Identify any two of the counselling features you find interesting and any two reasons why you find them useful in providing efficient service.

1. Active Listening: This is a key feature of counselling that I find very interesting. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding and then remembering what is being said. It's not just about hearing the words, but also understanding and interpreting the underlying emotions, thoughts and feelings.

Why it's useful: Active listening is crucial in counselling because it helps the counsellor to understand the client's perspective and to build a trusting relationship. It also allows the counsellor to identify any underlying issues that the client may not be able to express directly.

2. Empathy: This is another feature of counselling that I find fascinating. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. In counselling, it's about putting yourself in the client's shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.

Why it's useful: Empathy is important in counselling because it helps the client to feel understood and validated. This can help to build a strong therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for effective counselling. It also helps the counsellor to understand the client's feelings and experiences, which can guide the counselling process.