Problem:
"John, a 30-year-old man, is a new student in MACP program and seems eager to start the learning process. John has been through a traumatic background of abuse and neglect, suffered from addiction problems in the past, and now he works in an addiction clinic. In an introduction to an ethics course, John wrote that he would be "the best counsellor because he understood what his clients was going through, regardless of culture, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation." He also wrote, "I'm proud of my past struggles, and no one is perfect; however, I already know how to give advice; I just need a degree to confirm that I am fit to be registered as a counsellor".
1. How John might improve self-awareness of biases he holds?
2. Does a counsellor need self-awareness to practice ethically? As well, how do you think a counsellor in training might increase their self-awareness following the code of ethics?