The word “counsel” is often associated with general advice and guidance, but many feel that is an oversimplification of the term. The American Counseling Association (ACA) looks at professional counseling as something more—a “professional relationship that empowers.” Those who stand to benefit from the guidance of counselors can be individuals, families, or certain groups, such as those who deal with addictions and various aspects of mental health-related issues.
Counselors work with their clients to facilitate an “application of mental health, psychological or human development principles” to accomplish various goals, according to the ACA, which may include:
- Career
- Education
- Mental health
- Wellness
Counseling Career Duties
Listening to the problems of others is just the start of what counseling career professionals do. They also assess a patient’s needs, source behavioral problems or disorders, and develop plans of action to confront issues. A career counselor may be involved in social work and community involvement at the personal level. They may also be called upon to create policy and aid businesses in the hiring and management of potential or existing employees.
Counseling career professionals are able to assist others and usually possess a passion for doing so. However, these pros are careful to maintain a professional relationship when interacting with and aiding clients. This aspect of the job is perhaps the most important as counselors often work with deep-seated personal issues and behavioral disorders that can challenge the counselor-client relationship. It also helps to have a genuine affection for people and helping them overcome their problems. Counselors often specialize in guidance and career, marriage and family, mental health, rehabilitation or substance abuse counseling.
Counseling Career Motivating Factors
Those who possess a counselor’s mindset are often motivated into their career choices by the need to help others. And according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), others desperately need the help. With 25% of American adults past the age of 18 suffering from a mental disorder of some kind and 1/17 of the general population diagnosed with a serious mental illness, the demand is great.
In addition to the demand, the freedom to set one’s own hours and work in a positive and uplifting environment help steer candidates toward the profession. A counseling career could mean:
- Working for government to develop policies that protect and assist the disabled
- Helping at-risk children or disabled adults through social service organizations
- Aiding private specialty clinics or building their own practice
With more than 60% of all psychologists working in their own practice, independence can be a rather large motivating factor. However, if you’re not interested in mixing the pressures of counseling with running your own business, you can always find work in hospitals and clinics, detention facilities, schools, universities, or rehab centers.
Counseling Jobs in the Community
Counselors may also work within the context of community to address areas of need such as housing and crime reduction. They can consult with community leaders to develop an action plan for enhanced resources and community growth. The Boys and Girls Club is one such agency that often employs career counselors in an effort to create programs that benefit children in the community and keep them away from criminal elements.
Counseling Careers: The Private Sector
Human resource departments rely on the expertise of a counselor to identify the best candidates for a position or build a better corporate culture. By focusing on the needs of the employee — in much the same way community counselors focus on community—a business can improve morale and increase productivity among those in its employ.
To find the right degree for you, explore our directory of Counseling degree programs. You may also be interested in our guides to other counseling specialties, including:
