Every time people feel down and need some assistance they approach certain individuals who are well adept at dealing with such issues, these people are known as counselors. There are many fields in which the counseling has flourished and helped several people across age groups to come out of their mental block. For the students or youngster planning on becoming counselor it’s better to make up your mind early and get down to work. This is a very specialized field that requires efforts from people wishing to make a career, below tips can be of help for you.
Decide Early and choose the field
If you plan to be a counselor then take a decision early so that there is enough time to reflect on it. Then choosing early is also beneficial as there is another important decision as to which field of counseling specialization you want to make a career in. The niche has to be decided where in the counseling expertise has to be gained. There are basically countless counselors working already out there and you want to stand out among them all, so plan early for the same. Accordingly identify the training that is required for you to excel in your choice of field.
Get your training and degrees
Don’t lag behind in studies as it important here to possess sound knowledge before coming in the field. Also aim for the specific training that can help you attain insight in the field of interest like family or mental counseling. The graduate and post graduate degrees also hold enough relevance, so better get done with them in time to avoid any delays.
Be a know-it-all
Although, this might particularly sound contrasting to the above point of being a specialized counselor, but be sure you are a thorough enough generalist too. This is necessary as the people who may seek your guidance themselves are unaware of the issues they face in life. Many a times it so happens that while counseling for an issue another one pops out of nowhere. So to handle such situations, there is need to be prepared.
Have your network ready
Even after being a generalist do you need other counselors in contact? Certainly, there is a difference between general and expert guidance. In case the counsel is in need for some expert advice then there is no way that for every field you can provide it. Better to have some local counselor’s number handy to refer when required. There is a limit to which you can assist a person in matters not of your expertise, so it is of great importance to recognize where to draw the line and get them to experts. Slightest of delays can cause the person irreparable loss.
Develop your theory
Having your own theory is a must for any counselor, yet it is equally essential to make one after thorough processing. There is no need to jump to conclusions when you can actually wait and see how it works out in the end. Make a note of all possible theories that come your way before zeroing in on the one. Typecasting can potentially thwart your natural growth as a counselor, avoid it.
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