Dealing with people who have an unhealthy state of mind is definitely not a walk in the park. Being a counselor can therefore be a difficult job, because it is only people with problems that seek counseling. But that is the very job of a counseling professional, and if you have prepared well for your clients everything should go ok.

The most important thing you need to remember is not to let your clients' negativity rub off on your own self. Even at times when your client feels like verbally fighting back at you for a suggestion you may have made, you need to remain calm and composed, and show him the error of his ways in a suitable fashion maybe at a later time. If you feel you do not have the patience to remain composed even when some one else is provoking you, then maybe this profession is not for you.

Here are some of the qualities of a good stress management counselor:

A. Remain positive and keep a smile on your face: Remember that your client has come to meet you because he has a problem with his life. Never lose your composure and appear to be affected negatively by any negative thing he may have to relate to you. If you start agreeing with people's negative attitudes then how will you turn those attitudes around? So keep smiling, without appearing too casual as well.

B. Be a good listener: Do not monopolize the conversation when the client is relating a story to you. Only interrupt when there is absolute need to get some more information. Most people who are grieved feel much better when they share their story with you, and it is not easy to talk about problems. So let the person have his say before you start asking too many questions.

C. Does not become a judge of the clients' character: Even when you feel that you can pass a judgment, don't. As a stress manager that is not your duty. Your duty is to help the client to pass his own judgment. Give all information, spell it out for him, but let his word be the final word for his life.

Friendship with the clients is ok, but do not become so close to the person that you let it affect your thought process. Although you do pass a judgment in your mind from time to time but do not say it, it is important for your own plan of action to help the client with his issue. So maintain a professional distance without being too distant either. A good counselor should seem approachable at all times.