Ask a Counselor!

I posted a note encouraging my social media followers to ask me anything. Here are the questions they asked and my answers to their questions!

Q. How long did it take you to be a counselor and is it worth it?

A. You need a master’s degree, which is six years of schooling. Then 2-3 years of training to get your counseling license.

It is absolutely worth it for me! I love this field and don’t see myself doing anything else. It’s a very rewarding career.

Q. Are there remote jobs for counselors?

A. Yes! There are many opportunities to work remotely as a counselor, whether it’s in private practice or for different agencies. Most of the flexibility for remote work comes once you have your counseling license.

Q. Why did you want to be a counselor?

A. have always been fascinated and a bit confused by human behavior. What sparked my interest more was an abnormal psychology course very early on in my educational journey; I wanted to learn more! Counseling has helped me understand not only those around me, but myself as well.

Q. Do you get paid well as a counselor?

A. Pay depends on geographical location, place of work (agency, hospital, private practice, etc.), and population you work with. If you have a specific niche, that can bring on a higher pay as well.

Q. Have you ever encountered a situation or client that left you traumatized?

A. I wouldn’t say I was left traumatized, but yes, there has been a case that stayed with me for a very long time because of how intense it was.

Q. If I have a bachelor’s degree in something else besides psychology, can I still do a master’s in mental health counseling?

A. Yes! Most schools like having diversity with undergraduate degrees when accepting applicants. You will most likely have to take some prerequisites, but you do not need a psychology undergraduate degree to go into graduate school for counseling.

Q. Is counseling a stressful job?

A. It can be! Counseling can be a very draining and overwhelming job. If you are not taking care of yourself properly, ignoring your body, and pushing until you burn out, then you will constantly be under stress. Unfortunately, graduate school doesn’t teach you self care, how to avoid burnout, and other life skills you need to succeed as a counselor. These are things you have to learn on your own as you dive deeper into the counseling field.

Q. What is the best thing about being a counselor? Also, does it improve your life?

A. For me, the best thing about being a counselor is seeing the change in the lives of clients I work with. It is extremely rewarding. I have clients who have been with me for 6 or 7 years and seeing how far they have come is such an amazing feeling.

Being in this field has definitely improved my life. My understanding of those around me, my relationships with my family and friends, and the way I raise my kids has been shaped by the knowledge and experiences I have had.