Counseling

Study for a Career in Counseling

There are many reasons why people turn to professional counselors. They could be having trouble in a relationship or looking for ways to progress in their working life. Counselors are people we need to be able to trust and be discreet.

There are many routes into counseling, but as we’re going to explain, the best and most reassuring approach for your potential clients is to study for a relevant bachelor’s degree.

We want to discuss how to find the right degree and what you will gain in terms of knowledge, experience, and skills to become a counselor.

Choosing the Right Study Path

Whether you are finishing high school and deciding on your future, or you are seeking career improvement or even a complete change of career, counseling is an in-demand service that can be a lucrative and rewarding career.

Your first step is deciding which counseling area you want to work in. Career counseling is popular, and mental health counselors are very much in demand. Schools employ counselors to help students who may be struggling, and family and relationship counselors help many couples and families.

Grief counseling – like all areas – requires a unique skill set, and you could take things a step further and qualify as a psychologist. Let’s discuss what you need to look for in your next step into further education.

Which Degree is for You?

Which degree will give you a head start in becoming a counselor? You will undoubtedly require a bachelor's degree, yet we recommend you look at an associate's degree in the first instance.

A two-year course that can then be converted into a bachelor’s degree with a further two years at university, the recommended choice would be the Associate of Arts (AA) degree or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), each of which you can then follow up with a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.

If you are planning on becoming employed as a counselor, you may find that a bachelor’s is a requirement. Should you wish to work for yourself, the AA degree is a good starting point, and you can study for a bachelor's degree in your own time.

If you want to secure the highest-paying counseling jobs, you may wish to consider a master’s degree, perhaps in psychology. Remember what we said about building trust – the more qualified counselors are, the more readily clients will trust them.

A Rewarding and Satisfying Career

There is no doubt that becoming a professional counselor is a rewarding and satisfying career path. Being able to help others overcome problems and improve their lives is a great feeling, and all types of counselors can do this.

You can become an in-house counselor for a major employer, at a school or college, or in private practice. For many would-be counselors, the preferred method of study is online, although there are hybrid courses that combine home learning with on-campus classes. Start your research now and take the first steps to a new life.