Abstract

The underlying points of reference in the study was to obtain relevant information from modern and professional counselors in view of the societal understanding and interest, using the counseling services in their lifetime along with analysis of the  modern counseling system efficacy in the country. The two big institutions employing modern counseling systems were carefully chosen with purposeful selection of study sites. Qualitative study method was conducted, employing descriptive analysis of data. The tools used to gather information were interview, observation and focus group discussions with significant informants of the institutions. Based on the information collected from the informants, the study result disclosed that counseling is the tradition in Ethiopia, even if there was no effort made through higher institutions and the government to incorporate the cultural values of counseling in the education curriculum of the country. The institutions employing modern counseling systems were striving to apply the Westerners method without considering the local community practices that exploit their services. The question of engaging diverse language and multicultural interaction were underemphasized due to the adherent nature of the curriculum. The methods employed, techniques, and procedures used by the existing counseling systems were poorly organized and only functional as to achieve organizational objectives and procedures. It is concluded that locally developed techniques, methods and principles of counseling services could benefit the community greatly.

Key words: Westerners, approach, context, counseling, modern.