The author describes characteristics of effective counselors. What is he encouraging readers to do?

The author encourages readers to develop personal concepts of essential personality traits for growth, emphasizing that self-awareness and understanding of one's own characteristics are key elements in becoming an effective counselor. By focusing on the development of these traits, the author is promoting an ongoing process of introspection and personal growth that is crucial in the helping professions.

This perspective highlights the idea that the effectiveness of counselors does not solely depend on having a set checklist of qualities, but rather on an individual's ability to continuously assess and improve upon their own traits. This personal development can lead to more meaningful interactions with clients and ultimately contribute to better counseling outcomes.

A focus on personal growth encourages counselors to adapt and evolve, allowing them to better meet the diverse needs of those they serve. This nurturing of essential personality traits fosters resilience, empathy, and effective communication, all of which are vital in a counseling context.