Therapist/coach qualities

The capacity for deep listening and observation

Beyond techniques, the effectiveness of the professional lies in his or her quality of presence.

A competent therapist listens much more than he/she speaks, resisting the urge to demonstrate intelligence or fill silences.

This listening is not passive; it is a total immersion in the world of the other, free of one's own agenda.

Moreover, it requires a keen observational ability to read what is not said in words.

Detecting a subtle change in posture, a hesitation in the voice or a facial micro-expression allows the professional to pick up on incongruities or hidden emotions that are vital to the process.

It is the ability to listen to the "music" behind the words, interpreting body language as a map of the client's internal state.

Compassion, honesty, and non-judgment.

Compassion is the ethical driver of the intervention; it implies a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of the other and promote their well-being, always acting in their best interest and not to satisfy the therapist's ego. This compassion must be accompanied by rigorous but gentle honesty.

The effective practitioner does not lie to artificially make the client feel good; if he or she observes destructive patterns or unrealistic goals, he or she has a duty to reflect that reality, but to do so from a supportive rather than a critical stance.

Nonjudgment is critical: the therapeutic space must be a sanctuary where shame dissolves, allowing the truth to come out without fear of moral condemnation.

Genuine interest and rapport building

The technique fails if there is no real human bond. Genuine interest cannot be faked; clients have a very fine radar to detect fakery.

The practitioner must cultivate a genuine curiosity about the human experience in front of him or her, finding aspects that he or she can value and respect in each individual.

When the client perceives that the therapist truly cares about his or her success and well-being, rapport or attunement is established. This emotional connection is the strongest predictor of therapeutic success.

It is not about being a friend, but about being an