Abstract:

In this research, we examined how characteristics related to alexithymia, communication abilities, and empathy levels among aspiring counselors correlate, and whether these alexithymic traits vary across different demographic factors. Our study involved 201 students enrolled in Guidance and Psychological Counseling programs across various universities during the academic years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, with 154 female and 47 male participants. We utilized the Communication Skills Scale, Basic Empathy Scale, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Turkish Form as assessment tools. Our findings revealed that counselor candidates exhibiting strong communication skills and empathy tend to exhibit lower levels of alexithymia. As communication and empathy abilities improve, alexithymic traits tend to diminish. Interestingly, gender and whether participants had received psychological assistance did not significantly influence alexithymic characteristics; however, participation in communication courses did affect these traits. To deliver effective psychological counseling, it's imperative for counselors to not only understand and express their own emotions but also to perceive the emotions of others. Therefore, emphasizing the development of skills such as emotional recognition and expression, communication, and empathy during the training of counselor candidates is crucial.

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