There are many different specific counselors that are ready and willing to offer help to those that are currently struggling. There is, of course, school counseling, to help children who are facing difficult times with school work, bullies, and even the strains of peer pressure and social rejection. There is job counseling, and career counseling, even guidance counselors. But as a relationship Counselor, your job would be unique.
There was once a time when people avoided counselors, and the counseling help that they could provide. It was considered appalling or unattractive to have a counselor, or even just to admit that such help was desired. Everyone had their own problems, and they learned to live with it. At least, that was the social opinion.
The situation is different now, by a wide margin. Not only is it acceptable to be seeing a specific counselor—be it for depression counseling, or guidance counseling—professional counseling is fast becoming a way of life for so many people.
A relationship counselor is in many respects, like a marriage counselor. They are there to listen and support, and help mend the rifts that can tear open so easily these days among loved ones. These counselors take a deeper and calculating look into individual personalities, lifestyles, and tendencies. A relationship counselor also helps an individual get a deeper look into their true self, which aids them in realizing their own feelings about themselves. And once a person knows who they truly are, it is easier to form a successful relationship with someone else—be it spouse, friend, boss, distant relative—it really doesn't matter who. Anyone that has a deeper knowledge of self has the potential to better understand others, and be understood by others. It is a simple, irrefutable fact. As a relationship counselor, you would be the one to help those seeking for a better, more fulfilling life.
As in any counseling position, there are certain qualities that you need, or must develop to be successful. Being an easy, but meaningful listener is of course essential, coupled with the ability to offer subtle, yet sound, concise insights. A counselor must be non-judgmental, but have firmly-rooted morals, and ideals. You'll need to be gently persuasive, and be able to work with all different kinds of people from multiple backgrounds.
All counseling sessions are built on trust, and so you must be dependable, and reliable. Outside of the counseling session, your work must not be talked about. Personal discussions are just that—personal.
Another thing to consider before you embark on a career as a professional relationship counselor is if you have the necessary communicative skills. The ability to communicate efficiently is quite obviously very important in a great counselor. Being able to clearly express yourself and your points will help you a considerable amount. Good communication will keep the relationship you form with those you are striving to help both easy, and meaningful.
Another skill that will greatly benefit you is patience. In many professions things happen quickly. The change is immediate, and sometimes quite drastic. That is generally not the case with counseling. Though the eventual change is great in a person who seeks professional aid, and the ultimate result dramatic, the change happens gradually.
Becoming a relationship counselor will take you some years in higher education, but the job security is incredible. Since the field of counseling is widening so rapidly, so many positions are opening. There is a need for counselors everywhere . Wherever you desire to live, you will doubtlessly find a place of employment. There are so many possibilities for a counselor at this time, and the future looks promising.
The work of a counselor is meaningful. The work a counselor does is unique, and genuinely needed. It is fulfilling, and so many people are seeking out the very real help and relief a counselor can offer. If you choose to make a career in counseling, you will be making a huge difference in the world in general, and in so many private lives.