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Why I chose to become a mental health counselor Counseling others is a difficult job that requires people to listen, take notes, and respond in ways that are positive and helpful. It is important that trust be built between the counselor and the patient so that the patient will feel comfortable speaking about issues that are private or embarrassing. There are many different types of counselors including drug counselors; marriage counselors, grief counselors, job counselors, diet and exercise counselors, and others that can help people improve their lives in different ways.
Counselors are trained to offer advice and listen to issues that may be bothering other people. They are not allowed to prescribe medication or expected to provide medical advice. Approximately 25 percent of North Americans suffer from diagnosable mental health issues each year. With the increasing awareness of the related social, political and economic impacts of these problems, there is a greater need for professional mental health counselors. Additionally, health care insurance providers, driving the demand for more qualified professionals, recognize most mental health counseling.
After earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling, most people choose to get licensed or certified in a specialty such as: ??? Rehabilitation counseling ??? Substance abuse counseling ??? Marriage and family counseling Mental health counselors work with individuals, groups and communities on a variety of mental health issues: ??? Addiction / substance abuse ??? Aging ??? Anger management ??? Career issues ??? Depression ??? Marital and relationship problems ??? Self image ??? Stress ??? Suicide Mental health counselors strive to educate and support people in their own personal development.
A mental health counselor is a trained professional that counsels families, individuals, and groups and couples to promote optimal mental health and well-being. Some of the many issues that they help people deal with are marital problems, stress management, substance abuse, addictions, parenting problems, family problems, suicidal ideation, and problems with self-esteem. They help people address aging problems or emotional and mental health issues. Often working with a group, they counsel individuals and their families dealing with drug or alcohol addictions.
The counselor helps their clients prevent and rectify conflicts or problems. A mental health counselor gets his or her information through observations, interviews and tests so they can decide the best course of action to help their client. Some of the other professionals they work closely with when necessary are psychologists, family and marriage workers, psychiatric nurses, school counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Many counselors choose to specialize in specific areas or with certain age groups like substance abuse or teenagers.
A mental health counselor often helps their clients make positive choices and changes due to the decisions and insights they help facilitate. Many counselors work in hospitals with psychiatric patients or with mentally ill adults in continued day treatment programs. Some choose private practice or practice in counseling centers, government agencies, and corporations and youth homes. They usually work in pleasant and comfortable surroundings, working a standard workweek. Some counselors are available weekends or evenings for the convenience and needs of their clients.
Mental health counselors are an extremely valuable part of the healthcare system. Common work activities include: ??? Scheduling client appointments including at-home, residential or even visits in hospitals or treatment facilities. ??? Completing risk assessments or mental health evaluations on clients as required. ??? Talking and counseling with clients to help them make informed decisions about themselves, their lives and even relationships and future goals. ??? Providing consistent care and treatment programs for clients by providing required documentation and case records to other professionals involved with the clients. Keeping accurate client records, files and documentation for the release of information to other treatment professionals. ??? Meeting and planning the most effective treatment for the patient with other professionals in the field. Although it is probably one of the least discussed leadership competencies, self-awareness is possibly one of the most valuable. Self-awareness is being conscious of what you are good at while acknowledging what you still have yet to learn. This includes admitting when you do not have the answer and owning up to mistakes.
In our highly competitive culture, this can seem counterintuitive. In fact, many of us operate on the belief that we must appear as though we know everything all the time or else people will question our abilities, diminishing our effectiveness as leaders. I believe that I am a Good writing and have excellent computer skills, self-starter, sound decision-making skills; ability to establish a trusting relationship with individuals from diverse multicultural backgrounds; accurate records keeper; enthusiastic team player. My challenges are that I trust most people at face value.
I do not judge until one give me a reason too. To be honest with myself, I will admit that whether I acknowledge my challenges or not, everyone still sees them. So rather than conceal them, the person who tries to hide them actually highlights them, creating the perception of a lack of integrity and self-awareness. It is easy to pretend to know everything when you do not can create situations that can be problematic for you. On the other hand, when you take responsibility for what you do not know, you benefit both yourself and you others.
On an interpersonal level, self-awareness of your strengths and challenges can net you the trust of others and increase your credibility — both of which will increase your leadership effectiveness. On an organizational level, the benefits are even greater. When you acknowledge what you have yet to learn, you are modeling that in your organization it is okay to admit you do not have all the answers, to make mistakes and most importantly, to ask for help. These are all characteristics of an person that is constantly learning and springboards to innovation and agility — two hallmarks of high performing.
As a Professional counselors I would offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to: ??? anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders ??? family and relationship issues ??? substance abuse and other addictions ??? sexual abuse and domestic violence ??? eating disorders ??? career change and job stress ??? social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness ??? adopting to life transitions ??? the death of a loved one
As Professional counselors I would work with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling I would examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in ones life.
Teach effective ways to deal with clients problems by building upon personal strengths. As a professional counselor I will encourage clients personal growth and development in ways that foster interest and welfare. All members of the American Counseling Association subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. All clients are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship.
Any disclosure will be made with full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to the client or to others, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be disclosed such as a court case. Whenever possible the client will be informed before confidential information is revealed. Reference: Crandell, T. L. , Crandell, C. H. , & Vander Zanden, J. W. (2009). Human development (9th ed. ). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.