Entering into the field of Counseling Psychology isn’t something to do lightly. The daily work of coming alongside individuals, families, and groups of people with a variety of issues and struggles requires a lot. But the statistics at the beginning of this guide show that this is a field that is growing. Practitioners in the mental health field need to be:
Self-Reflective: Many programs that train counselors to point out that in order to provide quality therapy, individuals must be willing to do inner work themselves. Counselors must have a high level of self-awareness, able to understand and articulate how their own development, disposition, and experiences have shaped them. They must bring a level of self-reflection in their approach to therapy.
Sensitive to Diversity: Effective therapy requires a counselor to be aware of both the commonalities and the uniqueness that individuals have. Understanding the realities of people that come from different backgrounds or ethnicities is crucial. The most effective approach or therapy you provide may vary greatly depending on your client’s age, race, gender, upbringing, or disposition.
Perceptive Listeners: A large portion of therapy is listening and observing. Asking the right questions and giving a client space to unpack an issue or struggle is key. Counselors must be able to give their full attention to others, picking up on what they say, as well as what they communicate non-verbally.
Effective Communicators: People in the counseling psychology field must be able to express ideas or concepts in effective ways. With clients, their words educate, advocate, encourage, reflect, and challenge. In therapy sessions, they need to explain ideas or present strategies to their clients in ways that are understandable. They also need to share their research findings and collaborate with others in their field.
Rooted in a Healthy Lifestyle: Being present with others in their trauma or struggles is not easy. Counselors need to take self-care seriously in order to remain healthy and stable. Those who provide therapy in the mental health field must find ways to decompress, find work-life balance, and maintain a lifestyle that is sustainable. In your first years as a practicing counselor, your supervisor can help you manage the weighty aspects of the job. Many counselors seek their own therapy as a way to stay mentally healthy.
Empathetic Advocates: Above all, the people who become counselors need to have a strong sense of empathy with the individuals who are coming to them for help. Many clients are in the midst of difficult situations or struggling with debilitating issues. Compassion and an empathetic presence can often be the starting point for healing and wholeness for others.
The need for passionate, empathetic, committed counselors and psychologists is not going away anytime soon. If the thought of being a part of a highly rewarding and growing profession intrigues you, take the next step in your career today.