3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Since there are so many types of counselors but the purpose is the same - to advise and guide - I can share some information on how to become a counselor and what you might do to assure having many clients.
Your first step for becoming a counselor would be to determine which type of counseling you'd like to do for your career. Once you know what area you'd like to take this in, it will be a good start to finding out what majors or schools to enroll in for your Bachelors Degree concentration and whether it would benefit you to obtain a Masters Degree. The root subject for counseling is psychology so that is a common major. After your Bachelors Degree, you can obtain a Masters Degree and/or Certification in the counseling subject that you want to pursue. Depending on the type of counseling and degree you are seeking, you can also enroll for your degree online, but you wouldn't have the interaction and opportunities that an in person experience would provide.
You would need to obtain experience while you are studying for your undergraduate degree and the best way to do this for counseling is volunteer work. You would have to be at a phase in which you are prepared and knowledgeable to start counseling individuals or groups. If you feel prepared and interested in volunteering now, I have left two referral links for good opportunities below.
While you are still in high school, take as much psychology as you can each year. Seek extracurriculars at your school that have to do with social topics and subjects and read as much as you can about counseling. I have left a link below that summarizes it well with the various processes from engaging and building a rapport with your client to termination when the client no longer needs your services, and every phase in between.
Once you have the necessary degree(s) and Certification as well as counseling experience, you can begin your career with confidence and skill.
I will tell you that it is never the goal of a counselor to be "popular". You can situate your career or practice in a way that may foster more clients, such as in a major city, but popularity is an elusive trait for counselors because it's not about comparison shopping when clients begin their counseling. You can just do things that will place you in locations that have the tendency for brining in more clients. This happens in major cities as well as in hospitals, all depending on what type of counseling you go into. If you want notoriety in your work, you may want to consider a literary or creative fine or performing arts field.
I hope this answers your question and I wish you all the best if you pursue a career in Counseling !
TYPES OF COUNSELORS https://www.allpsychologyschools.com/blog/types-of-counseling/
VOLUNTEER NOW IN DALLAS https://www.volnow.org/
VOLUNTEER TO BE A CONVERSATION PARTNER AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/index.jsp?r=msa&l=76670
READ ABOUT COUNSELING https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/become-a-counselor/resources/counseling-skills-techniques/
Your first step for becoming a counselor would be to determine which type of counseling you'd like to do for your career. Once you know what area you'd like to take this in, it will be a good start to finding out what majors or schools to enroll in for your Bachelors Degree concentration and whether it would benefit you to obtain a Masters Degree. The root subject for counseling is psychology so that is a common major. After your Bachelors Degree, you can obtain a Masters Degree and/or Certification in the counseling subject that you want to pursue. Depending on the type of counseling and degree you are seeking, you can also enroll for your degree online, but you wouldn't have the interaction and opportunities that an in person experience would provide.
You would need to obtain experience while you are studying for your undergraduate degree and the best way to do this for counseling is volunteer work. You would have to be at a phase in which you are prepared and knowledgeable to start counseling individuals or groups. If you feel prepared and interested in volunteering now, I have left two referral links for good opportunities below.
While you are still in high school, take as much psychology as you can each year. Seek extracurriculars at your school that have to do with social topics and subjects and read as much as you can about counseling. I have left a link below that summarizes it well with the various processes from engaging and building a rapport with your client to termination when the client no longer needs your services, and every phase in between.
Once you have the necessary degree(s) and Certification as well as counseling experience, you can begin your career with confidence and skill.
I will tell you that it is never the goal of a counselor to be "popular". You can situate your career or practice in a way that may foster more clients, such as in a major city, but popularity is an elusive trait for counselors because it's not about comparison shopping when clients begin their counseling. You can just do things that will place you in locations that have the tendency for brining in more clients. This happens in major cities as well as in hospitals, all depending on what type of counseling you go into. If you want notoriety in your work, you may want to consider a literary or creative fine or performing arts field.
I hope this answers your question and I wish you all the best if you pursue a career in Counseling !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Be outward in your sincere efforts. Students want to know that they are being heard in their goals, challenges and the plans/solutions you make with them. It is possible to plan out a popular degree plan with an individual touch.
Ask how classes are going. Ask where they work, if they mention a job. Tell 'em a dad joke at the end* (don't need to be a dad to qualify).
Relate, but don't compare, your own experiences as a student (this reminds them that you navigated the paperwork and policies once too).
Have each meeting end with a plan of action for the next one. They'll come back, and they'll probably refer a friend as well.
*How did the college student cross the ocean? On a scholar ship. (most popular one I got).
Ask how classes are going. Ask where they work, if they mention a job. Tell 'em a dad joke at the end* (don't need to be a dad to qualify).
Relate, but don't compare, your own experiences as a student (this reminds them that you navigated the paperwork and policies once too).
Have each meeting end with a plan of action for the next one. They'll come back, and they'll probably refer a friend as well.
*How did the college student cross the ocean? On a scholar ship. (most popular one I got).
Updated
Susan Su’s Answer
Boost Your Abilities: Sharpen your skills in active listening, empathy, and communication. Embrace cultural diversity and maintain an open, non-judgmental approach.
Establish a Digital Footprint: Craft a polished professional website, pen compelling blogs, and interact on various social media platforms to showcase your knowledge and draw in clients.
Forge Connections: Network with fellow professionals in your industry, partake in workshops, and get involved in local events.
Host Free Workshops/Webinars: Offer complimentary educational sessions to demonstrate your expertise and attract prospective clients.
Embrace Client Feedback: Strive for constant improvement by seeking and implementing client feedback.
Uphold Confidentiality and Trust: Forge robust, trust-filled relationships with your clients by demonstrating reliability, ethical behavior, and professionalism.
Establish a Digital Footprint: Craft a polished professional website, pen compelling blogs, and interact on various social media platforms to showcase your knowledge and draw in clients.
Forge Connections: Network with fellow professionals in your industry, partake in workshops, and get involved in local events.
Host Free Workshops/Webinars: Offer complimentary educational sessions to demonstrate your expertise and attract prospective clients.
Embrace Client Feedback: Strive for constant improvement by seeking and implementing client feedback.
Uphold Confidentiality and Trust: Forge robust, trust-filled relationships with your clients by demonstrating reliability, ethical behavior, and professionalism.
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