Are you stuck in a job that you do not really like? Are you looking for a career in which you can help others? Some people will never be completely fulfilled in a typical, traditional career. These people long to make a difference in the lives of others. If you are this type of person, perhaps you should consider a career in counseling.
The stresses of modern day life are mounting. Divorce, step-parenting, depression and anxiety are common difficulties that many people face every day. Many times people are at a loss about how to handle these problems and need the help of a trusted adviser to help them manage.
What Does It Take to Be a Good Counselor?
1. Counselors Should Be Good Listeners
Many times what troubled people really need is simply a listening ear. It has been said that a good counselor does not give a client all the answers to their problems. A good counselor simply asks the right questions, so that the client can see the answers for himself. You do not have to know the solutions to every situation. Sometimes no excellent solution exists, but by providing a listening ear, a counselor can help others figure out the best way of working through an issue.
2. Counselors Should Be Caring and Compassionate
It is hard to take advice from someone who doesn’t care about you. Good counselors can communicate that they truly care about the people who come into the office. When clients understand that a counselor cares for them and wants to help with their problems, they can more easily accept some of the hard truths in their lives. A compassionate counselor will be able to tell a client things that other people in the client’s life have been trying to say for years.
3. Counselors Should Communicate Well
A good counselor should be able to say exactly what they mean, so that no misunderstandings are created. Of course, tact is important, but a good counselor can walk the fine line between stating the blunt, cold truth and avoiding conflict altogether. A good counselor will not whitewash the truth, but will state it in a positive way that helps clients find the solutions to the problems that they face.
What Training Does It Take to Be a Counselor?
If you want to be a counselor, you should have a bachelor’s degree in a counseling related field, such as psychology, sociology or human development. An additional two years of college will allow you to earn a master’s degree in counseling. The classes that you take in college should teach you about child development and good counseling techniques, so that you will be fully prepared to help your clients.
After receiving a master’s degree, you will need to work for two years under a licensed counselor in order to be eligible for licensing. After you pass the licensing exam, you will then be able to work independently.
What Are Some Different Types of Counselors?
The jobs available for a licensed counselor vary widely. You could counsel people fighting drug and alcohol addictions, or you could help people in struggling marriages. If you want to help children, you could be a child counselor or a school guidance counselor. If you have a heart for the elderly, you may want to help counsel the older generation as they face disabilities or nursing home care.
Counseling is a wonderful field for anyone who loves people and enjoys helping them. A good counselor can change the life of a needy person. By becoming a counselor, your life will become more fulfilling as you pursue the dream of making a difference in the lives of others.
Jessie Patterson is a school counselor and content contributor for bestmastersincounseling.com, a site exploring the best online masters in counseling colleges as well as the top MS in Counseling rankings.