Are you looking to work in a career with more flexibility and a better work-life balance? A career in counseling can be your calling. If you are an active listener, have compassion and good judgment, and enjoy problem-solving, counseling may be the right profession for you. Some people feel “awakened” by this profession. They have a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves and help others in need.
David Hutchinson, Professor of Counselling, says:
“Many people choose to become counselors later in life because they are looking for meaning that their previous career may not have been able to offer them. By connecting with others and helping each other through difficult times, they can find the sense of accomplishment and inner purpose they were looking for.”
You might wonder, what does a counselor do?
A counselor’s job is to help people identify and solve their problems; to help clients overcome issues related to negative and harmful emotions and thoughts. Counselors exist to help people who need advice in difficult times. So it’s a great field for people who enjoy working with and helping others.
A professional counselor is a registered psychotherapist who assesses and diagnoses people with life, stress, and mental health problems.
- Counselors develop a professional relationship with their clients and help them deal with issues that affect their health, mental being, well-being, and happiness.
- A competent counselor must have strong interpersonal skills, especially empathy, honesty, acceptance, and a willingness to help others. Clients may need help with career, relationship, or mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
- Because of clients’ sensitive nature, they need a counselor who respects confidentiality and can be trusted.
To help you, we’ve listed six reasons why you should consider studying counseling:
- You are looking for an in-demand profession
According to Health Times, employment for consultants is expected to grow very strongly, with around 30,000 consultants working in the sector by 2021, up from 15,000 in 2005. There are many opportunities for improvement in the consulting industry, especially as it is expected to grow significantly. After graduation in a related field, you can enroll yourself in an online master’s in counseling to gain more knowledge as you complete experience requirements for licensure. As a counselor, you shall also find yourself in a well-paid industry. The average annual salary for a full-time counselor is $62,706, and you can expect to have room for promotion and the opportunity to start your own business.
- You want to make a positive change and do some meaningful work
A career in counseling allows you to make a positive change both in your own life and in the lives of others. The profession in itself can be rewarding. Everyone has problems to overcome in their daily lives, and counselors are invaluable to those who need emotional support. When tensions arise in life, people often choose to speak to a counselor who can give them direction, support, and guidance. You will be doing meaningful work and acquiring fundamental tools to help real people in the real world.
- You want flexibility in your career
A career in counseling is exceptionally flexible. The average working week for a counselor typically includes 35 hours. This makes it an excellent option for people looking for a flexible career because you can plan your clients around your current job and desired work-life balance.
- You have strong philanthropisttendencies
One of the reasons you should choose the counseling profession is that you have a strong desire to help others and help people with daily predicaments. You can study counseling to formally validate your existing skills or learn consultancy skills to complement your daily work. For example, suppose you are currently working in a profession that requires counseling skills – such as teaching, nursing, organizational behavior, etc. A new certification will provide you with the additional skills you need to provide support feel supported.
- You are a good listener
You find that others are often relieved when they confide in you. You have an innate skill and urge to empathize with others and understand the importance of confidentiality. The ability to listen carefully and impartially to people’s hopes and fears is a necessary skill for counselors. Still, your natural talent can be honed and taught in university courses that teach you what to say and when to say it. But at times, you may still feel as though you don’t know what to say. A good course on how to become mental health counselor will teach you what to say and when to say it, especially when advising patients.
- You like meeting new people
As a counselor, you must have to meet and work with people from all walks of life. Not only do you need to enjoy working with people, but you also need to be open to working with different types of people. To be an accomplished counselor, it is crucial to have knowledge and experience in multicultural skills and to have a multicultural perspective. You have to honestly understand your clients, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. In that case, you should consider a career in counseling.
Conclusion
You relish helping people and decide you want to consider studying counseling. In that case, the next step is to determine what courses are available. There are many different types of qualifications in counseling, with varying times of study and options. Of course, completing an online degree comes with the added perk of simultaneously gathering relevant work experience. It is essential to stay loyal to the reason why you choose counseling as a profession. Helping others is undoubtedly a gratifying experience and one that comes with enormous moral and social responsibility.
