ASSERTIVE STYLE OF CLIENT INTERACTION AS A FACTOR IN THE FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL REPUTATION OF A COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST

Abstract

The article presents a theoretical and empirical investigation of the assertive style of client interaction as a factor in the formation of professional reputation of a counseling psychologist. The relevance of the study is determined by the increasing demands for professional competence, ethical conduct, and communicative culture of mental health professionals in the context of digital transparency and the competitive environment of the psychological services market. A theoretical analysis of scholarly approaches to the concepts of «reputation», «image», and «authority» has been conducted, and their interrelationship within the structure of the psychologistʼs professional status has been identified. Assertiveness is conceptualized as an integrative personal-behavioral characteristic of professional competence that synthesizes cognitive, emotional-volitional, and behavioral components. The empirical findings indicate that assertiveness is predominantly interpreted by practitioners as the capacity for confident expression of oneʼs professional position while maintaining respect for the client. The study identified key behavioral indicators of assertiveness in professional interaction: maintenance of professional boundaries, active listening, and constructive responding to client requests. It has been empirically confirmed that stability, consistency, openness, and empathy of the psychologist serve as determinants of client trust. Barriers to the implementation of assertive behavior in counseling practice have been identified. Based on the obtained results, methodological recommendations for the development of an assertive interaction style have been formulated. The study concludes that assertiveness constitutes a strategic resource for the professional development of a counseling psychologist, which determines the quality of counseling practice and ensures the stability of the professionalʼs reputation.