When asking yourself “How do you become a full-fledged professional in counseling?”you may be wondering what’s the job description. After you become a professional counselor the types of clients you may give counseling to might suffer from a wide variety of conditions such as stress or even depression.

Types of Professional Counselors

Another thing you may be wondering when asking “How do you become a full-fledged professional in counseling?” is what are the fields can I work in? Once you become a full-fledged counselor, there are many areas of expertise you can specialize in, for example:

• Mental Health Counselors aiding people dealing with emotional and mental distress such as depression, stress, addictions and substance abuse.
• Rehabilitation Counselors assisting people adjusting to handicaps and disabilities.
• School Guidance Counselors supporting children and teens in the educational system.
• Substance Addiction Counselors helping those who are addicted to substances and/or actions.
• Trauma Counselors serving people experiencing emotional and physical troubles as a result of a traumatic event such as abuse, violence, war, accident, crime and disaster.
• Vocational Counselors facilitating those looking for a job or helping with how to find vocational training.

Educational Requirements

The education requirements in answer to “How do you become a full-fledged professional in counseling?” is a lot more than becoming a coach.

• The education requirements is more stringent than for coaching and many counselors have a master’s degree.
• Some alcohol and other drug abuse counselors may only need an associate’s degree to practice.
• Psychologists must have a doctorate in psychology, which requires five to seven years of postgraduate work.
• You’ll also need at least two years of clinical training after you receive your degree.

Licensing

When asking “How do you become a full-fledged professional in counseling?” don’t forget the licensing needed.

• Counseling licenses vary as much as counselor types, so be sure to check the requirements for the type of counselor you are or want to become.
• The National Board for Certified Counselors gives a general practice credential. You must passed their examination as well as have two years of fieldwork and a graduate degree.
• There are other licenses available as well, depending on what type of counselor you want to be.

How Do You Become a Full-fledged Professional in Counseling?

This is just a brief overview, in answer to the question “How do you become full-fledged professionals in counseling?” An alternative is considering becoming a coach instead, which is very rewarding and fulfilling work, albeit different from counseling with a different approach and a lot less education and licensing.

Dana Bosley
Spiritual Growth Coach
Writing team, Coaches Training Blog Community