At what level of counselor development is an individual characterized by high dependence on others?

The characterization of an individual with high dependence on others falls under Level One of counselor development. At this initial stage, counselors typically exhibit a significant reliance on supervisors and peers for guidance, support, and direction in their work. They may lack confidence in their abilities and often seek validation and reassurance when making decisions or handling client situations. This stage reflects a focus on learning foundational skills and understanding the counseling process, which inherently requires support from more experienced professionals.

Counselors at this level are often still grasping the complexities of the counseling relationship and may not yet have developed their own professional identity or a clear sense of autonomy. As they progress to higher levels, they will begin to demonstrate increased self-sufficiency and confidence, moving away from this dependence to embrace more independent and advanced practices.