2.

1
What is Counseling? 
                According to the American Counseling Association, counseling is defined
as, "a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and
groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals."
Counseling involves helping people make needed changes in ways of thinking,
feeling, and behaving, and is a goal-based collaborative process, involving a non-
judgmental, supportive counselor who works with a client in telling his or her story,
setting viable goals, and developing strategies and plans necessary to accomplish
these goals. For some people this process takes a small amount of time, in some cases
as little as one or two sessions; for others, the process may last longer.
               An extremely important part of counseling is confidentiality, which means
that the information discussed in session will be accessible only by you and your
counselor, with a few exceptions.
What is professional counseling?
Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional
counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause
emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-
esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.
How long does counseling take?
Ideally, counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for
becomes more manageable or is resolved. However, some insurance companies and
managed care plans may limit the number of sessions for which they pay. Check with
your health plan to find out more about any limitations in your coverage.

TYPES OF COUNSELING
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience
growth during challenging times in life. Individual counseling can help one deal with
many personal topics in life such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse,
marriage and relationship challenges, parenting problems, school difficulties, career
changes etc.

Couples Counseling
Every couple experiences ups and downs in their levels of closeness and harmony
over time. This can range from basic concerns of stagnation to serious expressions of
aggressive behavior. Marriage counseling or couples counseling can help resolve
conflicts and heal wounds. Overall, couples counseling can help couples slow down
their spiral and reestablish realistic expectations and goals.

Family Counseling

Family counseling is often sought due to a life change or stress negatively affecting
one or all areas of family closeness, family structure (rules and roles) or
communication style. This mode of counseling can take a variety of forms.
Sometimes it is best to see an entire family together for several sessions.  Common
issues addressed in family counseling are concerns around parenting, sibling conflict,
loss of family members, new members entering the family, dealing with a major move
or a general change affecting the family system.

2.2

Introduction
              Different individuals have different perceptions of what can be expected of
counseling. Individuals preparing to become counselors, and those who seek
counseling, as well as parents, teachers, school administrators and governmental
agencies, all differ in their expectations of the counseling experience. The final
designation of these goals is to be determined by the counselor and the client as a
team.
Counseling theorists do not always agree on appropriate counseling goals because
they are often general, vague and saturated with implications. However, these are the
five most commonly named goals of counseling:
1. Facilitating behaviour change.
2. Improving the client’s ability to establish and maintain relationships.
3. Enhancing the client’s effectiveness and ability to cope.
4. Promoting the decision-making process and facilitating client potential.
5. Development.
These goals are not mutually exclusive and will naturally be emphasized by some
theorists and not others.

Enhancing Coping Skills

              We will inevitably run into difficulties in the process of growing up. Most of
us do not completely achieve all of our developmental tasks within a lifetime. All of
the unique expectations and requirements imposed on us by others will eventually
lead to problems. Any inconsistencies in development can result in children learning
behaviour patterns that are both inefficient and ineffective. Learned coping patterns,
however, may not always work. New interpersonal or occupational role demands may
create an overload and produce excessive anxiety and difficulty for the individual.
                Children who grow up in excessively strict homes frequently adjust to such
training measures through learned behavioural inhibition. When social or
occupational responsibilities require individuals to be assertive, they may experience
anxiety and be unable to handle responsibilities effectively. In addition to
psychological symptoms, physical symptoms such as frequent headaches, stuttering in
front of people in authority or the inability to sleep are common. This maladjustment
to daily living makes coping skills an important goal of counseling.

Improving Relationships
                 Many clients tend to have major problems relating to others due to poor
self-image. Likewise, inadequate social skills cause individuals to act defensively in
relationships. Typical social difficulties can be observed in family, marital and peer
group interaction (e.g., the troubled elementary school child). The counselor would
then strive to help the client improve the quality of their lives by developing more
effective interpersonal relationships.

Promoting Decision-Making
              The goal of counseling is to enable the individual to make critical decisions
regarding alternative courses of action without outside influence. Counseling will help
individuals obtain information, and to clarify emotional concerns that may interfere
with or be related to the decisions involved. These individuals will acquire an
understanding of their abilities and interests. They will also come to identify emotions
and attitudes that could influence their choices and decisions.
              The activity of stimulating the individual to evaluate, accept and act upon a
choice, will assist them in learning the entirety of the decision-making process. The
individual will develop autonomy and avoid dependence on a counselor.

Facilitating Client Potential

             Counseling seeks to maximize an individual’s freedom by giving him or her
control over their environment while analyzing responsiveness and reaction to the
environment. Counselors will work to help people learn how to overcome, for
example, excessive substance use and to better take care of their bodies.
              Counselors will also assist in overcoming sexual dysfunction, drug addiction,
compulsive gambling and obesity, as well as anxiety, shyness and depression.

Facilitating Behaviour Change

              Most theorists indicate that the goal of counseling is to bring about change in
behaviour that will enable the client to be more productive as they define their life
within society’s limitations. According to Rodgers (1961), behaviour change is a
necessary result of the counseling process, although specific behaviours receive little
or no emphasis during the process.
                Alternatively, Dustin and George (1977) suggested that the counselor must
establish specific counseling goals. A necessary shift from general goals to specific
goals should take place to enable both the client and counselor to understand what
change is desired. Specific behaviour goals have additional value as the client is better
able to see any change that occurs.
Krumbolz (1966) suggested three additional criteria for judging counseling goals, as
follows:
1. The goals of counseling should be capable of being stated differently for
each individual client.
2. The goals should be compatible with, though not identical to, the values
of the counselor.
3. The degree to which goals of counseling are attained by each client
should be observable.

2.3

Counselor's Job Description

We all face challenges throughout our lives.
Often, counselors will be one of the first resources available to people in need of
emotional and psychological support.
Your strong sense of compassion and commitment to helping people are the most
necessary qualities for a successful career as a counselor.
You will need to have a strong support system of your own in place to ensure your
well-being as you undertake this challenging and rewarding vocation.
By addressing concerns with quality care from a counselor, clients learn how to make
informed and healthy decisions about themselves, their relationships and their futures.
Basically, counselors are only limited on the following services:
  

What does a counselor do?

Counselors offer guidance to individuals, couples, families and groups who are
dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. Many counselors
approach their work holistically, using a “wellness” model (as opposed to an “illness”
one) which highlights and encourages client’s strengths.
On the job counselors:
 Work with individuals, groups and communities to improve mental health
 Encourage clients to discuss emotions and experiences
 Examine issues including substance abuse, aging, bullying, anger
management, careers, depression, relationships, LGBTQ issues, self-image,
stress and suicide
 Work with families
 Help clients define goals, plan action and gain insight
 Develop therapeutic processes
 Refer clients to psychologists and other services
 Take a holistic (mind and body) approach to mental health care

What education or certification will I need to become

a counselor?
             Earning an undergraduate degree in counseling, psychology, sociology or
social work is the first step in becoming a mental health counselor. However, you
have an undergraduate degree in another field and pursue your master’s in counseling.
Your master’s will usually take one to two years to obtain. Learn more about What
You’ll Study.
                Most states require that counselors complete two years of post-graduate
supervised work, totaling between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of clinical experience. In
addition, counselors must pass a state-recognized exam and complete annual
continuing education courses. The learning is never done—and your hard work will
be rewarded with greater skills and understanding.
                 Licensing and certification guidelines for counselors vary by state; be sure
to check the guidelines for the region in which you plan to study.

What career paths can I take in counseling?

               As a counselor, you can work in family services, outpatient mental health
and substance abuse centers, hospitals, government, schools and in private practice.
You can choose to work with a specific population, such as with teenagers, the
incarcerated, families and the elderly. A parallel career path is marriage and family
therapy, which brings a family-centered perspective to health treatment, even when
treating individuals.
                Some professionals continue their education by earning a PhD in clinical
psychology, counseling psychology or mental health therapy. Earning a PhD will take
a time commitment of five to six years. Throughout the course of your education,
you’ll gain much experience by volunteering or interning at places like rehab
treatment centers, hospitals or counseling clinics.

2.4

VALUES OF COUNSELLING AND

PSYCHOTHERAPY  
The fundamental values of counselling and psychotherapy include a commitment to:
 Respecting human rights and dignity
 Protecting the safety of clients
 Ensuring the integrity of practitioner-client relationships
 Enhancing the quality of professional knowledge and its application
 Alleviating personal distress and suffering
 Fostering a sense of self that is meaningful to the person(s) concerned
 Increasing personal effectiveness
 Enhancing the quality of relationships between people
  Appreciating the variety of human experience and culture
 Striving for the fair and adequate provision of counselling and psychotherapy
services
Values inform principles. They represent an important way of expressing a general
ethical commitment that becomes more precisely defined and action-orientated when
expressed as a principle.

2.5

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY  

Principles direct attention to important ethical responsibilities. Each principle is
described below and is followed by examples of good practice that have been
developed in response to that principle.
Ethical decisions that are strongly supported by one or more of these principles
without any contradiction from others may be regarded as reasonably well founded.
However, practitioners will encounter circumstances in which it is impossible to
reconcile all the applicable principles and choosing between principles may be
required. A decision or course of action does not necessarily become unethical
merely because it is contentious or other practitioners would have reached different
conclusions in similar circumstances. A practitioner’s obligation is to consider all the
relevant circumstances with as much care as is reasonably possible and to be
appropriately accountable for decisions made.
Being trustworthy: honouring the trust placed in the practitioner (also referred to as
fidelity)
Being trustworthy is regarded as fundamental to understanding and resolving ethical
issues. Practitioners who adopt this principle: act in accordance with the trust placed
in them; strive to ensure that clients’ expectations are ones that have reasonable
prospects of being met; honour their agreements and promises; regard confidentiality
as an obligation arising from the client’s trust; restrict any disclosure of confidential
information about clients to furthering the purposes for which it was originally
disclosed.
Autonomy: respect for the client’s right to be self-governing
This principle emphasises the importance of developing a client’s ability to be self-
directing within therapy and all aspects of life. Practitioners who respect their clients’
autonomy: ensure accuracy in any advertising or information given in advance of
services offered; seek freely given and adequately informed consent; emphasise the
value of voluntary participation in the services being offered; engage in
explicit contracting in advance of any commitment by the client; protect privacy;
protect confidentiality; normally make any disclosures of confidential information
conditional on the consent of the person concerned; and inform the client in advance
of foreseeable conflicts of interest or as soon as possible after such conflicts become
apparent. The principle of autonomy opposes the manipulation of clients against their
will, even for beneficial social ends.
Beneficence: a commitment to promoting the client’s well-being
The principle of beneficence means acting in the best interests of the client based on
professional assessment. It directs attention to working strictly within one’s limits of
competence and providing services on the basis of adequate training or experience.
Ensuring that the client’s best interests are achieved requires systematic monitoring of
practice and outcomes by the best available means. It is considered important that
research and systematic reflection inform practice. There is an obligation to use
regular and on-going supervision to enhance the quality of the services provided and
to commit to updating practice by continuing professional development. An
obligation to act in the best interests of a client may become paramount when working
with clients whose capacity for autonomy is diminished because of immaturity, lack
of understanding, extreme distress, serious disturbance or other significant personal
constraints.
Non-maleficence: a commitment to avoiding harm to the client
Non-maleficence involves: avoiding sexual, financial, emotional or any other form of
client exploitation; avoiding incompetence or malpractice; not providing services
when unfit to do so due to illness, personal circumstances or intoxication. The
practitioner has an ethical responsibility to strive to mitigate any harm caused to a
client even when the harm is unavoidable or unintended. Holding appropriate
insurance may assist in restitution. Practitioners have personal and professional
responsibility to challenge, where appropriate, the incompetence or malpractice of
others; and to contribute to any investigation and/or adjudication concerning
professional practice which falls below that of a reasonably competent practitioner
and/or risks bringing discredit upon the profession. 
Justice: the fair and impartial treatment of all clients and the provision of adequate
services
The principle of justice requires being just and fair to all clients and respecting their
human rights and dignity. It directs attention to considering conscientiously any legal
requirements and obligations, and remaining alert to potential conflicts between legal
and ethical obligations. Justice in the distribution of services requires the ability to
determine impartially the provision of services for clients and the allocation of
services between clients. A commitment to fairness requires the ability to appreciate
differences between people and to be committed to equality of opportunity, and
avoiding discrimination against people or groups contrary to their legitimate personal
or social characteristics. Practitioners have a duty to strive to ensure a fair provision
of counselling and psychotherapy services, accessible and appropriate to the needs of
potential clients. 
 

Self-respect: fostering the practitioner’s self-knowledge and care for self

The principle of self-respect means that the practitioner appropriately applies all the
above principles as entitlements for self. This includes seeking counselling or therapy
and other opportunities for personal development as required. There is an ethical
responsibility to use supervision for appropriate personal and professional support and
development, and to seek training and other opportunities for continuing professional
development. Guarding against financial liabilities arising from work undertaken
usually requires obtaining appropriate insurance. The principle of self-respect
encourages active engagement in life-enhancing activities and relationships that are
independent of relationships in counselling or psychotherapy.

MODULE 3.1

Professionals and Practitioners in Counseling 

Counseling started out with certain basic premises that were learned from working
with students and collaborating with fellow counselors. One is that every student will
sometime need help. Guidance is not for the few extreme deviates but for all the
students in the school. The needs of individual students are quite different, but many
students may have similar problems. Since the counselor is so important in the
counseling process, the counselor should know his basic functions as well as his/her
purpose in conducting counseling. The duties of the guidance counselor vary
somewhat, depending upon whether he is serving in a relatively small school, district,
division or university. The breadth and nature of his work, then, are determined by
the size of the school or district, the availability of other special personnel, and the
competence of the school head. The topics on professionals and practitioners in
counseling are roles, functions and competencies of counselor, areas of specialization
where counselors work, career opportunities of counselors, rights
responsibilities, accountabilities and code of ethics. 
3.2

Areas of Specialization of Counselors

School Counselor
School counselors work for public or private high schools in advisory roles. Their
responsibilities can include helping high school students to excel in school, helping
students to prepare for college and encouraging students to participate in
extracurricular activities that will enhance both their resumes and social lives.
To become a school counselor, you’ll typically need to earn your master’s degree in
school counseling. Your intended state of practice may also require further
credentials.
School counselors earn annual median pay of $ 53,660 or median hourly pay of
$25.80. This is a counseling specialization with reliable demand levels, and the
outlook for future employment is fine.
Career Counselor
Career counselors give people the guidance they seek in choosing suitable careers and
preparing for them. This is typically a full-time job. Employers for this position can
be found in career centers, universities, colleges and governmental organizations.
Some career counselors operate private practices.
Requirements for the job vary depending on the employer and state of practice.
Having at least a master’s degree is ideal. A private career counseling practice may
require a state license.
Career counselors earn annual median pay of $ 53,660 or median hourly pay of
$25.80. This is another counseling specialization with consistent demand levels, and
the outlook for future employment is fine.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors diagnose emotional and psychiatric disorders, and they
guide their patients in the process of living with such disorders.
A master’s degree and state license are requirements for becoming a mental health
counselor. Clinical experience is also required, along with a passing grade on the
examination(s) required in your intended state of practice.
Mental health counselors earn annual median pay of $43,190 or median hourly pay of
$20.77. This is a fast-growing specialization with exceptionally fantastic prospects for
future employment.
Marriage Counselor
A marriage counselor is an unbiased third party who can help couples resolve marital
problems. Distressed couples seek the help of a marriage counselor when they don’t
want to divorce but aren’t sure how to compromise on various issues. Some pastors,
churches and religious groups also require that couples consult a marriage counselor
for a specified period of time before they can be married in that particular religious
tradition.
These professionals typically work full time. Some have their own private practices
and some work for health centers, religious organizations or in similar settings.
To become a marriage counselor, you’ll need to earn a master’s degree in psychology,
marriage therapy, family therapy or a similarly relevant discipline. You’ll also need to
obtain a license. Licensure typically requires clinical practice plus a passing grade on
any exams required in your state of intended practice.
Marriage counselors earn annual median pay of $43,190 or median hourly pay of
$20.77. This is a fast-growing specialization with excellent prospects for future
employment.
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors typically work full time in positions at youth guidance
organizations, senior’s centers, rehabilitation centers and similar organizations. One
of their main roles is to assist newly disabled people adjust to life with their
disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors might also find work helping physically
disabled people or mentally disabled people to manage their careers, personal lives or
social lives.
To become a rehabilitation counselor, you’re likely to need a master’s degree in
rehabilitation counseling plus certification and a license.
Rehabilitation counselors earn annual median pay of $34,390 or median hourly pay of
$16.54. This is a fast-growing and popular counseling specialization with excellent
prospects for future employment.

3.3

Guidance Counselor Degrees & Education

Guidance counselors must earn a master’s degree in school counseling before they
can begin practicing. In some cases, you may be able to get your master’s degree in
education and then transition to counseling with a few extra courses, but you are
much more likely to succeed if you go to school specifically for counseling.
There are also institutions that may allow you to provide some counseling services
without a master’s degree. Data entry and administrative work, or counseling purely
on academic grounds, may be allowed with only a bachelor’s degree. However, you
will not be able to provide any of the therapeutic counseling services that often make
the career so rewarding.
Candidates in counseling programs typically need to complete internships or
practicums, in which they practice their skills. In rare cases, you may need classroom
experience before you can apply to a counseling program, so check the laws in your
state. Upon graduation, you will most likely need to take a board-approved
examination to receive your license to practice. The exact licensing body will depend
on your jurisdiction; you can find out more from your program. This, however, is not
always necessary, so be sure to check the rules of the organization for which you’d
like to work.
Guidance counseling is, overall, a rewarding job and an enjoyable one. Most people
find the schooling enjoyable as well, especially since you get to do many of the same
things you’ll do as a professional: talk with others, plan for the future, and help
people. If that sounds like a pretty good way to spend life, you may have found your
career.

Career Opportunities of Counselor

School Counselor Career

What Is School Counseling?

A person’s school years are often very influential on the rest of his life. It is during
these years that a child will grow into adolescence, then into his teenage years. During
this time, a person will often further develop his personality, make and break
friendships, and decide what he wants to do for the rest of his life.
School, however, can also be a very stressful time in a person’s life. Students today
have to worry about getting good test scores, completing copious amounts of
homework on time, excelling in extracurricular activities, and getting along with their
peers. Being pulled in so many directions and having this much on their plates can be
very overwhelming for just about anyone, regardless of their age.
Depending on his experiences, a person’s school years might be either the best years
of his life, or the worst.
School counseling, however, is a type of counseling that focuses on helping students
make the best of their education. Professionals in this field are typically referred to as
either school counselors or guidance counselors. They typically work with several
different students over the course of a school year, and help them with a variety of
different problems, from class scheduling to substance abuse.
Today, school counselors are some of the most important and prominent members of
a school’s faculty. They’re caring, compassionate, and genuinely concerned with the
well being of the children they deal with. if you’re looking to make a difference in a
child’s life and want to help him form his future, a school counseling career might be
exactly what you’re looking for.
How Do I Become a School Counselor?
To become a school counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous amount
of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree,
and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program. Visit our school counseling
degree page to learn more about the educational pathway.
Why Do We Need School Counselors?
While in school, it can be very easy to feel lost, confused, alone, and overwhelmed.
School counselors, though, exist to help students through the maze of academia.
The main goal of a school counselor is to help mold today’s young minds into
tomorrow’s productive members of society. These professionals work with students
on a daily basis in order to help them make the right decisions, meet challenges, and
move in the right direction. Without school counselors, a large number of students
might slip through the cracks as they struggle with academics or make less than wise
decisions.
What Does a School Counselor Do?
A school counselor has a number of different job duties and responsibilities; perhaps
more responsibilities than any other member of a school faculty. On any given day,
these professionals will usually work closely with students, teachers, parents, and
school administrators.
Students are typically a school counselor’s first priority. In general, these
professionals are trained to keep the best interests of each and every student in mind.
A school counselor will often start by evaluating a student’s skills, strengths,
weaknesses,career goals, and interests. From there, the counselor can then help the
student choose which classes to take. The counselor is also usually responsible for
creating each student’s class schedule, which needs to include all of the necessary
classes that are required for graduation.
Career counseling is also another important responsibility of a school counselor.
These professionals can help students who are unsure of their career goals choose
some possible careers that are right for them. They can also help students take courses
and participate in activities that will help them get into good colleges or career
programs after graduation.
Social, behavioral, mental, and emotional problems are also often addressed by school
counselors as well. For instance, school counselors will often help students who are
struggling academically; being bullied by peers; abuse drugs or alcohol; or
experiencing abuse or other problems at home. School counselors might also help
students who are dealing with issues such as low self-esteem and time management.
School counselors will also usually stay in close contact with the parents of each
student. Parents are usually informed of any problems that students may be having in
school, for example. School counselors may also send parents periodic progress
reports and give them advice on how to help their children succeed in school and in
life.
Teachers may enlist the help of school counselors at times as well. They may ask for
help with a problem student, for instance, or work with a school counselor to help a
student with a particular problem. School counselors may also be asked to help with
ho to discipline students as well.
The advice and concerns of a school counselors are also usually taken into
consideration when school administrators are creating or reorganizing school policies.
Where Do School Counselors Work?
As their title suggests, school counselors work in educational institutes of all types.
They are employed at both public and private schools, from the elementary levels to
college levels.

Pastoral Counseling Career

What Is Pastoral Counseling?
Since ancient times, ministers have been helping followers through adversity. This
role is now called pastoral counseling. It provides a framework for the training
resources and various roles of clergy in the therapeutic setting. Priests, rabbis,
ministers, Imans and others receive psychological training that helps them provide
therapy to members of their congregation who are in distress.
It is different from other branches of counseling and psychotherapy. Pastoral
counselors represent the central beliefs of a religious community so therapy is an
interplay of faith, life and behavioral science. The counselor is able to combine
resources from the mental health field with those of theology.
In the United States, pastoral counseling has been a distinct field since the 1920s. At
that point religious groups starting integrating insights from the new field of
psychiatry with social work and traditional training for members of the clergy. The
American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry, now called the Blanton-Peale
Institute, was started in the 1930s. In 1963, professional certification was introduced
to the field through the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

Why Do We Need Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral counselors are in a unique position to help members of their flock through
bereavement, terminal illness and marriage relationship problems. Relationship is
paramount with pastoral counselors, with an emphasis on the belief that all people are
connected.
As pastoral counselors, they can draw on shared religious beliefs to help individuals
find meaning in the pain and to work toward a sense of greater wholeness.
They help people cope with a wide range of issues, including   family relationship
problems, end-of-life issues, substance abuse situations, mental health problems, and
even about growing up and choosing careers.
Members of a faith community benefit from the one-on-one attention and the training
of the pastoral counselor in spiritual, ethical and psychological matters.
Strictly speaking, credentials are not required for clergy who want to offer counseling,
most of which is done within their particular parish. They can offer consolation and
advice to members of their flock without official licensing or training.
But most seek licensing and certification from the American Association of Pastoral
Counselors. This group vouches that the counselor has met specific training
requirements, both classroom and clinical. Each person who seeks certification
successfully completes the tests and undergoes a personal evaluation.
Many pastoral counselors have a Bachelor’s degree, a degree from a seminary, and
often a Master’s degree or doctorate in psychology or other area of mental health, or
in pastoral care and counseling. There is also a doctorate in pastoral community
counseling or a Doctor of Theology (ThD) in pastoral counseling.
Depending on the level of education, the counselor might participate in a residency
program. This offers them the chance for trained supervision as they counsel people
one-on-one or in group settings.
Only six states actually require pastoral counselors to become licensed. In many
cases, clergy seek out licensing as official marriage and family therapists or
professional counselors.

What Does a Pastoral Counselor Do?

Pastoral counselors perform a range of counseling duties in various settings. These
might include helping a parishioner through grief management, working with a couple
planning a wedding to prepare them for the realities of marriage, and checking in with
a person who is in recovery from substance abuse.
Anywhere faith and life events mix, a counselor can bring his expertise to the
situation and provide comfort. The counseling session can include prayer.

Where Does a Pastoral Counselor Work?

Pastoral counselors work in a variety of settings. These can include churches, temples
and other houses of worship, hospitals, correctional facilities, substance abuse
rehabilitation facilities, hospices, domestic violence centers, workplaces, military
bases and religious-based counseling centers. Some have private practices that are
open to members of their faith, as well as outsiders.

Mental Health Counselor Careers

What Is Mental Health Counseling?

Life is full of frustration and difficult times. Most adults will usually have to deal with
such things as balancing family and career life, and paying bills that they can’t afford.
These stressful times can be very hard to get through and extremely overwhelming for
some. Not coping with this type of stress in a healthy manner, however, can lead to
mental and emotional strain.
Mental health counseling can be used to pull some people out of their mental din.
Professionals in this field offer counseling, support, and guidance to individuals that
are having trouble coping mentally or emotionally.
There are a number of mental problems that mental health counselors might encounter
during their careers, from people dealing with everyday stress to those with
diagnosable mental illnesses and disorders. For instance, they might counsel people
that are having had times due to family, job, or social issues. They might also offer
counseling to individuals experiencing:
 Depression
 BipolarDisorder
 Generalized Anxiety Disorder
 Panic Disorder
 Grief
 Phobias
 Eating Disorders
 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
 Addiction
 Grief
 Chronic Pain
 Substance Abuse
 Suicidal Impulses
 Self-Esteem
 Marital Distress
Mental disorders are sometimes considered to be the most common disability in the
United States. In fact, research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health
has shown that over a quarter of all adults suffers from a mental illness each year.
More and more people are finally realizing the importance of not only their physical
well being, but also their mental well being. Health insurance companies are even
more apt to offer coverage for mental illness services as well. Because of this, there
will not be a shortage of mental counseling jobs in the coming years, and mental
health counseling is a rapidly growing field.
How Do I Become a Mental Health Counselor?
To become a mental health counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous
amount of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's
Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program. If you are serious about
entering into this field of study, request information from programs available for
you here.
Why Do We Need Mental Health Counseling?
Trying to cope with a mental disorder - or even extreme everyday stress - can be very
difficult and overwhelming for most. These disorders are often very scary, confusing,
and frustrating. Some people suffering from mental illnesses and disorders may even
feel ashamed of their conditions.
Mental health counselors, however, can help people learn to cope with their disorders
and anything else life throws their way in a healthy manner. The guidance and skills
that these professionals provide can often help people lead normal, happy lives.
What Does a Mental Health Counselor Do?
Mental health counselors typically work directly with clients, and sometimes their
families as well. As mentioned above, professionals in this field might help with a
variety of mental and emotional issues.
Before counseling or treating their clients, mental health professionals will usually
assess them first. This usually involves interviewing the clients and possibly having
them fill out questionnaires. Depending on the severity of their conditions, mental
health counselors may diagnose them with any number of mental illnesses.
Traditional psychotherapy is often the preferred method of treatment for mental health
counselors. This type of therapy usually consists of allowing the client to talk freely to
the counselor with little interjections from him. Clients can talk about anything that
concerns them, which allows them to explore their emotions and feelings. At times,
the counselor may ask questions or offer comments.
A mental health counselor might also help his clients with setting and achieving goals.
They may offer encouragement and advice on how to reach certain goals. To keep
clients from getting overwhelmed or frustrated, a counselor might also teach them
stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
Overall, mental health counseling is meant to be a short-term solution to help people
get through rough patches in their life. Clients suffering from more severe and long-
term mental illnesses will usually be referred to another mental health professional,
such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Where Do Mental Health Counselors Work?
Mental health counselors often work in all different types of health facilities, where
individuals that need them will have easy access to their services. For instance, they
might work in regular hospitals and psychiatric hospitals, along with mental health
clinics, hospice care centers, and home health care centers. Mental health counselors
might also work for schools, detention centers, adoption agencies, law enforcement
agencies, and even branches of the military.

Rehabilitation Counselor Career

What Is Rehabilitation Counseling?
According to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and published by the National
Service Inclusion Project (NSIP), there are an estimated 48.9 million people (19.4%
of the overall population) living in the U.S. with a disability. An estimated 24.1
million disabled persons are reported to have a severe disability, and 34.2 million
experience some type of functional limitation. Disabilities include physical,
emotional, mental, or social conditions that substantially limit a persons movements,
senses or major life activity. Individuals facing these types of challenges often rely on
others for assistance, and benefit greatly from therapy and counseling that helps them
improve their independence and quality of life.
Rehabilitation counselors are mental health professionals, who work with disabled
individuals to build skills, cope with feelings of anxiety and depression, and find
solutions to problems such as employment, chronic pain, mobility, transportation,
basic care, and more. The goals and practice of of rehabilitation counseling are similar
to many other professions that fall under the categories of psychology, counseling and
mental health - a rehabilitation counselor will use tests and other assessment tools to
assess and understand a client's problem, develop a treatment plan, and utilize
therapeutic techniques to foster a better quality of life for the client.
How Do I Become a Rehabilitation Counselor?
To become a rehabilitation counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous
amount of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's
Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program.
Why Do We Need Rehabilitation Counseling?
Contrary to what some people believe, nearly every person can be a productive and
contributing member of society, regardless of their disabilities. Some people,
however, may need some guidance on how to become more independent.
Rehabilitation counseling can help point these individuals in the right direction on
becoming more independent. Having more independent individuals in our society not
only helps the moral of the society in general, but it also reduces the strain on
government assistant and other resources.
What Does a Rehabilitation Counselor Do?
”Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have
fed him for a lifetime”
This quote can be thought of as the motto of the field of rehabilitation counselors.
However, before teaching a person to do anything, a rehabilitation psychologist will
first usually need to determine where that person’s strengths and weaknesses lie. A
rehabilitation counselor will usually interview his clients first in order to determine
what they are capable of doing as well as what their limitations are.
After determining what a client is able to do, a rehabilitation psychologist will then be
able to implement an individual therapy and counseling plan that can help them
become more independent.
A rehabilitation counselor might help his clients work through several different types
of problems that may be holding them back in life. Many times, solving the right
problem might also solve several other smaller problems. Problem solving during
counseling sessions is often accomplished by setting goals.
Goals are often a big part of rehabilitation counseling. The main goal for individuals
in need of rehabilitation psychology is usually to live as independently as possible.
This is usually accomplished by setting and working toward several small goals. For
instance, counselors working with people with limited mobility might work to help
their clients gain access to transportation, such as public transportation. This small
step would enable clients to run errands, go shopping, and find and keep a job,
making them much more independent.
Where Do Rehabilitation Psychologists Work?
Rehabilitation counselors might work in traditional hospitals, physical therapy clinics,
assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and nursing homes. They can
also be found working in social and human service offices, schools, detention centers,
disability centers, and unemployment offices.
Like many other counselors and psychologists, rehabilitation counselors can also
choose to open private practices.

Community Counselor Careers

What Is Community Counseling?
Imagine a snowball, cold and wet and compacted between your hands. Now, imagine
that you roll that same snowball down a mountain. As the snowball starts rolling
down the mountain, it begins to gather more speed. It also gets much larger, as more
snow is packed onto its surface. By the time the snowball reaches the bottom of the
mountain, it is no longer small, fluffy, and innocent. Instead, it is quite large and
possibly dangerous.
This is roughly the same manner in which many community problems take shape as
well. They start out small, affecting only a handful of community members, but they
can quickly grow out of control. Examples of some community problems can include
poverty, and cultural or racial prejudices. Problems such as these can often lead to
additional problems, like widespread psychological issues, substance abuse, and
increased school dropout rates.
Other issues might also affect the health of a community as a whole. A traumatic
event or disaster, for instance, will often turn a community upside down. The
suddenness of an event such as this - such as a terrorist attack or devastating natural
disaster - combined with the loss of property, possessions, and loved ones can result
in an increased amount of psychological disorders.
Community counseling is a type of counseling that is used to help communities that
are suffering from psychological or social discord, for one reason or another.
Professionals in this field will often try to treat individuals in the community for
whatever psychological problem that ails them. They will also attempt to prevent
future problems as well.
In order to begin a community counseling career, individuals must possess a few very
important traits. For instance, they should have excellent communication and
leadership skills. Communication skills enable these professionals to connect with and
better understand the problems and causes of problems that some communities may
face. Leadership skills are important, because they help community members feel
more trusting and willing to follow the advice of community psychologists.
How Do I Become a Community Counselor?
To become a community counselor you will need to go through a rather rigorous
amount of schooling. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's
Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or PhD program. If you are serious about
entering into this field of study, request information from programs available for
you here.
Why Do We Need Community Counselors?
Everyone wants to live in a relatively peaceful community, and the majority of people
prefer to be proud of their communities rather than ashamed of them. Problems
running rampant in a community, however, can make it difficult to feel this way.
Issues and problems suffered by older generations in a community will also often be
adopted by younger generations, making them difficult to put an end to.
Community counseling, however, can help prevent this vicious cycle. Professionals in
this field are experts at treating problems of individuals as well as communities. They
are often experts at getting communities to pull together during tough times and
restore order and harmony.
What Does a Community Counselor Do?
Community counselors attempt to solve widespread community problems that are
social or psychological in nature. In order to do this, they will often work with
individuals as well as a community as a whole.
There may be a number of different problems that can plague individuals in
dysfunctional communities. Many of these problems are often related. Community
counselors will often speak with several individuals, offering guidance, therapy, and
counseling. While trying to help these individuals overcome their challenges in life,
though, a community counselor will also attempt to get to the root of the problem.
Once a community counselor recognizes the root of a problem plaguing a community,
they will often attempt to fix the problem. This typically involves working closely
with community leaders and possibly creating community outreach programs. These
outreach programs may have a number of different purposes, depending on the
particular problems of a community. They may be used to make mental health
services more visible or widely available, for instance,
Not all community problems stem from such things as social and psychological
problems within the area, however. Disasters and traumatic events can often rip a
community to shreds in a very short period of time. These may include such things as
natural disasters or acts of man. Some traumatic events that may rip through a
community may include floods, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, war, and
terrorist attacks. Events such as these will often make communities as whole feel
scared, confused, angry, depressed, and anxious. These feelings could stem from the
loss of homes, property, loved ones, and stability in general.
After a community wide disaster, community counselors will often be available to
individuals in need of counseling for various mental and emotional problems caused
by the disaster. This can be achieved by individual counseling sessions or group
counseling sessions. Community counselors might also help a community unite and
rebuild in the aftermath of such an event.
Where Do Community Counselors Work?
Community counselors might be employed by a number of different facilities and
agencies. They might work in hospitals, substance abuse clinics, mental health
centers, and schools. They might also be employed by social service organizations,
non-profit groups, and government agencies.
3.4

Rights & Responsibilities

Client Rights & Responsibilities
Clients, and their parents/guardians, have the right and/or responsibility to:
 Get respectful treatment that will be helpful.
 Expect a safe treatment setting free from physical, emotional, or sexual
abuse.
 Be informed about the terms of therapy, for example, fees, payment
arrangements, privacy issues, and so on.
 Clarify and/or ask questions, at any time, about their therapy.
 Actively participate in the course of therapy.
 Privacy and confidentiality. In general, no one will learn about the content of
the therapy sessions unless there remains on file written permission to do so
(e.g., Release of Information Consent Form). However, by law there are
certain circumstances that require appropriate authorities be advised. Limits of
confidentiality are:
o If the client is in danger to self or others.
o Any child (persons under 18 years) is need of protection.
o If court ordered, and a client file is subpoenaed.
 Refuse therapy, of any kind, including testing procedures, evaluation, or
therapeutic techniques/interventions, without jeopardizing future treatment
availability. If treatment has been court ordered (e.g., parole requirement),
however, legal problems may arise if treatment is interrupted or terminated
prematurely.
 Ask to be informed about the progress of therapy, and participate in ongoing
evaluations of its procedures and goals.
  Together, with the therapist, review the client file information during any
scheduled appointment.
 Know about the therapist’s qualification and training. If preferred, clients
may be provided with the names of some additional helping professionals.
 Read a copy of the guidelines with respect to the therapist’s professional code
of conduct and practice (e.g., Code of Ethics).
 Resolve any concerns or issues directly with the therapist and, if unable to
reach a satisfactory accord, make a formal complaint to the therapist’s
professional association(s).
 End therapy at any time. Clients or their parents/guardians are responsible to
pay only for counselling and/or assessment services already received, unless
previously agreed upon.

Therapist Rights & Responsibilities

Therapists have the right and/or responsibility to:
 Expect clients will attend sessions regularly, be punctual, and pay for
services when rendered unless previous arrangements are made (e.g.,
insurance provider, social service agency).
 Expect clients will follow through on agreed upon homework assignments or
exercises.
 Act in the best interest of their client(s) and maintain a professional
relationship.
 Maintain a reasonable level of current knowledge and skills in their
therapeutic practice.
 Be in good standing with their professional association(s).
 Limit the services provided (e.g., practice within qualified areas of expertise
and training).
 Expect full fee for cancellations without 24 hours notice or no-show
appointments, unless previously arranged or under discretionary
circumstances.

4.1

Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is a personal opportunity to receive support and experience
growth during challenging times in life. Individual counseling can help one deal with
many personal topics in life such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse,
marriage and relationship challenges, parenting problems, school difficulties, career
changes, etc.
Individual counseling (sometimes called psychotherapy, talk therapy, or treatment) is
a process through which clients work one-on-one with a trained mental health
clinician in a safe, caring, and confidential environment. Counseling allows
individuals to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, work through challenging
or influential memories, identify aspects of their lives that they would like to change,
better understand themselves and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired
change.
Individual counseling is counseling focused on the individual's immediate or near
future concerns. Individual counseling may encompass career counseling and
planning, grief after a loved one dies or dealing with problems at a job before they
become big. Individual counseling is a one-on-one discussion between the counselor
and the client, who is the person seeking treatment. The two form an alliance,
relationship or bond that enables trust and personal growth.

How Are Therapy Goals, Frequency, and Duration

Determined?
In general, the goal of psychotherapy is to talk through mental health concerns and
help clients heal, grow, and move toward more productive, psychologically healthy
lives. Good therapy is client-driven, and specific goals for therapy will be determined
by you and your therapist.
Individual psychotherapy sessions typically last between 45 and 50 minutes. The
frequency and duration of therapy will depend largely on your needs, treatment goals,
and progress. Many concerns are readily resolved with short-term therapy, and other
chronic or more complex concerns require long-term commitment before
improvement is realized.
Research has shown that psychotherapy results in fewer relapses of common
conditions such as moderate depression and anxiety, and that the positive effects of
good therapy extend well beyond treatment. In fact, many clients report improved
conditions long after therapy has ended. In general, psychotherapy is often more
effective than psychotropic drugs or medical treatments alone, which may cause
harmful side effects. In addition, many therapeutic modalities are evidence-based,
meaning they have been subject to research studies and clinical observations, and they
have been analyzed for effectiveness.

What Happens During a Single Session or First-

Time Appointment for Short-term Counseling?
If you and a CAPS clinician determine that a single session or short-term individual
counseling is the treatment recommendation that best meets your needs, then you will
be offered the first available appointment that matches your schedule. If you have
particular counselor preferences, this might increase the time you have to wait for
your first appointment. This first appointment will usually be scheduled within a few
days to a few weeks. (Please note that if you are in need of immediate help, inform
our staff so that we can connect you to the appropriate CAPS resources immediately.)
The total time period required is approximately 90 minutes including completing
forms on the computer, the therapy session, and scheduling follow-up appointments,
so be sure to keep this in mind when scheduling your appointment.
It is essential that you arrive promptly in order to allow sufficient time to complete the
necessary forms. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may be asked to
reschedule. The forms include a demographic and clinical history form, treatment
agreement, consent to treatment, and a notice of privacy practices. Your clinician will
obtain information about your current concerns, relevant history and goals. Your
clinician also will review relevant CAPS policies and procedures, such as
confidentiality.

What Happens during Subsequent or Follow-Up

Sessions if Participating in Short-Term
Counseling at CAPS?
For subsequent or follow-up sessions, you will meet with your counselor for
approximately 45 minutes, which will be scheduled according to a mutually agreed
upon plan. If you would like additional counseling beyond what CAPS can provide,
then we will work with you to find a clinician in the local community.
Early on, you will work with your clinician to set goals for your counseling sessions.
Establishing clear goals will provide direction as well as help you to monitor your
progress in counseling. If you have any questions or concerns about the counseling
process, don't hesitate to bring these up with your clinician, who will be pleased to
discuss them with you. The exact direction of your counseling experience will depend
on the issues you bring into counseling, your clinician’s perspective, and the goals
you set for your work together.
Reference: https://www.csuci.edu/caps/individual-counseling.htm

Five Benefits of Individual Counseling

What is Individual Counseling?
Individual counseling is a resource for people who struggle with mental health issues,
such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc. Individuals can learn to cope with
stress, interpersonal issues, grief, anger issues, and low self-esteem throughout the
process of counseling. The counselor merely opens the door to allow the individual to
sit with the human experience.
What are the Benefits of Individual Counseling?
Individual counseling is helpful for a variety of reasons, such as increasing an
individual’s self-awareness, encouraging self-exploration, identifying boundaries,
enhancing communication skills and improving the use of healthy coping skills. The
benefits will lead to a shift in behavior for the individual, which often decrease
symptoms of mental health issues.
Self-Awareness
Throughout the counseling process, the individual and counselor engage in discussion
about the issues to be addressed. Counselors often encourage individuals to reflect
and delve into their experiences.
For example, mindfulness is a widely used tool used in counseling to increase an
individual’s ability to be present in the here and now. The mindfulness activities often
urge individuals to consider the thoughts, feelings, and sensations occurring in the
session. This type of practice leads to self-awareness of the human experience. What
is going on inside me–right now?
In addition, counselors tend to provide insight into the impact of an individual’s
behavior on the desired outcome. In particular, Cognitive Behavioral therapists, who
use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), will point out the mismatch between what
the individual thinks will happen and what actually happens.
An individual who struggles with a specific phobia of spiders would likely avoid
situations where a spider might be present with the intent to decrease the stress.
However, the avoidance of the spider simply allows the fear to strengthen. Counselors
are crucial outside observers who provide individuals with a perspective they are not
able to see on their own.
Self-Exploration
Counseling also allows individuals to embark on a journey of self-exploration. Who
am I? What are my beliefs and values? What makes life meaningful for me? Who are
the individuals in my support network? These are all questions counseling puts at the
forefront of an individual’s mind.
Identifying Boundaries
Many individuals seek counseling for issues related to their relationships and social
skills. More often than not, issues arise from a lack of boundaries. Boundaries are the
physical and emotional limitations that help to differentiate the desires, needs, and
preferences of one person from another. The most important aspect of establishing
boundaries is recognizing where you need them.
In order to communicate boundaries, an individual must first seek to identify and to
become aware of them. The role of a counselor is to provide insight into the needs and
preferences of an individual. How much time do you need away from your partner
each week? How can you prioritize tasks to set boundaries for yourself? Each of these
questions can be explored in counseling.
Communication Skills
In addition to identifying boundaries, counseling tends to improve communication
skills, such as those pertaining to assertiveness, emotional intelligence, empathy,
active listening, confidence, and respect.
Assertiveness, which involves standing up for one’s own needs while also respecting
the needs of others, is crucial to
Healthy Coping Skills
Most importantly, individuals gain valuable coping skills throughout the counseling
process. For example, counselors who utilize either Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focus on mindfulness
techniques during the session, which are effective in decreasing symptoms of anxiety;
this knowledge can be taken from the counseling session into the real world.
In addition, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) encourages individuals to use
coping skills related to the individual’s thought patterns. For instance, CBT increases
an individual’s ability to identify triggers and unhealthy thoughts related to anxiety
and depression. Counselors who practice CBT also inform the individuals about ways
to reframe thoughts and consider alternative perspectives.
4.2
Group Therapy treatment is provided by one or more therapists depending on the
number of clients that are attending a session. This is a form of psychotherapy
counseling highly recommended and a treatment that varies according to the client's
diagnosis. Although it is used alone at times it may be combined with a treatment plan
that includes both therapy and medication. This can be effective in treating those who
suffer from trauma or behavior disorders because of the interaction that is associated
with it. Group Therapy gives people the support that they need from not only a
counselor, but a group of people who are going through some of the same conflicts.
The other members of the group often serve as models if they have overcome some
aspects of the treatment.

Goals of Group Counseling

The goal of Group Counseling is to instill hope in clients and bring people together so
that they can benefit from more support throughout the session. It helps clients who
feel alone and isolated which can in turn result in depression and worsening
behavioral issues. The goal is to initiate interaction between one another and help
boost self esteem within the group. When the clients need to start using a new
behavior as a part of their treatment, the group setting is a fitting place to begin
because it is supportive. When a group unites with a similar goal in mind there is a
sense of belonging during the sessions. Group counseling focuses on promoting
interpersonal learning with others and providing feedback so that each client may
have a deeper understanding of their own diagnosis.

When is Group Counseling Used?

There are various reasons as to why Group Counseling may be used. It's often chosen
over individual psychotherapy for social reasons. Those who are in the group are there
to improve throughout the treatment by observing others who are dealing with the
same areas of health. Although the client doesn't partake in one-on-one interactions
with the counselor there are advantages to the environment. Group counseling is used
when the client is in need of an increased amount of feedback. It may be provided if
the client benefits from modeling and social interaction. When the individual is able
to see others improve they can use the model's coping methods for their own
cognitive and behavioral growth.

How Group Counseling Works

Throughout the session a group of individuals come together with either one or
multiple therapists depending on the size of the group. This offers participants the
opportunity to socialize with others who may have some of the same issues. They
may be asked to try out new behavior and engage with others by giving and receiving
positive feedback. While in the group it is likely that the clients will be satisfied with
the way that they can speak openly about their insecurities or worries. The individual
is in control of how much they expose to the group. A group setting is not aggressive
in making clients speak about issues that they aren't comfortable with.
Most patients are secure with the setting within weeks. When the patient becomes
comfortable it is common that they will begin to interact more. There should never be
any groups that have more than 12 clients because it can be difficult to give every
person the effectiveness that they need in treatment if there are too many people.
Small groups are more effective in giving and receiving support because the clients
can get to know each other on a more intimate level.
Members of this group speak with one another about personal issues. They may
respond to some of the events that they have already overcome since treatment has
begun. Many sessions confront issues that have been brought up by other members
out of concern or worry. The subject of the session is concluded by what the group of
clients wants to speak about. The therapist does not decide on the topic of
conversation. Feedback that stems from others can actually help the group have more
of a maladaptive behavior which is constructive throughout the treatment.

Criticisms of Group Counseling

There is minor criticism made toward treating patients who have been diagnosed with
borderline personality disorder in a group setting. Research shows that there are only
some clients who have BPD and have benefitted support in group sessions. Clinical
studies illustrate that having both group therapy and individual therapy is most
effective for some clients depending on their diagnosis. Overall studies point out the
effectiveness of psychotherapy in the form of group counseling.

4.3

What is Community Counseling?

Counseling services generally come in two distinct types: community counseling and
medical counseling. The most common venue for counseling is in an established
hospital, where professionals have the added benefit of providing their services with
ready availability of medical services, prescription drug treatments, and diagnoses of
disorders that might require more intensive therapy and other psychological services.
Though common, this is not the only way to receive counseling services for a wide
range of diseases, disorders, and other issues.
Community counseling takes the service outside of the hospital and puts it directly
into the community, and that's where this particular type of counseling gets its name.
Instead of visiting a hospital, patients can generally visit their counselor at a smaller,
private practice. Though the medical foundation is lost, there are several key
advantages to pursuing counseling in this way:
– Private practice allows for a smaller setting, which might be more comfortable for
those patients who don't like large waiting rooms, crowds, or other distractions.
– Community counseling is often located much closer to where patients actually live.
This makes it easy for those with reduced mobility to attend their appointments
without incident or delay.
– Community counseling services are often more specialized, allowing professionals
to help their patients with a more particular set of skills.
Where Does Community Counseling Take Place and What Does it
Look Like?
Community counseling services take a wide variety of forms, and that means they
may very well transcend the typical private practice or "doctor's office" feeling that
many people wrongly associate with the profession. While a large number of
community counseling centers are set up in this way, a large number of community
services are offered on location, or in existing health centers with a slightly different
focus than the traditional hospital. 
– Correctional facilities
– Mental health centers
– Retirement communities
– Schools and other educational settings
– Business and corporate offices
– Human services agencies
In each of these instances, counselors may simply work from the location several days
a week. In between those appointments, they may still work in a hospital setting or
from a community-based private practice. These unique settings allow those with a
strong psychological background to tackle problems where they occur, and stop
development of those problems before they turn into something that is much harder to
diagnose, address, and successfully treat.
Qualifications for Community Counselors Are Not Different
Though the setting and venue differ with community counseling, the profession's
requirements are the same as would be enforced in a hospital setting. Counselors must
have pursued an undergraduate degree in psychology or counseling. In most cases,
students should have followed up their undergraduate degree with master's degree in
counseling psychology, psychotherapy, or psychiatry.
Often, hospitals and community counseling positions will require applicants to have
some level of certification in the specific area that they'll be working. Whether it's
mental health, substance abuse, corporate counseling, or another avenue, these
certifications allow new hires to hit the ground running and save their employers a
significant amount of tuition compensation and on-the-job training. In some states,
these certifications are even required before counselors can be considered for the job
at all.
A Growing Field with Interesting Opportunities
Community counseling continues to grow as the profession embraces treating people
outside large, medical settings. Counselors interested in community counseling should
make sure they pursue the proper degrees and certifications, while those patients in
need of counseling should do their research and pick a private practice that most
aligns with their unique psychological needs.
MODULE 5.1

Mental Health Counseling Techniques

To make counseling effective, counselors must not only master counseling skills and
techniques but also understand the different theories that guide mental health
professionals.
1. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory explains people's behavior by examining life experiences.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was an advocate for behavioral theory, as he showed
through animal testing that conditioning could affect behavior significantly. In a
modern context, a behaviorist might argue that someone possesses violent tendencies
because that person suffered physical abuse as a child.
2. Cognitive Theory
Instead of focusing on actions, cognitive theory examines how people's thoughts
influence their behavior. In a clinical setting, psychologists and psychiatrists use talk
therapy to help clients identify and remedy negative thoughts. For example, a client
who can verbalize his or her flying anxiety can begin to develop new, positive thought
patterns that reduce stress.
3. Humanistic Theory
After the Second World War, many mental health professionals turned away from
traditional behavioral and cognitive theories. Humanistic theory assumes that people
are good and desire agency over their own lives. Counselors who use humanistic
theory focus on clients' subjective feelings and use those feelings as a way to treat
underlying problems.
4. Integrative Theory
Counseling settings, vary widely, but the processes, methods and tools used by
counselors are very similar. Counseling professionals in the government setting work
with various government agencies  that have counseling services such as: 
 Social welfare
 Correctional department
 The court system
 Child and women affair services
 Schools
 Military 
 Police
 Mental and foster homes
 Rehabilitation centers 

5.2Mental Health Counseling Techniques

To make counseling effective, counselors must not only master counseling skills and
techniques but also understand the different theories that guide mental health
professionals.
1. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory explains people's behavior by examining life experiences.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was an advocate for behavioral theory, as he showed
through animal testing that conditioning could affect behavior significantly. In a
modern context, a behaviorist might argue that someone possesses violent tendencies
because that person suffered physical abuse as a child.
2. Cognitive Theory
Instead of focusing on actions, cognitive theory examines how people's thoughts
influence their behavior. In a clinical setting, psychologists and psychiatrists use talk
therapy to help clients identify and remedy negative thoughts. For example, a client
who can verbalize his or her flying anxiety can begin to develop new, positive thought
patterns that reduce stress.
3. Humanistic Theory
After the Second World War, many mental health professionals turned away from
traditional behavioral and cognitive theories. Humanistic theory assumes that people
are good and desire agency over their own lives. Counselors who use humanistic
theory focus on clients' subjective feelings and use those feelings as a way to treat
underlying problems.
4. Integrative Theory
In the private sectors, counselors range from independent providers or services or
work for NGOS, or specialized for profit centers and organization that render a
variety of counseling services 
5.3

Mental Health Counseling Techniques

To make counseling effective, counselors must not only master counseling skills and
techniques but also understand the different theories that guide mental health
professionals.
1. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory explains people's behavior by examining life experiences.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was an advocate for behavioral theory, as he showed
through animal testing that conditioning could affect behavior significantly. In a
modern context, a behaviorist might argue that someone possesses violent tendencies
because that person suffered physical abuse as a child.
2. Cognitive Theory
Instead of focusing on actions, cognitive theory examines how people's thoughts
influence their behavior. In a clinical setting, psychologists and psychiatrists use talk
therapy to help clients identify and remedy negative thoughts. For example, a client
who can verbalize his or her flying anxiety can begin to develop new, positive thought
patterns that reduce stress.
3. Humanistic Theory
After the Second World War, many mental health professionals turned away from
traditional behavioral and cognitive theories. Humanistic theory assumes that people
are good and desire agency over their own lives. Counselors who use humanistic
theory focus on clients' subjective feelings and use those feelings as a way to treat
underlying problems.
4. Integrative Theory
The context of civil society is generally charities and non- profit and issue based
centers or organizations such as:
 For abused women
 Abandoned children and elderly
 Veterans
 Teachers
 Professionals
 Religious groups
 
5.4

Mental Health Counseling Techniques

To make counseling effective, counselors must not only master counseling skills and
techniques but also understand the different theories that guide mental health
professionals.
1. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory explains people's behavior by examining life experiences.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was an advocate for behavioral theory, as he showed
through animal testing that conditioning could affect behavior significantly. In a
modern context, a behaviorist might argue that someone possesses violent tendencies
because that person suffered physical abuse as a child.
2. Cognitive Theory
Instead of focusing on actions, cognitive theory examines how people's thoughts
influence their behavior. In a clinical setting, psychologists and psychiatrists use talk
therapy to help clients identify and remedy negative thoughts. For example, a client
who can verbalize his or her flying anxiety can begin to develop new, positive thought
patterns that reduce stress.
3. Humanistic Theory
After the Second World War, many mental health professionals turned away from
traditional behavioral and cognitive theories. Humanistic theory assumes that people
are good and desire agency over their own lives. Counselors who use humanistic
theory focus on clients' subjective feelings and use those feelings as a way to treat
underlying problems.
4. Integrative Theory
As the name suggests, integrative theory synthesizes behavioral, cognitive, and
humanistic theories, among others. Professionals who use integrative theory analyze
clients' mental health needs from different viewpoints and also consider how age and
life experience can guide treatment. Finally, integrative theory focuses less on finding
a mental health 'cure.' Rather, professionals help clients improve as much as they can.
In the school setting, the role of the school counselor is more complex since the needs
of students can vary widely. This gives rise to the more dynamic and complex role of
school counselor. It depends on school's local circumstances as well as the dynamism
within the profession itself. 
As such, school counselor assume different responsibilities and tasks based on the
articular needs students in the school context. 
"Guidance process occurs in an individual in a developmental sequence to the age of
maturity". (Coy, 1999). 

School Counseling Techniques

School counselors possess a variety of techniques/skills that allow them to help
students, collaborate with faculty, and implement new district- and school-level
policies. In online master's in school counseling programs, students begin developing
these skills before honing them in school settings (e.g, a practicum). However, many
professionals do not master these skills until after they have acquired significant on-
the-job experience.
1. Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
Without much life experience to pull from, primary and secondary school students
lack developed problem-solving and conflict resolution skills (e.g., dealing with a
bully, student-teacher conflict, etc.). As a result, counselors must help students
identify and remedy problem behavior. When more than one student is involved,
counselors use small-group counseling techniques.
2. Group Counseling Theories
Group counseling has many advantages in the school setting. One, it brings together
students who may share a similar problem or were part of a conflict. Group
counseling can also promote empathy among students. Finally, group counseling
allows a counselor to help many students at once, freeing up more time for other
responsibilities and tasks.
3. Special Needs Counseling
Students with special needs (e.g., ADD, ADHD, Autism-spectrum disorder, etc.)
require highly trained counselors who can promote their academic success while
working within the context of the disability. Counselors-in-training must examine the
latest research and work with students with disabilities. On the job, counselors
collaborate with parents, administrators, and faculty to ensure that students with
disabilities receive the best education possible.

Impact of Effective Counseling Techniques

Effective counseling can make a significant, positive impact on clients' lives. Some
positive outcomes might include:
 Better decision making
 Coping skills
 Improved outlook on life
 Ability to plan for the future (e.g., college and career preparedness)
 Improve socialization with peers, teachers, and family
 Engagement with extracurricular activities

5.5

Mental Health Counseling Techniques

To make counseling effective, counselors must not only master counseling skills and
techniques but also understand the different theories that guide mental health
professionals.
1. Behavioral Theory
Behavioral theory explains people's behavior by examining life experiences.
Psychologist B.F. Skinner was an advocate for behavioral theory, as he showed
through animal testing that conditioning could affect behavior significantly. In a
modern context, a behaviorist might argue that someone possesses violent tendencies
because that person suffered physical abuse as a child.
2. Cognitive Theory
Instead of focusing on actions, cognitive theory examines how people's thoughts
influence their behavior. In a clinical setting, psychologists and psychiatrists use talk
therapy to help clients identify and remedy negative thoughts. For example, a client
who can verbalize his or her flying anxiety can begin to develop new, positive thought
patterns that reduce stress.
3. Humanistic Theory
After the Second World War, many mental health professionals turned away from
traditional behavioral and cognitive theories. Humanistic theory assumes that people
are good and desire agency over their own lives. Counselors who use humanistic
theory focus on clients' subjective feelings and use those feelings as a way to treat
underlying problems.
4. Integrative Theory

What is Community Counseling?

Community counseling can be defined as a generic term for any kind of professional
counseling that occurs outside a hospital set up. This term mayalso be used to
describe a form of counseling that is focused on helpingcommunities who may be
struggling with an increased amount of shared
psychological problems, which might even be the result of some traumaticevents that
have taken place recently within the community or so.

The Process of Community Counseling

Community counselors work with wide variety of groups in the society and help the
common people to solve their issues and thereby they address their problems. The
Community Counselors provide their services directly to the community. Women and
children are the most socially and economically marginalized people in our society
and hence they are more vulnerable toabuse and harassment. 
Where Does Community Counseling Take Place and What Does it Look
Like?
Community counseling services take a wide variety of forms, and that means they
may very well transcend the typical private practice or "doctor's office" feeling that
many people wrongly associate with the profession. While a large number of
community counseling centers are set up in this way, a large number of community
services are offered on location, or in existing health centers with a slightly different
focus than the traditional hospital. 
– Correctional facilities
– Mental health centers
– Retirement communities
– Schools and other educational settings
– Business and corporate offices
– Human services agencies