What is the term for the necessary quality of a counselor being in touch with reality and with others' perception of one's self?

The correct answer is congruence. This term refers to the alignment between an individual's self-perception and the perceptions of others, signifying a consistency between one's inner experiences and outward expressions. In the context of counseling, congruence is essential as it allows the counselor to be genuine and transparent with their clients, fostering trust and connection.

When a counselor is congruent, they are aware of their feelings and understand how those feelings may be perceived by others. This awareness helps create an atmosphere where clients feel understood and accepted, leading to more effective communication and healing.

In contrast, while empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, it does not necessarily encompass the awareness of one's perception by others. Authenticity is related to being true to oneself, but it may not always involve the same level of self-awareness concerning others' perceptions. Integrity focuses on ethical standards and honesty, which, while important in counseling, does not specifically capture the nuance of aligning personal and external perceptions as congruence does.