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What inspired you to become a good counselor also how much do you get paid for doing your job?
Counselling is something that i thought of doing but never really thought about taking it as a career job. Can you tell me when first started off as a counselor was u nervous about it ?
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Sikawayi’s Answer
Once I started getting a little older, I realized I wanted to help people with their issues. I had always helped but not in a clinical way where I would be paid. I decided I wanted to be with the client from start to finish and I knew the only way that was possible was to finish school. Now as far as the money is concerned, I would say if looking for anything other than to pay your bills you may want to think about another career.
Raffinée Wilson, M.S., LPC
Providing mental health counseling to adults and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, esteem concerns, and communication issues.
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Raffinée’s Answer
I was inspired to be a counselor after some exploration of what I did well without having to work very hard at it. I was a Biology major during undergraduate year and changed my major to Sociology about 3 years into my program. I had always imagined becoming a doctor so the change from a hard science to a soft science left me starting over. I explored what natural skills, talents, and abilities I had that may plan into my career choice. It took me about a year to decide what I wanted to do next because I didn't want to pay for a degree I wasn't using. During that time I realized I enjoyed one-on-one interactions with people, I love being curious and asking questions, and I enjoy listening to others.
As far as being nervous, I absolutely was. I had great supervisors (this is key to the journey) who saw greatness in me, encouraged me along the journey, equipped me with new skills and tools, and most of all they encouraged me to be authentically me. Honestly, there are times those nerves still come up. I am reminded that I don't have to know everything and I have a great network of colleagues that I can consult with when needed.
Pay can vary greatly depending on the environment you work in and your experience. Glassdoor.com can be a good site to use to see what people are reporting they make in different companies.
As far as being nervous, I absolutely was. I had great supervisors (this is key to the journey) who saw greatness in me, encouraged me along the journey, equipped me with new skills and tools, and most of all they encouraged me to be authentically me. Honestly, there are times those nerves still come up. I am reminded that I don't have to know everything and I have a great network of colleagues that I can consult with when needed.
Pay can vary greatly depending on the environment you work in and your experience. Glassdoor.com can be a good site to use to see what people are reporting they make in different companies.
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hey Charles,
I was teaching guitar lessons to children when I was a teenager, and discovered that I had a real knack for communicating with them. This led me to consider counseling kids for my career. It was a challenging road to navigate in order to get where I wanted to go, and it was definitely nerve-racking to work with young people in a one-on-one or group setting at first. Building confidence is key, Charles, so as you continue to do your work and get good results, you will start to gain confidence and believe in yourself.
Getting the appropriate training and college degrees are, of course, very important. After that, working and practicing as much as you can will help you overcome nervousness, although I must admit that a small amount of nerves can sometimes help you stay focused and do your job well.
I hope this answer helps a bit, and wish you all the best.
I was teaching guitar lessons to children when I was a teenager, and discovered that I had a real knack for communicating with them. This led me to consider counseling kids for my career. It was a challenging road to navigate in order to get where I wanted to go, and it was definitely nerve-racking to work with young people in a one-on-one or group setting at first. Building confidence is key, Charles, so as you continue to do your work and get good results, you will start to gain confidence and believe in yourself.
Getting the appropriate training and college degrees are, of course, very important. After that, working and practicing as much as you can will help you overcome nervousness, although I must admit that a small amount of nerves can sometimes help you stay focused and do your job well.
I hope this answer helps a bit, and wish you all the best.
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Charles!
My own struggles and my own experience in counseling, along with my interest in Psychology, prompted me to become a counselor. When I first started, of course I was nervous! I had a great team of professionals helping me along the way in my program who all helped me be confident in my skills. The more experience I get, the less nervous and more confident I become =). Your pay can range depending on where you work--you can check out the median pay on O*Net. You may get paid more or less than that median pay when you start out, but I think you may have more opportunity financially as you gain experience. Good luck! If you have a heart for counseling, and are able to be honest and explore yourself, it is a great field, and can always accept more great counselors to the field!
My own struggles and my own experience in counseling, along with my interest in Psychology, prompted me to become a counselor. When I first started, of course I was nervous! I had a great team of professionals helping me along the way in my program who all helped me be confident in my skills. The more experience I get, the less nervous and more confident I become =). Your pay can range depending on where you work--you can check out the median pay on O*Net. You may get paid more or less than that median pay when you start out, but I think you may have more opportunity financially as you gain experience. Good luck! If you have a heart for counseling, and are able to be honest and explore yourself, it is a great field, and can always accept more great counselors to the field!
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