If you wish to become a counselor, maybe taking it up as a job or helping and counselling people, this guide will help you.
Here is the A – Z guide on how to become a counselor, either a school counselor, family counselor, or mental health counselor.
There're so many types of counsellors; therefore, you need to be
determined and focus on one.
Whichever you choose to go for, make sure you are very much
educated and with your degrees.
However, many people who wish to become a counselor, but don't
know how to start, keep asking questions like;
- How long does it take to become a counselor?
- What qualifications do you need to be a Counselor?
- How many years does it take to be a counselor?
- Do you need a degree to be a Counsellor?
- How can I become a counselor without a degree?
You will need a Bachelor's Degree, a graduate degree, and maybe
other certifications in some states to get started.
All you need to do is work towards fulfilment and acquiring any
of these requirements.
Then, once all these are made available, you can now look for a
job that will fit you.
Without wasting your time, let's see the 5 simple steps on How
to Become a Counselor in 2022.
5 Steps on How to Become a Counselor
Here are the five complete step-by-step guides on how to become
a Professional Counselor.
1. Complete Your Education
2. Find an Internship
3. Complete Your Master's Degree
4. Get a Doctorate Degree
5. Develop Your Interpersonal Skills
Let’s quickly see them, read on.
Step 1: Completing Your Education
As stated earlier, you are required to complete your education
and acquire a degree.
To become a qualified Counselor, you need a high standard
education level.
You can enroll yourself in colleges and institutions and attend
counseling programs like psychology, sociology, education, etc.
Hence, you need to earn good grades when running your college
programs to gain a quality degree certificate.
You can earn a Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or
any of the programs related to the field.
However, you can enroll in an online program if you cannot
afford any available college near your area.
Then, make sure it is an accredited institution.
Also, you can improve yourself by undergoing the personal
practice, thereby going for business classes.
Step 2: Find an Internship
Finding an internship helps you to gain experience with other
practical knowledge.
If you don't know how to find one, you can ask your supervisor
or career center advisor about getting an internship.
They will surely give you advice on how to go about it.
You can as well find an internship or opportunity in a
particular area you wish to specialize in.
For example, if you want to be a mental health or addiction
specialist, you can look for internships at hospitals or rehabilitation
centers.
Perhaps, if you have not decided on any specialization, getting
an internship will go a long way in helping you to find out your area of
specialization.
Step 3: Completing Your Master's Degree
Of course, a Master's Degree (MA) is another aspect considered
the most when deciding to go for counseling jobs.
Getting your Master's Degree will give you a higher edge in your
area of specialization.
Perhaps, if you have already gotten a job, you can still
complete your Master's Degree while working.
You can acquire your Master's degree in any of these
disciplines, either Psychology or sociology.
It will be a great thing if you gain a Master's degree in your
area of specialization.
So, since you are keen on knowing how to become a counselor, get
yourself enrolled in any school that offers a Master’s degree in your field.
During the Master's degree program, you will be exposed to many
courses, classes, and ethics about counseling.
Step 4: Get a Doctorate Degree
Yeah, getting a Doctorate Degree will help to widen your career
options and give you better opportunities.
However, you don't need a Doctorate Degree before working as a
counselor.
Instead, it provides you with a higher value and chances to work
in management or even teach counseling courses in a college.
And you can get a Doctorate Degree depending on your area of
specialization.
Below here are a few available options you can pursue to get a
Doctorate Degree.
- Ed.D. For educators and administrators' degrees.
- Ph.D. For psychology and counseling degree.
- Psy.D. For an advanced psychology degree.
Step 5: Develop Your Interpersonal Skills
Do you know that practical interpersonal skills make you a
better counselor in due time?
Yes, this works perfectly well. Start today to operate and
develop your interpersonal skills.
If you got to be a school counselor, you could develop and learn
how to listen and interact with people, primarily students.
Also, learn to express yourself and allow the students to
express themselves and never judge one another.
Try to be a good listener and not be judgmental with your
personal life.
All these will help you grow and become a professional
counselor.
Conclusion:
Now, that is all you need to know if you want to become a licensed professional counselor.
Indeed, knowing how to become a counselor is an excellent job
only if you know what it takes and abide by all the rules.
Take advantage of this today, follow these requirements, and see
yourself becoming that great counselor.
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