Skills Needed to Become a Good Counselor

If you're looking for a career change or to begin a career out of high school as a counselor, you will need to research the educational requirements and interpersonal skills needed to work in that chosen field. As a counselor, you would work daily with people, helping them to make improvements in the quality of their lives. This makes it very important that you have a desire to help people, which will help you to become a good counselor. You should also have strong points in confidence, trust and respect.

Education

You will need to have a well rounded education to get the proper training you need to become a good counselor. You will receive clinical training in a private practice or clinic (observing). You will also learn what the experience will be like working in the field of counseling. A master's degree in the field of psychology will be needed to work in this industry. Afterward, you will have to meet the requirements of your state to obtain a license by taking state exam. Then you will be able to become a practicing counselor.



It is always good to be recognized by your state's licensing board, it shows colleagues and clients that you have achieved the requirements of the state to practice. If you would like to expand your degree, you can continue your education by taking certificate programs tha are offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Active Listening

Another thing you will need to be good in counseling, is active listening kills. You will need to do a lot of listening when working with your client. There is a difference between active and inactive listening skills. Actively listening is when you are showing responses and that you are listening to what they're saying.