights from more experienced colleagues, reflect on their biases in a constructive manner, and develop strategies to ensure that they do not negatively impact their counseling practice. This commitment to continual professional development not only helps the counselor but also enhances the support they provide to their students, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Additionally, engaging in this process allows counselors to model appropriate behavior to students about the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, reinforcing the value of addressing one's own limitations proactively. This proactive stance contributes to better outcomes for students and upholds the ethical standards set forth in the ASCA guidelines.