Corey, Corey, and Corey (2018) provide a comprehensive list of personal qualities that are inherent within effective group counsellors: courage; willingness to model; presence; goodwill, genuineness, and a caring nature; belief in the effectiveness of group process; openness; non-defensiveness when facing criticism; awareness of subtle cultural issues; ability to identify and sit with clients in their suffering; personal power; stamina; commitment to maintain self-care; self-awareness; sense of humour; inventiveness; personal dedication and commitment through perseverance.

Corey, Corey, and Corey (2018) reiterated the need for group leaders to always respond to members in ways that demonstrate genuine respect, ensuring that their dignity remains intact. This is an area of intentional focus as I recognize my need to develop thicker skin. Recognizing my sensitive nature, I took steps to begin my own personal work as I was internalizing criticism, taking things too personally. Through my own therapeutic process, I have been able to recognize when things are my issue and am able to separate when conflict is deflected, having nothing to do with me. Now, I am in a place of being able to pick up what is mine to own or leave what is not mine on the table and walk away.

Group counselling can be emotionally exhausting and psychologically taxing, especially when working with mandated clients. Running groups with a co-leader helps to provide balance and preserve energy, however it is important to maintain self-awareness and respond appropriately when energy becomes depleted. Moreover, warnings of depleted stamina must be respected for what it is – this is not a sign of failure within the leader; only of humanness (Corey, Corey, and Corey, 2018).

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter

and good humour. ~ Charles Dickens

Group counsellors inspire connection, belonging, and healing in others through their willingness to share themselves and be real. Being spontaneous, flexible, and light heartedness fosters an atmosphere where trust and equality flourish. It is important to be mindful when integrating humour into clinical practice as like all words, they have the potential to help, but they also can harm. Although humour typically evokes positive reactions, it can do the opposite and be misinterpreted. Be sensitive and adjust playful approaches as necessary to ensure they are being received as intended; for healing (Corey et al., 2018).