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What does a Family Counselor do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A family counselor is a professional who helps families resolve conflicts and improve communication. They may also provide individual counseling to help members of the family deal with personal issues.

Family Counselor job duties include:

  • Build and maintain positive relationships with clients.
  • Encourage clients to discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Help clients develop coping and problem-solving skills.
  • Explore family dynamics with clients.
  • Provide support to clients experiencing difficult life transitions.
  • Facilitate communication between family members.
  • Refer clients to community resources as needed.
  • Document client progress and update treatment plans as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with ethical guidelines.

Family Counselor Job Requirements

A family counselor is a professional who helps families work through the challenges they are facing. They may work with couples who are experiencing marital problems, parents who are struggling to raise their children, or families who are dealing with a death or other major life event. To be a family counselor, you will need at least a master's degree in counseling or a related field. You will also need to be certified by the American Counseling Association. In most states, you will also need to have several years of experience working with families before you can become a licensed family counselor.

Family Counselor Skills

  • Listening
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Active Listening
  • Relationship Management
  • Flexibility
  • Cultural Competence
  • Self-Awareness
  • Stress Management
  • Crisis Management

Related: Top Family Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Family Counselor

There are many different types of counselors, but family counselors work with families and couples to help them improve communication and resolve conflict. If you want to become a family counselor, you will need to have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. You will also need to complete a supervised internship or practicum. Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to obtain a license in the state where you plan to practice.

Most family counselors work in private practice, but some also work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. If you want to start your own private practice, you will need to obtain malpractice insurance and set up your business. You may also want to consider joining a professional organization such as the American Counseling Association.

Related: Family Counselor Resume Example

Related: Family Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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