We are living in a world where there are stress and tension everywhere. Everyone is struggling and fighting a battle and trying to bring peace in their lives. Some are juggling with family feuds, while youngsters are dealing with academic stress. However, adults have indulged in addiction, betting, and alcoholism. That is all because of some problems with their families, pals, and colleagues. Undoubtedly, we do not know what is happening behind these happy faces. The people who look cheerful and lively from outside are trying to cope up with these matters. In such cases, here comes the need for counseling sessions. These therapy sessions are way effective in making person feels better and express their feelings. On the other hand, countless people are fighting with their mental health issues with no external help.
No wonder mental health problems play a vital role in affecting one’s ability to lead a decent life. Previously, people had to move to separate hospitals or asylums for these issues, which were quite painful to see. But now, things have changed a lot. After the advent of modern psychiatry, medical health professionals and people both are preferring to concern counselors. These counselors are trained professionals with a degree in counseling with the proficient skills to treat mental illnesses. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 23% increase in counseling jobs from 2016 to 2026.
So are you someone who wants to commit to shaping society? And wants to play your part in helping the individuals and contribute to the health of people? If yes, then it is time to get a degree in counseling. Several reputable universities are also offering online masters in counseling at affordable fee structures. So, without wasting a minute, get yourselves registered in any of these programs to serve the nation.
Role of Counselors at Workplace
Like we discussed earlier, mental issues do not restrict to any age or gender. One can get affected by it at any time. All you need is to look after the signs and symptoms. Not only at home or school, but this problem is also quite common in working organizations. Numerous cases till today have reported about the psychiatric concerns in organizations. It is all because of excessive workload, hectic schedules, and late sittings. Employees hardly get free time to work on their mental health and ultimately leads to severe depression and stress. But first, we need to understand what is io psychology before catering to this issue.
It is also known as Industrial Organization Psychology, a kind of specialized field. In which the counselor applies psychological theories and principles over the employees. However, this field solely focuses on decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression among the workforce. Meanwhile, promoting productivity and mental well-being among workers in an organization is another motive. In short, it is the branch of psychology that works for the people working tirelessly, day and night, in the offices to earn their bread and butter.
How to Become a Better and Powerful Counselor?
We all are aware that counselors play a vital role in the betterment of humans’ mental health. But becoming a mental health counselor is not an easy task. It requires a lot of hard work and struggle. Plus, dedication and devotion to understand one’s problem are also significant. Without being empathetic, it is impossible to treat your patients and understand their issues. However, excellent micro-skills are essential for any counselor to conduct any counseling session. Plus, if you want to excel in your career, then make a habit of learning.
Without exaggerating it further, let’s dive into the details of how to become a more skilled and proficient counselor.
Start Working on Micro-Skills
As stated above, these skills are the first step to become a successful counselor. These skills should be clear and sound for effective communication between you and your clients. It includes paraphrasing, attending behavior to show your involvement and interest in the client’s case. In the meantime, questioning and confrontation skills have their importance. However, focusing skills need to be extra perfect to find out the possible solutions to problems.
Needs to Learn Constantly
It would not be wrong to say that with continuous learning, one can achieve milestones. Therefore, being a counselor is a huge responsibility on your shoulders. You need to aware of the latest and modern methods and techniques. On the other hand, attending CE classes and workshops is mandatory too. Such acts show your commitment towards your work and clients. So, whenever you get the time to learn, go for it. Only by adopting such habits, a counselor can outshine in his career.
Understand Your Patients or Clients
Every client is of different mindsets and emotional states. They need someone who does not only listen to them but understand their problems as well. So, you can only become successful in your profession if you know your clients sincerely. Meanwhile, every patient needs a different approach to resolve their cases. Sometimes, there is not a rosy experience with a few clients. But it depends on you how well you can work with every client as per your capabilities. A lot of times, clients are attending counseling sessions due to court orders. Hence they try to give a tough time deliberately. But being a responsible professional, you must make them feel comfortable and satisfied.
Make Yourself Flexible
When you become flexible and resilient, dealing with difficult patients becomes less hectic. It makes you adaptable and versatile to work in various situations and circumstances. On the other side, you must be flexible enough to perform in other areas too. You might get a chance to work as a marriage counselor or school counselor. But that does not mean to restrict yourself to that particular field. Explore yourself to perform better in any of the demanding specialized sectors.
Networking
Sometimes a piece of advice and opinion from your seniors and other professionals is worthy. That is why in this time, networking or making contact with high authorities in the healthcare sector is the need of an hour. It is not about thriving your career, but it is client’s issues and their counseling problems.
Conclusion
With no surprise, working as a counselor in a society is a respectable job. It allows you to play your part in helping the patients suffering from mental depression and other associated problems. But this cannot happen in a day or two. You have to be a little flexible, patient, determined, and devoted to your work and clients.
