1. Introduction To Helping Relationships
PowerPoint produced by Melinda Haley, M.S., New Mexico State University.
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2. Characteristics of Helpers
Descriptions of Effective Helpers
They identify with people rather than with things.
They have a capacity to cope.
They are warm and accessible.
They inspire confidence and trust.
They are mature.
They are actualized.
They are high-functioning.
They care deeply about others.
They are compassionate.
They act to remedy injustice.
They are human.
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They are warm and accessible instead of “They are friendly”
They care deeply about others instead of “about self and others”
They are high functioning instead of “well-functioning”

3. Characteristics of Helpers
Five Levels of Functioning
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A high level of empathy is taking place
Level Five
An adequate amount of empathy is taking place
Level Four
A minimum amount of empathy is taking place
Level Three
A little empathy is taking place
Level Two
No empathy is taking place
Level One

4. Characteristics of Helpers
More On The Levels Of Functioning
The constructs of respect, regard, genuineness, concreteness, and warmth can also be scaled on the same five levels.
If the helper’s level of functioning is high on these traits regarding important facilitative conditions, then constructive changes are more likely to take place.
A low level of functioning on these constructs means constructive changes are less likely to take place and can actually have destructive consequences.
If the helper is on the same level as the helpee then no change is likely to take place.
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5. Characteristics of Helpers
Helping and the Helper-Lifestyle
Helper traits are genuine and are not “tricks” or “techniques” that the helper turns on or off. Helper traits can be learned.
Helpers continuously evaluate their own life in relationship to goals, plans and personal values. Helpers can develop their innate traits in order to become even more compassionate and caring.
Helpers seek revitalizing opportunities to prevent burnout.
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For item 2, I’d add: “Helpers can develop their innate traits in order to become even more compassionate and caring.”

6. Characteristics of Helpers
Match Making
Compatibility between helper and helpee is an important aspect in the success of a helping relationship.
This is especially true for cultural and ethnic difference factors.
While helpers do not have to be of the same race or culture, effective helpers communicate understanding and respect.
Cultural sensitivity on the part of the helper can help diminish the barriers to cross-cultural helping.
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Take out the heart which signals romance and is inappropriate.

7. Characteristics of Helpers
Facilitator of Growth
Essential conditions for helping to be successful:
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Helper Warmth
And Caring
Helper
Openness
Helper
Empathy
Intentionality
Communication
Competence
Helper Positive
Regard and
Respect
Helper
Concreteness
And Specificity

8. Characteristics of Helpers
The Continuum of Responsibility
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High Responsibility
High Responsibility
H e l p e r
Beginning of the relationship
Ending of the relationship
H e l p e e
Low Responsibility
Low Responsibility

9. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Awareness of self and values.
Awareness of cultural experiences.
Ability to analyze one’s own feelings.
Ability to be a model and influence.
Ability to be altruistic and compassionate.
Ownership of a strong sense of ethics.
Ability to be responsible for one’s own actions.
Ability to serve as a catalyst for empowerment.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”

10. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Awareness of self and values:
Self-awareness helps protect the client from helpers inadvertently projecting their values onto the helpee.
Helps identify whether or not a helper is judging a helpee by a social or cultural norm.
Guides helping in that it allows the helper to be aware of what he or she believes regarding human nature and change.
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11. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Awareness of Cultural Experiences:
Effective helpers are aware of life experiences other than their own.
Understanding cultural differences helps eliminate the fear of being rejected by the helpee.
Effective helpers are aware of their own ethnocentric, racist or stereotypical views.
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12. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Ability to Analyze the Helper’s Own Feelings
Effective helpers are aware of, and in control of, their own feelings.
Effective helpers recognize common feelings associated with helping (e.g. fear, disappointment, elation, confusion etc).
Effective helpers are able to deal with their own confusion and accept that they do not have all the answers.
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13. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Ability to be a model and influence:
Helpers model socially adaptive behaviors to helpees.
Controversy surrounds whether or not helpers should live fulfilling lives. The validity of their work may be challenged if they do not (e.g. happy marriages, well-adjusted kids, no scrapes with the law).
Practice what you preach.
Social influence theory plays a role in effective helping.
Helpers are able to form clear boundaries.
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14. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Ability to be altruistic and compassionate:
Helpers often receive benefits from helping.
Effective helpers often identify with people and humanity rather than with things and narcissistic endeavors.
Helpers help because they truly care.
Effective helpers are open to feedback from clients regarding their own motive for helping.
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15. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Ownership of a strong sense of ethics:
Valuing the helpee’s welfare will help to ensure no harm is done.
Beliefs about human nature guides helper actions.
Ethical helpers act in such a way as to maintain the confidence of the helpee. Confidence is not betrayed.
Ethical helpers understand confidentiality, informed consent, keeping records, malpractice, competence, beneficence and nonmaleficence.
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16. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Responsibility: Whose is it?
There is debate as to who is responsible for the helping relationship: helper or helpee?
Most authorities view this as a shared responsibility.
The helpee is responsible for his or her own decisions.
The helper is responsible for presenting ideas, reactions, or support.
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Instead of “controversy” I’d say “debate”

17. Characteristics of Helpers
Personal Characteristics of Effective Helpers
Ability to serve as a catalyst for empowerment
A helper seeking to empower a helpee will form the relationship on trust, and shared power.
The helper does not “do for” the helpee as this strips away choice and power.
The helper’s goal is to guide the helpee into increasing his or her personal, interpersonal or political power.
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18. Introduction to Helping Relationships Presentation Resources
Brammer, L. M. & MacDonald, G. (1999). The helping relationship: Process and skills, 7th ed. Needham Heights, MA.: Allyn & Bacon.
Kottler, J. A. (2000). Nuts and bolts of helping, 1st ed. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
“Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2004”