Therapists and counselors play a crucial role in supporting mental health and well-being. This work is purpose-driven and provides job satisfaction. According to a survey conducted by CareerExplorer, counselors rate their career happiness 3.5 out of 5 stars putting them in the top 31% of careers.

However, this work has its challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, to thrive in this career requires various skills, the openness to keep learning, support from others, and a fulfilling personal life. Keep reading for actionable advice to help you excel in therapist and counseling roles.

Understand Your Role

Therapists and counselors are vital in helping individuals manage and overcome various mental health issues. There are many people in need of these services. BetterHelp reports that over 41.7 million US adults saw a therapist in 2021. If you’re considering entering this field, a good place to start is by researching a typical day to see if these jobs are right for you. Here are some key responsibilities you may be assigned:
● Conducting assessments
● Developing treatment plans
● Providing individual or group therapy
● Monitoring progress & adjusting treatments
● Offering crisis intervention

Bring Your Skills to the Table

Certain skills are essential to succeed in this field. Your clients come to you in a vulnerable state. They may even be in crisis. Being understanding in these situations is an essential skill. There are multiple important skills you can use to show clients that you are hearing them and are ready to help them work through any issues:
● Empathy: Understanding & sharing the feelings of others
● Active Listening: Fully concentrating, understanding & responding thoughtfully
● Communication: Clear, concise & effective interaction
● Critical Thinking: Analyzing & evaluating issues to make informed decisions
● Patience: Remaining calm & composed in challenging situations

Keep Learning

Staying current with the latest research and methodologies is crucial. Two of the many resources that can assist you with this are the American Psychological Association (APA) and Psychology Today. Depending on how you like to learn, there are multiple ways to enhance your expertise:
● Workshops & Seminars: Attend events to gain new insights & techniques
● Online Courses: Enroll in courses on specific therapy modalities
● Professional Reading: Stay updated with journals & books in your field
● Peer Supervision: Regularly consult with colleagues to discuss cases & share knowledge

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking can provide support, opportunities, and collaboration. Of course, there are many traditional ways to do this in person, but the internet has made it possible to connect from your computer. According to Hootsuite, the professional networking platform LinkedIn has over 1 billion members worldwide, and it’s not the only platform of its kind! Consider the following:
● Engage in Online Communities: Use social media & forums to connect with other professionals
● Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of associations related to your specialization
● Attend Conferences: Participate in industry conferences to meet peers & learn about new trends

Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential to avoid burnout. One APA survey reported that the inability to strike this balance was the top stressor for practicing psychologists. Mental health jobs can be demanding. Don’t forget to put your oxygen mask on first! Try these strategies to cope with stress:
● Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours & personal time
● Self-Care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, hobbies & relaxation techniques
● Time Management: Prioritize tasks & manage your time efficiently
● Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from supervisors or peers when needed

Career Advancement Opportunities

There are numerous paths for growth in the therapy and counseling field. Now, advancing in this field may require returning to school, at least for a few trainings. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, here are some options for what you could work toward:
● Specializations: Consider specializing in areas like family therapy, substance abuse, or trauma therapy
● Advanced Degrees: Pursue further education, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
● Supervisory Roles: Aim for leadership positions such as clinical supervisor or program director

Thriving as a therapist or counselor involves advanced communication skills, the drive to learn, a strong support system, and healthy workplace boundaries. With this combination, you can build a rewarding and impactful career. If you’re looking for a setting where you can be successful and grow, West Central Behavioral Health could be the right place.