4 answers
Shane
Student
Richmond, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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What classes and personal skills should I be focused on during my high school years in hopes of becoming an addiction counselor/ Therapist?
I am in 11th grade and live in Richmond Ohio. I am extremely passionate about exploring and understanding the human mind and emotions and have been through addiction many times.
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4 answers
Hasnain Joiya
CEO at SeeMake
37
Answers
Pakistan
Updated
Hasnain’s Answer
It's commendable that you're passionate about becoming an addiction counselor or therapist, especially given your personal experiences. Here are some recommendations for classes and personal skills to focus on during your high school years to prepare for a career in this field:
✌️ 𝗖ʟᴀ𝘀𝘀ᴇ𝘀 ᴛᴏ 𝗖ᴏɴ𝘀ɪᴅᴇʀ:
𝟭. 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
Take psychology courses to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and psychological theories.
𝟮. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
Sociology classes can provide insights into societal factors influencing addiction and recovery.
𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘆:
Understanding the biological aspects of addiction can be beneficial. Courses in biology and anatomy may provide relevant knowledge.
𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Courses in health education can cover topics related to substance abuse, prevention, and overall well-being.
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀:
If available, take courses related to counseling, social work, or human services. These classes can offer a glimpse into the helping professions.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:
Courses that enhance communication skills, such as speech or communication studies, can be valuable for counseling roles.
✌️ 𝗣ᴇʀ𝘀ᴏɴᴀʟ 𝗦ᴋɪʟʟ𝘀 ᴛᴏ 𝗗ᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘ:
𝟭. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆:
Cultivate empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This is crucial in supporting individuals with addiction issues.
𝟮. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Develop active listening skills to better understand and respond to the concerns of others.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:
Work on effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Clear communication is vital in counseling relationships.
𝟰. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆:
Foster cultural sensitivity to understand and respect diverse backgrounds and experiences.
𝟱. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Engage in self-reflection to understand your own values, biases, and personal experiences. This self-awareness is essential for effective counseling.
𝟲. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Develop resilience to cope with the emotional challenges that may arise when working with individuals facing addiction.
𝟳. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Strengthen problem-solving skills, as addiction counseling often involves helping clients navigate challenges and find solutions.
𝟴. 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Understand the importance of setting and maintaining professional boundaries with clients.
𝟵. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Practice patience, as progress in addiction recovery can be gradual. Being patient and supportive is key.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Foster teamwork skills, as addiction counseling often involves collaboration with other professionals in the healthcare field.
✌️ 𝗘𝘅ᴛʀᴀᴄᴜʀʀɪᴄᴜʟᴀʀ 𝗔ᴄᴛɪᴠɪᴛɪᴇ𝘀:
𝟭. 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Consider volunteering with organizations related to addiction, mental health, or community service.
𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀:
Seek internships or shadowing opportunities in addiction treatment centers, counseling offices, or social service agencies.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀:
Join clubs or groups that focus on mental health awareness, peer support, or community service.
𝟰. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀:
Attend educational workshops or seminars on addiction, mental health, and counseling.
𝟱. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Engage in activities that contribute to your personal development, such as mindfulness practices or journaling.
Remember, your journey towards becoming an addiction counselor is ongoing. Pursue further education in psychology or a related field at the college level, and consider obtaining a master's degree in counseling or a related discipline for licensure as a therapist or counselor. Seek guidance from academic advisors, counselors, or professionals in the field for personalized advice based on your unique goals and circumstances.
✌️ 𝗖ʟᴀ𝘀𝘀ᴇ𝘀 ᴛᴏ 𝗖ᴏɴ𝘀ɪᴅᴇʀ:
𝟭. 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
Take psychology courses to gain a foundational understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and psychological theories.
𝟮. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆:
Sociology classes can provide insights into societal factors influencing addiction and recovery.
𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘆:
Understanding the biological aspects of addiction can be beneficial. Courses in biology and anatomy may provide relevant knowledge.
𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Courses in health education can cover topics related to substance abuse, prevention, and overall well-being.
𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀:
If available, take courses related to counseling, social work, or human services. These classes can offer a glimpse into the helping professions.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:
Courses that enhance communication skills, such as speech or communication studies, can be valuable for counseling roles.
✌️ 𝗣ᴇʀ𝘀ᴏɴᴀʟ 𝗦ᴋɪʟʟ𝘀 ᴛᴏ 𝗗ᴇᴠᴇʟᴏᴘ:
𝟭. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆:
Cultivate empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This is crucial in supporting individuals with addiction issues.
𝟮. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Develop active listening skills to better understand and respond to the concerns of others.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀:
Work on effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Clear communication is vital in counseling relationships.
𝟰. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆:
Foster cultural sensitivity to understand and respect diverse backgrounds and experiences.
𝟱. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Engage in self-reflection to understand your own values, biases, and personal experiences. This self-awareness is essential for effective counseling.
𝟲. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Develop resilience to cope with the emotional challenges that may arise when working with individuals facing addiction.
𝟳. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴:
Strengthen problem-solving skills, as addiction counseling often involves helping clients navigate challenges and find solutions.
𝟴. 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀:
Understand the importance of setting and maintaining professional boundaries with clients.
𝟵. 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Practice patience, as progress in addiction recovery can be gradual. Being patient and supportive is key.
𝟭𝟬. 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Foster teamwork skills, as addiction counseling often involves collaboration with other professionals in the healthcare field.
✌️ 𝗘𝘅ᴛʀᴀᴄᴜʀʀɪᴄᴜʟᴀʀ 𝗔ᴄᴛɪᴠɪᴛɪᴇ𝘀:
𝟭. 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸:
Consider volunteering with organizations related to addiction, mental health, or community service.
𝟮. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀:
Seek internships or shadowing opportunities in addiction treatment centers, counseling offices, or social service agencies.
𝟯. 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀:
Join clubs or groups that focus on mental health awareness, peer support, or community service.
𝟰. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀:
Attend educational workshops or seminars on addiction, mental health, and counseling.
𝟱. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
Engage in activities that contribute to your personal development, such as mindfulness practices or journaling.
Remember, your journey towards becoming an addiction counselor is ongoing. Pursue further education in psychology or a related field at the college level, and consider obtaining a master's degree in counseling or a related discipline for licensure as a therapist or counselor. Seek guidance from academic advisors, counselors, or professionals in the field for personalized advice based on your unique goals and circumstances.
Michael Henson
Retired
42
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
It seems you have an abundance of personal knowledge! Remember the trials you’ve experienced and how you managed to be still in school with hope in your heart! The most important and crucial thing you have is yourself! You are the masterpiece. Your life and worldview is your first tried and tested piece of work. You are well, healthy and full of desire! The experiences that make you who you are were not experiences brought to you by accident! Your personal insights cannot be bought which makes them invaluable!
School is another tool that you have at your disposal to accomplish your desired goals! The Library is one tool. In it is a wealth of information for you to study, that will enlighten you beyond words! The best trained individuals, couple personal experience, education and desire to serve others effectively.
Your instructors are guides that point you in the right direction to make your career a successful one! Talk to them all. The guidance counselors who have the training you will be trained in that you will need to take on your life challenge! Talk to the body of professionals in your school and listen to and take heart to what they say! Listening intently is a skill needed to become an effective counselor, leader and or guide!
Everything you need has been paid for by your previous experiences! Everything you want will came when you sit down with yourself and make peace with your past, present and the pursuit of your future! Know that you and others in your age group are our future! The choices you make now will pay dividends for us all! Stay focused on what it is that you want and accept nothing less than that which you desire in your heart.
Your worldview is not the same as anyone else’s! Each and everyone that you will come into contact with will always be different with a different set of circumstances that make their lives their own! Practice the valuable lessons of listening to what a person says and what they are not saying!
Be true to yourself and keep yourself safe from harm by staying in touch with those who have helped you in the past. Have healthy relationships with everyone you come in contact with and believe you are the most important person in the room at all times! If you feel stressed, angry, sad, disappointed or not being heard, find someone to talk to about the feelings! Feelings come and go but become dangerous when you spend too much time on them, except for love!
Be sure to look in the mirror daily and take good care of the person you see looking back at you! There is no way you can help someone unless you can help yourself first! The world is yours to make your mark in! Since you are a part of if, make it the best world we can all live in! Stay safe, focused and true to yourself and you will go far!! All the best to you Shane!
School is another tool that you have at your disposal to accomplish your desired goals! The Library is one tool. In it is a wealth of information for you to study, that will enlighten you beyond words! The best trained individuals, couple personal experience, education and desire to serve others effectively.
Your instructors are guides that point you in the right direction to make your career a successful one! Talk to them all. The guidance counselors who have the training you will be trained in that you will need to take on your life challenge! Talk to the body of professionals in your school and listen to and take heart to what they say! Listening intently is a skill needed to become an effective counselor, leader and or guide!
Everything you need has been paid for by your previous experiences! Everything you want will came when you sit down with yourself and make peace with your past, present and the pursuit of your future! Know that you and others in your age group are our future! The choices you make now will pay dividends for us all! Stay focused on what it is that you want and accept nothing less than that which you desire in your heart.
Your worldview is not the same as anyone else’s! Each and everyone that you will come into contact with will always be different with a different set of circumstances that make their lives their own! Practice the valuable lessons of listening to what a person says and what they are not saying!
Be true to yourself and keep yourself safe from harm by staying in touch with those who have helped you in the past. Have healthy relationships with everyone you come in contact with and believe you are the most important person in the room at all times! If you feel stressed, angry, sad, disappointed or not being heard, find someone to talk to about the feelings! Feelings come and go but become dangerous when you spend too much time on them, except for love!
Be sure to look in the mirror daily and take good care of the person you see looking back at you! There is no way you can help someone unless you can help yourself first! The world is yours to make your mark in! Since you are a part of if, make it the best world we can all live in! Stay safe, focused and true to yourself and you will go far!! All the best to you Shane!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3832
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Shane!
Embarking on the path to becoming an addiction counselor/therapist is a rewarding journey, and there are several key areas to concentrate on during your high school years. These will lay a robust foundation for your further education and training in the rewarding field of addiction counseling.
**1. Psychology:** Delving into psychology classes is crucial as they offer you a core understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and counseling principles. They cover a wide array of topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology. These classes will illuminate the intricate nature of addiction and its profound impact on individuals.
**2. Counseling or Social Work:** Engaging in courses related to counseling or social work will acquaint you with the fundamental theories and techniques used in therapeutic interventions. You'll gain knowledge about active listening skills, empathy, communication techniques, and ethical considerations in counseling. These classes will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the counseling process and the skills required to assist individuals grappling with addiction.
**3. Biology or Neuroscience:** A basic grasp of biology or neuroscience can be advantageous in understanding the biological aspects of addiction. It can assist you in understanding how substances influence the brain and the role neurotransmitters play in addiction. This knowledge can shape your counseling strategies and boost your ability to support clients.
**4. Sociology or Anthropology:** Courses in sociology or anthropology can offer valuable perspectives on the societal factors that contribute to addiction. Grasping cultural influences, social structures, and how addiction is viewed within different communities can aid you in developing a more holistic approach to counseling.
**5. Health Education:** Engaging in health education courses can enlighten you about the physical and mental health aspects related to addiction. You'll learn about risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the impact of addiction on overall well-being. This knowledge will empower you to educate others about addiction and advocate for healthier lifestyles.
**6. Communication Skills:** Cultivating robust communication skills is vital for any counselor/therapist. Concentrate on enhancing your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with clients. These skills will promote effective counseling sessions and ensure clients feel acknowledged and understood.
**7. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:** Addiction counselors often encounter complex situations that necessitate problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Participating in classes or activities that boost these skills will enable you to dissect situations, pinpoint underlying issues, and devise appropriate treatment plans for clients.
**8. Volunteer or Internship Opportunities:** Proactively seek out volunteer or internship opportunities in addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics, or social service agencies.
ADDENDUM
Have a look at my bio for nutrition information it doesn't have to be just used for yourself during studies that can be used to ameliorate the drastic metal health problems that people are having today there is a lot in nutrition just read about Dr Abram Hoffer.
May you be blessed in your journey,
James.
Embarking on the path to becoming an addiction counselor/therapist is a rewarding journey, and there are several key areas to concentrate on during your high school years. These will lay a robust foundation for your further education and training in the rewarding field of addiction counseling.
**1. Psychology:** Delving into psychology classes is crucial as they offer you a core understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and counseling principles. They cover a wide array of topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology. These classes will illuminate the intricate nature of addiction and its profound impact on individuals.
**2. Counseling or Social Work:** Engaging in courses related to counseling or social work will acquaint you with the fundamental theories and techniques used in therapeutic interventions. You'll gain knowledge about active listening skills, empathy, communication techniques, and ethical considerations in counseling. These classes will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the counseling process and the skills required to assist individuals grappling with addiction.
**3. Biology or Neuroscience:** A basic grasp of biology or neuroscience can be advantageous in understanding the biological aspects of addiction. It can assist you in understanding how substances influence the brain and the role neurotransmitters play in addiction. This knowledge can shape your counseling strategies and boost your ability to support clients.
**4. Sociology or Anthropology:** Courses in sociology or anthropology can offer valuable perspectives on the societal factors that contribute to addiction. Grasping cultural influences, social structures, and how addiction is viewed within different communities can aid you in developing a more holistic approach to counseling.
**5. Health Education:** Engaging in health education courses can enlighten you about the physical and mental health aspects related to addiction. You'll learn about risk factors, prevention strategies, treatment options, and the impact of addiction on overall well-being. This knowledge will empower you to educate others about addiction and advocate for healthier lifestyles.
**6. Communication Skills:** Cultivating robust communication skills is vital for any counselor/therapist. Concentrate on enhancing your verbal and non-verbal communication skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to establish rapport with clients. These skills will promote effective counseling sessions and ensure clients feel acknowledged and understood.
**7. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:** Addiction counselors often encounter complex situations that necessitate problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Participating in classes or activities that boost these skills will enable you to dissect situations, pinpoint underlying issues, and devise appropriate treatment plans for clients.
**8. Volunteer or Internship Opportunities:** Proactively seek out volunteer or internship opportunities in addiction treatment centers, mental health clinics, or social service agencies.
ADDENDUM
Have a look at my bio for nutrition information it doesn't have to be just used for yourself during studies that can be used to ameliorate the drastic metal health problems that people are having today there is a lot in nutrition just read about Dr Abram Hoffer.
May you be blessed in your journey,
James.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
You probably would enjoy looking into podcasts by John Delony, Forrest Hanson, or Jonathan Decker, and you could look up books by the Gottmans, Les and Leslie Parrott, Gary Chapman, Henry Cloud and John Townsend to see what they talk about and get some more concepts and know-how under your belt (or realize what you already know). It might also be informational to look a little bit into the various kinds of 12-step groups out there, as there are many people who have found them helpful to some degree, and with your own experience you could probably figure out what would be so attractive to people about those, as well as what limitations they might have.