There are not many careers as fulfilling as becoming a personal counselor. According to a survey by the University of Chicago, the helping professions were the ones in which the most workers felt satisfied. Being a counselor also carries a great deal of responsibility because of the potential influence you can have on people’s lives.
Meet the Educational Requirements for Counselors
Perhaps you are wondering how to become a counselor. What kind of training do you need in order to become a licensed professional counselor? Ultimately, that depends on the kind of counseling you plan to do. For example, if you want to become a marriage counselor, family counselor, mental health counselor, or school guidance counselor, you should seek training in psychology or personal interaction along with coursework in sociology and child and/or adult development. You can major in any subject area, but it may be best to major in an area that will provide a solid basis for your future work—good examples include a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work or communications. In addition to this, spiritual counselors can pursue more education in theology, metaphysics, philosophy or studies in their Scriptures as well. Most counselors have a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas. You will also need to go for a master’s degree in counseling, again, with an emphasis of study in your chosen specialty. For example, if you wish to be a mental health counselor, you will take courses focusing on psychology and psychiatric disorders. If you wish to be a family or marriage counselor, you may take more coursework in mediation and anger management.
Get Specialized Training in Various Types of Counseling
For some more specialized types of counseling, you will need additional training in your specific field. Financial counselors, debt counselors or credit counselors need financial training and expertise. Career counselors and substance abuse counselors also need to specialize in areas appropriate to their work. Substance abuse counselors need a background in medicine and health as well.
Of course, the challenge is finding this education at an affordable price. Many universities offer majors in these areas or even special degrees designed for counselors. Another way to get an excellent education at an affordable cost is through online degree programs. This option gives counselors the ability to attend classes while still working enough hours to earn a living. One of the greatest benefits of studying online to be a counselor is that your education is extremely flexible. You can move through classes faster if you have time and opportunity, or you can work through each course at your own pace. Finally, you can continue your education from anywhere without losing mobility or being tied to a specific place.
Fortunately, online counseling degrees are becoming far more common, and the options available are amazingly broad. You should be able to find classes that suit your needs, regardless of the type of counselor you hope to become. Start by making a list of characteristics a counselor must have to become a wonderful counselor in the area of your interest. As stated, in nearly every case, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree; in most cases, you will also need a master’s degree in order to be able to command the best positions and a higher salary. Most online counselor training programs offer numerous options that will help you reach your goals.
Another option is certification as a counselor. In many states, this limits what sort of counseling you can do, but it can be used as a “stepping stone” before you get your bachelor’s degree.
One of the keys to success in online counseling classes is consistency, so make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. As you finish one class, move on to another, and steadily move closer to your goal. You will see the rewards of your own effort as you continue toward an online degree, and the people you counsel will see it even more clearly. Another important factor in becoming a successful counselor is to be a good listener—and to be non-judgmental while you listen.
Deciding between the various specialties in counseling can be difficult. As you go through the educational process, see if you can be mentored or arrange to shadow a working counselor. The different areas of counseling may require different preparations—to work as a marriage counselor may be quite different than working as a rehabilitation counselor! Try and experience as many different settings as possible—a counselor may work in a hospital, a private clinic or for a government agency.
Understand the Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Salaries vary depending on the specific area of your expertise. Total salary for mental health counselors ranges for about $28,000 to $60,000. For marriage and family counseling, the average salary is about $47,000. The employment opportunities for various types of counselors are expected to grow faster than the average of most occupations—the government estimates for growth in the counseling field range from 14-24%.
Counseling in any specific field can be a demanding—but highly rewarding career. If you are successful, you have the potential to impact many individuals in a short amount of time. If you enjoy working with people to help solve problems, a career in counseling may be for you.