What does a Counselor do?
Published 4 min read
A counselor helps people with personal, social, and emotional problems.
Counselor job duties include:
- Act as a liaison between students and faculty
- Help students choose courses that fit their interests and abilities
- Assist students with college applications and financial aid forms
- Meet with students to discuss academic progress and goals
- Develop individualized plans to help struggling students improve their grades
- Connect students with campus resources like tutoring, mental health services, and career counseling
- Serve as a sounding board for students dealing with personal issues like homesickness, roommate problems, or family crisis
- Advocate for students’ needs within the college bureaucracy
- Help graduating seniors transition into life after college
Counselor Job Requirements
A Counselor is a professional who helps people with personal, social, and emotional problems. Counselors work in a variety of settings, including private practices, community mental health centers, hospitals, and schools. To become a Counselor, you will need to complete a Master's degree in Counseling from an accredited university. In addition, you will need to obtain certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Most states also require counselors to obtain a license. To maintain your license, you will need to complete continuing education credits each year.
Counselor Skills
- Communication
- Listening
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Nonverbal communication
- Questioning
- Reflection
- Counseling theories
- Psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Crisis intervention
Related: Top Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Counselor
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a counselor. Maybe they have a passion for helping others, or they have personal experience with mental health issues and want to help others who are going through similar experiences. Whatever the reason, becoming a counselor can be a rewarding and challenging career. Here are some steps to take if you're interested in becoming a counselor:
1. Get a degree in counseling or a related field. This is the first step to becoming a counselor. You'll need at least a master's degree to be eligible for most counseling positions, though some jobs may require a doctorate.
2. Complete an internship. Many counseling programs include an internship as part of the curriculum, but even if yours doesn't, it's worth seeking out an internship in a counseling setting. This will give you valuable real-world experience working with clients.
3. Get licensed or certified. In most states, counselors need to be licensed in order to practice. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but usually involve passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of supervised counseling experience.
4. Stay up to date on trends and developments in the field. Counseling is an ever-changing field, and it's important to keep up with new research and developments. Attend conferences and workshops, read professional journals, and stay active in professional organizations to make sure you're always learning and growing as a counselor.
Becoming a counselor can be a fulfilling way to help others while also challenges yourself professionally. By following these steps, you can begin your journey toward becoming a successful counselor
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