Friday, October 21, 2016
Undergraduate Counseling Programs
UNDERGRADUATE COUNSELING PROGRAMS
Preparing as an Undergraduate for a Counseling Graduate Program and Career
Having a clear and well-designed plan from the very beginning of your schooling is ideal for eventually embarking upon a professional counseling role.
The individuals who decide to enter the counseling field often have undergraduate majors in many different fields. There is not just one major that is acceptable. Ideally, if you know early in your undergraduate career that you want to go into counseling, there is a primary focus that can greatly enhance you as a candidate.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is the logical choice for an undergraduate degree leading to a future career as a counselor.
Here is a good place to start to learn about relevant programs: http://study.com/undergraduate_schools_of_counseling_and_psychology.html
PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
Seek out different information on websites for different programs. Look for prerequisites that need to be accomplished. Often, specialty counseling programs will require particular classes. Ask questions from the admissions departments. Counseling programs that include a specialty in a creative arts therapy field may require arts, performance, or studio classes. Counseling psychology programs often require lots of psychology courses. Take as many as you can.
In many states, in order to become a school counselor, you must have a teaching background. Some schools show preference to candidates who have backgrounds in education or a related social service field.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Master’s programs in counseling often set a minimum undergraduate GPA of between 2.7 and 3.0. You are more likely to be given consideration for acceptance if you’ve gained valuable experience since graduating, as well.
If you’ve taken any graduate courses, you will usually be expected to have a GPA of at least 3.0. Sometimes candidates have the option of enrolling in a few graduate courses before formal admission to the Master’s program. This has proven a benefit to many students in which they can really “get their feet wet” before formally beginning.
Most of the graduate counseling programs require candidates to take a formal admissions test such as the GRE. Many schools utilize a combination of factors for determining the quality of candidates based on both test scores and GPA. The schools are looking for well-rounded students who are truly devoted to working as professional counselors.
EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD
Another key advantage to obtaining a degree in human services or social sciences is that you are better positioned for internships and paid employment in the field before graduate school. This can greatly enhance your resume when you actually apply.
You should take a look at your state’s Department of Mental Health office for volunteer or paid employment options. Another good resource is your state or local division of Mental Health America.
One helpful recommendation is to join HOSA-Future Health Professionals. Formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), this organization is a national career and technical student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA is composed of secondary and postsecondary/collegiate students. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, HOSA is the very well established student organization that prepares students to enter the healthcare field. One key advantage to this group is being able to explore various health professions while developing your speaking and interpersonal skills. Secondly, one is able to make personal and professional connections that last a lifetime!
ACE THE APPLICATION!
Make sure that you are involved in work experience (either paid or volunteer) that is directly related to the degree program. Make lasting professional relationships and cultivate them for references. Graduate programs will usually ask for three references from those who can attest to what you will truly bring to the profession.
You will more than likely be asked to write an essay or personal statement. You will want to convey great communication skills, a keen insight into the profession, and dedication to helping people.
If all goes well in the application process up until this point, the next step would be to meet them face-to-face for an interview. You’ve got this!
Monday, October 17, 2016
Counseling Certifications
Professional Counseling Certifications
The Importance of Certification
Certified Counselors are mental health professionals who have usually not only passed rigorous exams, but have voluntarily gone beyond the average to achieve excellence in certification.
Many counselors choose to pursue certification through third party (nongovernmental) agencies. All states use third party examinations as part of the licensing process for professional counseling. Third party examinations are often used for school counseling, as well.
- The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential can be prestigious to those who attain it. The NCC certification is a voluntary certification that goes beyond the legal requirements for licensure. NCCs have shown their dedication to their profession and to providing the best services possible.
- NCCs are held to an enforceable Code of Ethics, which delineates ethical counseling practice. NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) provides an established process for dealing with concerns and taking disciplinary actions.
- NCCs must complete regular continuing education in order to maintain their certification. This ensures that NCCs are up to date on developments and best practices in the profession, so that they can provide you with consistently high-quality service.
- NCCs are able show their areas of expertise with NBCC specialty certifications: the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). These certifications show that a counselor has met national standards for a specialty practice, including additional education and experience requirements and a specialty examination.
Specialty certifications can often indicate expertise in counseling disciplines that are often not recognized separately by state licensing boards.
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
In some states, the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination is used as part of the licensing process for clinical counselors. Counselors in other states may choose to take it as part of the certification process for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential.
REHABILITATION COUNSELING
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification grants a national credential to rehabilitation counselors. The best path to ensure eligibility is to attend a CORE-accredited program in rehabilitation counseling. Other programs can be considered acceptable if coursework and experience requirements are met. Candidates will eventually take an examination.
SCHOOL COUNSELING
School counselors have two certification options. “National Board certification” is through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In order to pursue this certification, a school counselor must have acquired three years’ experience working under license. NBPTS certifications implement a portfolio review process to determine that an applicant has a high level of proficiency.
The other option for school counselors is through certification via the National Board for Certified Counselors. This option will involve taking a school counseling examination. In order to receive the school counseling credential through the NBCC, a counselor must also hold NCC status. This route is exclusive to school counselors who have completed a graduate counseling program of at least 48 semester hours.
CACREP-accreditation (http://www.cacrep.org/) can be important to a counselor who is seeking NBCC credentials. If a school counselor attended a CACREP-accredited program, s/he will not need to meet post-graduate supervision requirements set by the NBCC.
ADDICTION COUNSELING
The NBCC offers the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential in collaboration with the International Association of Addiction and Offenders Counselors.
There are many organizations that will certify individuals with less than a Master’s degree to work with people with addictions. The process will vary from state to state due to varying standards among states for people who work with drug or alcohol offenders in state agencies. MAC certification is a more advanced level of substance abuse certification.
Master Addictions Counselors must meet all standards for the NCC credential, plus some others, as well. These counselors must demonstrate that their graduate counseling education consisted of 12 semester hours in addictions or that they had 500 CE hours in the field. The counselors need at least two years of post-Master’s supervised experience in the addiction arena. Total experience of three years is usually required.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS COUNSELING THERAPIES
Some counselors attend programs that combine counseling with expressive arts therapies. Art therapy specialists become eligible for the Registered Art Therapist (ATR) credential through a combination of qualifying education and supervised experience. Board certification for a Registered Art Therapist is an additional step and requires an exam.
Music therapists are certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists.
Dance therapists are certified through the Dance/Movement Therapy Certification Board.
PASTORAL COUNSELING
The American Association of Pastoral Counselors (http://www.aapc.org/) offers certification for Pastoral Counseling. There are several certification categories available. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors provides a full roster of counselor licensing boards throughout the U.S. To review the roster, please click here.
For information on licensure relevant to clergy and pastoral counselors, it’s best to contact your state’s counselor licensing board directly.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Education for Veterans Counselors
The Importance of Veterans Counselors
Professional counselors are skilled in working with various populations of clients. Among these populations of clients is a group in special need of assistance: our veterans. Veterans have specific needs. Many have returned from combat with significant injuries or stress-related illnesses. Some have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders as a result of the harsh and tumultuous experiences during war. Many veterans have to deal with the added tragedy and challenge of losing close friends and colleagues. Often, veterans can experience guilt as a result of their war experience and long term feelings of being distraught. Veterans counselors are often the most important line of defense in protecting veterans from the horrific possibilities of severe depression and suicide.
Another area in which veterans counselors can help veterans is in the area of helping them to find civilian employment. Readjusting to “mainstream society” is a big challenge for our veterans. Veterans counselors are in the unique and highly qualified position of helping those who have helped us so much.
Some of the important areas in which veterans counselors can help our veterans:
- Vocational and rehabilitation counseling
- Readjustment counseling
- Treating mental illness such as conditions of PTSD
Veterans counselors are important advocates for veterans and their families. Imagine working with children of veterans. Veterans counselors often work with spouses who have had to deal with separation anxiety and other issues surrounding the spouse they love. Areas in which veterans counselors may work:
- Private clinics
- Government settings
- The Veterans Administration
- Universities
Education for Veterans Counselors
Counselors are encouraged to pursue at least a Master’s degree in order expand their employment options and gain the most professional clout possible. Often, the Mental Health Counseling emphasis and Rehabilitation Counseling emphasis are the best viable options for specializing in order to properly take one in the direction of the career. Talk to school administrators to ensure that you are on the right path.
The following are notable programs for veteran counselors:
Authorities in the profession have suggested that a mental health counseling program is the best choice for individuals who are interested in working with veterans who are suffering from PTSD or other serious psychiatric issues. For an individual to work as a Veterans Administration mental health counselor, he or she must attain graduation from a program that is accredited by CACREP(The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs). For the latest and greatest news on occupational guidelines, keep an eye on the VA site.
Veterans counselors can also take continuing education courses though organizations such as the National Center for PTSD. This worthwhile organization offers many relevant topics to explore in depth on the website.
Licensing and Certification
Mental health counselors and rehabilitation counselors are usually licensed in all 50 states. In some of those states, both are eligible (with the right qualifications) for the Licensed Professional Counselor designation. The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor credential is another option that many consider highly desirable and sought out by employers. Remember, the more education you get, the better the potential for your long term career!
Career Potential
The U.S. government provides funds for services to assist returning veterans in need of special services (which are often in the realm of counseling). The salary range of a veterans counselor, based on data offered from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, is in the realm of $32,000 to $38,000 for those with the specialties of mental health counselors and rehabilitation counselors. As The United States continues to have a need to provide services for our returning veterans, there will be a growing need for Veterans Counselors. This is a highly rewarding sector of the counseling profession!
Education for Suicide Counselors
What are Suicide Counselors?
Suicide Counselors are needed who are specially trained in helping individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide. Also, counselors are needed who can help those grieving the loss of someone who has committed suicide.
While all counselors need at least some quality training in counseling individuals who are at risk of suicide, some counselors specialize in suicide counseling. Suicide counseling encompasses counseling those who are at risk of committing suicide, including those clients who have actually attempted suicide. Counseling survivors of attempted suicides is as important as counseling families of loved ones who have died by suicide. Family members and close friends of suicide victims can be left with profound feelings of guilt and loss. Suicide counselors help prevent future suicides and can help anyone who is going through the grief of losing someone to suicide.
The Special Skills of Suicide Counselors
Mental health counselors may employ various forms of therapy to assist their clients in this category. Every client is different. The counselor’s goal is to tailor-make a therapy plan that is in accord with each patient’s needs.
Mental health counselors can effectively develop safety plans for those clients who are high risk for suicide. Ensuring safety is the top priority in these cases.
Suicide can occur in populations that are not traditionally known for mental illness. Extreme life events or intense grief can precipitate a suicide attempt. There was a recent case in which a man, whose wife had died a tragic death, committed suicide due to his grief. Young people who have been bullied by peers are also at risk for suicide.
Many times there is a correlation between suicides, or attempted suicides, and major mental illnesses. Counselors who work with these populations should have a strong understanding of their clients’ thought patterns and risk factors. An example is that those with a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder can be at higher risk for suicide. Counselors work best when they are well-versed in various diagnoses and the risks affiliated with each one.
Suicide Counselor Options
Mental health counseling requires a graduate degree. Students may enroll in a 60 unit CACREP-accredited mental health counseling program or a program in a closely related field. Counseling psychology is another viable option.
Suicide and mental health counselors must have a graduate degree. Undergraduate majors, such as Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, are appropriate starts.
Counselors who want to acquire advanced skills and contribute to the collective body of knowledge often pursue doctoral degrees. There are sometimes opportunities to conduct research or carry out special projects at the Master’s level. There is a very beneficial organization, The American Association of Suicidology, that provides students a chance to intern. Psychology and Social Work are logical places to start for undergraduate majors; both are logical preliminary studies for this line of work. Aspiring counselors have the option of working at crisis hotlines or with individuals in the community. Getting the right volunteer training can bolster your application materials and give you real world experience to convince you that this is the right field for you.
Counselors are well-advised to remain aware of continuing education opportunities in suicide prevention and counseling. The more education you get, the more options you will have in your career. The American Association of Suicidology is recognized as a CE provider by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has a wealth of resources for professionals who may work with the at-risk population.
Licensing
Mental health counselors and other mental health providers are state licensed. In order to be licensed at the highest level, these counselors must complete a period of supervised work experience. One or more licensing exams will be required.
Salary and Career Outlook
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics the average mental health counselor earns between $36,570 and $69,900 per year.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Education for Spiritual Counselors
Spiritual Counselors Offer an Important Service
Spiritual counselors guide individuals on their paths toward emotional healing and spiritual growth. Often, people are searching for a meaning or purpose in life or they might be dealing with challenges or obstacles in their way. They might be learning how to manage issues of pain and grief. There are many different paths that people take with their spiritual lives, so counselors are as diverse in the forms of spirituality they integrate into their practice. The systems range from Judaism and Christianity, to Islam and Buddhism. Some spiritual counselors are not so orthodox in their approaches; instead, they may approach therapy from a more universal, and non-denominational, perspective. Spiritual counselors that excel in their profession usually display the following traits: good listeners; compassionate; caring; insightful; “spiritually mindful.” Spiritual counselors also maintain the flexibility to integrate other counseling modalities in their practice.
THE CHOICE FOR SPIRITUAL COUNSELING
Spiritual counseling is a form of psychotherapy known for its tactful integration of spirituality with psychotherapeutic guidance and care. A “pastoral counselor” usually refers to one who has pursued graduate level education in counseling and been ordained as a minister. Often, this individual will have a doctoral degree. Several states are involved in proper licensing for the pastoral counseling profession. This special licensing is for ministers who receive payment for providing counseling services. Aspiring individuals who choose this path should be willing to provide a full range of counseling services to individuals at all stages of life.
“Spiritual counselor” is a term that is usually used to encompass a broad range of perspectives. It may include orthodox, religious perspectives, or be more steeped in mystical, New Age, or Native American beliefs. Spiritual counselors may or may not have a graduate degree. A spiritual counselor may come from a different background than traditional counseling training.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING OF SPIRITUAL COUNSELORS
Voluntary certifications are a substantial way for spiritual counselors to convey through official documentation that they have achieved a substantial level of training and qualifications. Spiritual counselors may seek certification through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. This adds a level of prestige.
The following are probable solid prerequisites:
- Certification as an addiction counselor, or stress management consultant
- Having a Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Having worked in a chaplain ministry under professional direction and guidance
- RN status
Counselors should remain aware of, and closely adhere to, the laws of the state in which they practice. With therapists who are licensed, specific therapy practices are allowed. Even if one is not licensed, every state regulates the counseling profession to some degree. Stay aware of ethics, laws, and regulations. This will benefit you greatly no matter what area of counseling you pursue.
Spiritual counselors benefit from having a suitable background in human services, health care, or religion. Read up on online programs in spiritual counseling to ensure that you are pursuing the correct one. Check around with authoritative sources to corroborate that you are on the right path.
Loyola University Chicago offers The Masters of Arts in Spirituality (36-hour degree program with two concentrations):
- The MA in Spirituality: Contemporary Spirituality concentration
- The MA in Spirituality: Spiritual Direction concentration offers two options:
- Spiritual Accompaniment track
- Ignatian Exercises track
Salary and Career Outlook
According to The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, general counselors make an annual average salary of between $26,110 and $72,810.
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