Unlocking Your Best Self: How Counselling Shapes A Positive Personality
By Dr Hazrul Hizam Karim
Personality is a unique characteristic that distinguishes each individual, playing a crucial role in shaping how we interact with the world around us. The development of a positive personality requires a deep understanding of oneself, resolution of internal conflicts, and the development of social skills.
An individual’s personality is often likened to a unique brushstroke that colours each page of life. The formation of a positive personality is a journey involving various elements, and this is where the role of counselling becomes increasingly important. In this context, counselling plays a crucial role as a tool to guide individuals towards a balanced and positive personality.
Among the elements that can contribute to the formation of a more positive personality are the following:
Self-Understanding: Counselling provides a harmonious platform where individuals can explore and understand various aspects of themselves. Counsellors assist individuals in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and values that form the foundation of their personality. With a deeper understanding of oneself, individuals can make better decisions and adjust their actions and reactions according to the situational context.
Resolution of Internal Conflicts: Internal conflicts such as anxiety, fear or uncertainty can hinder the formation of a positive personality. Through counselling sessions, individuals are guided to recognise and address these conflicts. Counsellors help individuals find appropriate solutions, opening the door to better personal development.
Development of Social Skills: A positive personality is not limited to personal traits alone but also involves how individuals interact with others. Counselling aids in the development of social skills such as communication, empathy, and conflict management. This is crucial in shaping a personality capable of positive interactions within society.
Guiding Lifelong Learning: Personal development and lifelong learning are essential elements in shaping a dynamic and positive personality. Counselling can act as a motivator for individuals to constantly seek new learning opportunities, explore interests and hobbies, and develop themselves through new experiences and knowledge.
Honesty with Oneself: Counselling provides a safe space for individuals to speak and accept the reality of themselves. This process encourages self-honesty and acceptance of weaknesses. By being honest with oneself, individuals can understand the need for personal change and growth.
Social Support: Counselling also builds positive social support. The relationship with a counsellor provides individuals access to supportive resources and external perspectives that may not be available in their regular social environment. This support is crucial in providing confidence and encouragement for individuals in their efforts to form a positive personality.
By understanding and appreciating the role of counselling in the formation of a positive personality, individuals can open doors to various learning opportunities and personal development. Counsellors, as faithful companions, can provide the guidance and support needed to help individuals achieve a balanced, positive, and dynamic personality.
OUM offers the Master in Counselling programme under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. Suitable for those interested in advancing their education in the field of counselling, this programme aims to produce graduates with professional skills and knowledge in counselling while training more qualified counsellors according to the standards and requirements of the Malaysian Counsellor Board.
