Self-introduction generally includes name, training background, school orientation, and professional experience.

Things that seem simple are often difficult for novice counselors. Because lack of experience is the weakness of novice counselors, if there is no practice related to self-introduction, novice counselors are likely to secretly skip this step.

The reason for this tendency is not that novice consultants want to deliberately hide something, but more because they want to avoid risks and dare not bring their lack of experience to the table for communication. You may be questioned and find it difficult to carry out the next work.

However, one of the functions of psychological counseling is to develop flexible and diverse coping abilities instead of blindly avoiding them. Knowing "what to do" is far more realistic than "not letting it happen".

There is nothing wrong with lack of experience in itself. Masters have also come through step by step. There is no need for novice consultants to feel guilty because they have no experience. Moreover, apologetic behavior and attitude will also cause the client to lose trust in the counselor. Find appropriate coping methods and become proficient in them, so that you can have more confidence to carry out consulting work.

Here I would like to share an excerpt from the "Systematic Family Therapy" course taught by Liu Dan and Li Songwei: "I am a novice counselor, I am learning, and I have a senior counselor to supervise me. , he guides my work at any time. If there is anything inappropriate in the consultation, please tell me."

Students were divided into two groups in class and practiced saying the above sentence repeatedly. After a short period of practice, everyone felt less shy and apologetic, and became more confident, calm, and even shameless. By openly admitting your shortcomings and turning passivity into initiative, your confidence will naturally come out.

Confidence does not come from ignorance, but from self-awareness of one’s own ignorance and the courage to admit it.