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 2023.
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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