A foundation of self-awareness is crucial in connecting with others. Understanding one’s role in a relationship is necessary to be effective and know if one is fulfilling needs and expectations. For this reason, it is important to understand the identity of the counseling profession as well as gain insight into one’s individual identity as a professional counselor. Nuekrug (2014) supplied an insightful overview of the requirement, role, and responsibility of a professional counselor. However, each individual will carry out these components differently based on their personal beliefs, values, and personal histories. Therefore, it is critical to have an understanding of self so that one’s one views are not imposed. However, the primary tool a
…show more content…
There are many different type of counselors such as school counselors, marriage and family counselors, mental health counselors, and others. All of these could be considered professional counselors because these areas all require a master’s degree, accreditation, and a license to practice (Neukrug, 2014). For this paper mental health counseling is going to be the focus. Professional mental health counselors are required to obtain a master’s in counseling and cover the coursework that qualifies them to work with individuals, groups, and often families. Many professional counseling programs follow the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) although each state will have certain coursework requirements before one can achieve licensure. Licensure is possible in every state and requires extra supervision and experience before licensure is granted. Once a counselor has achieved licensure it communicates mastery of their field and enables them to accept third-party reimbursement. Mental health counselors can be found working in a variety of settings, most commonly counseling agencies. They are trained to work with people struggling with life circumstances, battling emotional distress, or other mental illnesses (Neukrug, …show more content…
I feel like the professional characteristic I will struggle most with might be refraining from dual relationships, as I live in a small town. It is possible that I commute to a larger city, however, counseling in rural areas is sparse and I think it is important for services to be available in all areas. I think that when dual relationship issues arise it is important to have a network of professions for guidance and accountability. It will also be important to communicate very clearly what the boundaries are and to document well. To stay informed on professional guidelines, I do plan on having a professional membership and maintaining up to date information. This is especially important if I counsel in a rural area, because my network may be limited or far away. As in many areas of counseling it is beneficial to always be evaluating your self and improving to remain professional and effective for your
There are many different type of counselors such as school counselors, marriage and family counselors, mental health counselors, and others. All of these could be considered professional counselors because these areas all require a master’s degree, accreditation, and a license to practice (Neukrug, 2014). For this paper mental health counseling is going to be the focus. Professional mental health counselors are required to obtain a master’s in counseling and cover the coursework that qualifies them to work with individuals, groups, and often families. Many professional counseling programs follow the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) although each state will have certain coursework requirements before one can achieve licensure. Licensure is possible in every state and requires extra supervision and experience before licensure is granted. Once a counselor has achieved licensure it communicates mastery of their field and enables them to accept third-party reimbursement. Mental health counselors can be found working in a variety of settings, most commonly counseling agencies. They are trained to work with people struggling with life circumstances, battling emotional distress, or other mental illnesses (Neukrug, …show more content…
I feel like the professional characteristic I will struggle most with might be refraining from dual relationships, as I live in a small town. It is possible that I commute to a larger city, however, counseling in rural areas is sparse and I think it is important for services to be available in all areas. I think that when dual relationship issues arise it is important to have a network of professions for guidance and accountability. It will also be important to communicate very clearly what the boundaries are and to document well. To stay informed on professional guidelines, I do plan on having a professional membership and maintaining up to date information. This is especially important if I counsel in a rural area, because my network may be limited or far away. As in many areas of counseling it is beneficial to always be evaluating your self and improving to remain professional and effective for your