2 answers
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Questions
2 answers
Updated
Claire’s Answer
I agree with Kim's answer below and would add communication skills. Counselors need to know how to help others feel comfortable and that you are a nonjudgmental presence. We need to build a rapport and use communication skills to help encourage someone to feel ready to share information. A foundational knowledge of available resources and support always help too so that you can refer individuals for assistance as necessary.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Counselors, in general, need to be good listeners, be empathetic, maintain confidential information, and help at solving problems. I find I am good at finding answers to friends' problems, but, when it is MY problem, I sometimes get stuck. I see a therapist from time to time, and it is nice to have someone who can help me find ways to deal with my problems - which mostly concern dealing with elderly parents.
Other skills you will learn in training include things like "active listening skills" and how to position chairs in the office (people talk more easily in certain settings rather than others, for example, if you sit at a desk, it comes across as "authoritarian" )