A counselor is a highly-professional and highly-skilled individual with a deep knowledge of both social and individual psychology. He or she is capable of listening to and understanding the professional, social, and personal problems of his or her patients, and of course, helping them work through their concerns and issues successfully. The question “how to become a counselor” must be accompanied with the question “why do I want to become a counselor?” If your goals of becoming a counselor are to help other people, earn a good income, and find a satisfying job, then this career might be perfect for you. Read on and learn the basic steps on how to become a counselor along with the requirements you have to complete and what’s in store for you in your counseling career.

Step 1: Get the Right Education

If you really want to become a counselor, you need to know that practicing counselors have completed a Masters Degree in Psychology or Counseling. However, if you have only completed a Bachelors Degree, you may also enter the field of counseling as a rehabilitation aide, counseling aide, or a social worker. But of course, having earned a Masters Degree will give you more options within this field.

A counselor must also be certified and licensed to practice. There are some national licensure programs in the country to acquire a counseling license. To know how to become a counselor in your local State, you must check out the licensing regulations in that particular State.

Step 2: Decide on the Counseling Career Path you Want to Take

There are many subcategories within the broad area of counseling. These subcategories all deal with the different aspects of people’s personal, social, and professional lives. Here are some of them:

• If you want to become a marriage counselor, you should be well-knowledgeable at studying marital problems and helps spouses work together to increase their communication, trust, and understanding.
• If you want to become a rehabilitation counselor, you should be adept at helping someone handle the many concerns and issues that arise with disability. This counselor is capable of working with and helping that individual bring out his strength and establish his sustainable routine.
• If you want to become a vocational counselor, you should be capable of giving advice to people who are having a hard time with their career choices, guiding them towards their best capabilities and potentials.

Step 3: Know the Type of Work you Want to Have

In addition to the many counselor career options, there are many types of work environments a counselor will find himself or herself into. By knowing and fully understanding how to become a counselor, you are also actually asking where you should locate yourself in this field. A counselor is oftentimes working in a healthcare setting, and about 50% of all counselors in the country are found working in hospitals, emergency clinics, private clinics, or other similar environment. Around 10% of counselors are found working in the government sector.

Counseling is such a rewarding career, both emotionally and financially, since you will be able to help people amidst the storms in their lives. Indeed, it is a good career choice for any individual who wants to have a positive impact in the lives of others. Now that you know how to become a counselor, good luck and start the journey to becoming a counselor!

One Response to “How To Become A Counselor”

1. lil kind says:

   October 4, 2009 at 9:56 pm

   I want to say - thank you for this!