Professional counseling is the application of mental heath, psychological or human development principles, through cognitive, affective, behavioral or systemic interventions, strategies that address wellness, personal growth, or career development, as well as pathology. To prepare for this challenging career, professional counselors undergo extensive education and training. This includes at least a master's degree and field training with a solid foundation in human growth and development, career and lifestyle development, social and cultural foundations, group work, practice and internships. Professional counselors serve at all levels of schools and universities, in hospitals, mental health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, correctional institutions, religious organizations, community centers and private practice. School counselors are certified professional educators specially trained in counseling interventions, theories and techniques.
School counselors promote educational success, interpersonal skills and self-understanding.
The following two examples illustrate the unique way counselors work with students. Many schools call upon professional counselors for alternatives to traditional ways of curbing violence. One method, the invitational approach, maintains that everything the school does, as well as how it was done, invites a response from students. Counselors strive to create a total school environment in which students see themselves as important players in the success of both the school and themselves. To accomplish this, professional counselors use a number of techniques, including conflict management seminars, peer mediation teams, student mentoring, group guidance activities and rumor control.