Selecting A Suitable Counselor

Counseling is a confidential dialogue with the expert and the person who is interested in getting the information. Modern life has increased complexities of psychological problems. There are times in our life when we have overwhelming problems. We need to talk to someone in confidence. That is the job of counselor, to listen carefully the personal problems and try to support them with solutions. Counseling as a job gives satisfaction of helping the people to solve their problems. Counseling is provided on various complex life situations. Research shows that being heard and accepted in it has great healing power. A chronic problem can be solved by looking at the situation in a different way.

Traditionally there were several obstacles in selecting a suitable counselor. Competent professional who will encourage and utilize their faith are not common. Not every counselor uses the good counseling philosophy. It is important to understand the variety of options that are available. Private counselors may be available in many different settings, including private practice, clinics, agencies, treatment centers etc. You need to consider many factors while finding out most appropriate counselor for you or a family member.

1) The individual’s needs must be considered. The problem is chronic or situational, severe or mild, life threatening or incapacitating, has to be kept in mind.

2) The patient’s support system and other resources like funds, time should be remembered.

3) The counselor’s resources like pastoral counseling, lay counseling, support groups should be given importance while selecting the counselor.

4) Fees of counselor and the services offered by him should be evaluated in comparison with other counselors, psychiatrist and agencies available.

There are different options available e.g. licensed chemical dependency counselors generally have bachelor’s degree. Licensed social workers are employed by in state institutions, hospitals. Marriage and family therapists usually hold Masters Degree and specialize in overcoming family or relational difficulties. Licensed Professional counselors normally hold masters or doctoral degree. Licensed clinical and counseling psychologists have received Ph.D after 5-6 years of graduate study.

While selecting a professional counselor you must inquire about the license and degrees he has. What kind of experience he has with your specific issue.

Recommended Reading

1. Couple Counselor - Difficult times arise in everyone's life. At such time, we need someone to talk with, to guide us or the...
2. Couple Counseling Course Modules - Modern life has increased complexities of psychological problems. There are times in our life when we have overwhelming problems. We...
3. Marriage Counseling Facts - Many couples who face an unsatisfied relationship between them observe the professional marriage counseling as the best way to help...
4. Bereavement Counselor - What is bereavement? Dictionary defines bereavement as a period of mourning or an acute state of intense psychological sadness and...
5. Counselling For Step Families - There are separate licensed counselors for counseling issues in a step family. Step families occur when one or both the...