The main goal of mental health practitioners is to help people of all ages learn how to deal with their emotional, physical, and mental health problems.
Counselling psychologists will concentrate on the difficulties that patients experience in their daily lives and teach them how to find a balanced way to deal with stress. On the other hand, counselling psychologists can step in and help individuals during crisis or periods of high stress. They also offer evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy for psychiatric disorders that are more complex and advanced.
In India, the role of a counselling psychologist is becoming more and more important; thus, there is an increase in demand. As a result, you will have many options to work in various fields.In NGOs, old age homes, rehabilitation centres, etc., counsellors are essential. A counsellor can aid their patients escape their miseries by comprehending the circumstances they are going through. The issues resemble traumatic experiences in a person’s life or some form of interpersonal conflict.Counselors in nursing homes assume responsibility for preventing elderly residents from experiencing loneliness or worthlessness. Counsellors employed by treatment facilities, such as drug abusers, assist the patients in lowering their drug intake.
Role:
A mental health counsellor may regularly work on the following projects:
- evaluating and identifying patients with signs of psychological distress
- providing patients with psychotherapy
- discussing experiences, feelings, and ideas with clients
- facilitating family group sessions
- collaborating with patients to establish goals, create a therapeutic strategy, and acquire understanding via treatment
- working with clients to pinpoint circumstances, actions, and ideas that obstruct their wellbeing and recovery
- examining social concerns such as peer pressure, bullying, substance use, prejudice, work stress, financial difficulties, and health issues that may have an impact on a client’s mental health.
- directing patients to other health practitioners and other community resources, such as support groups, social services, and employment opportunities
Skills required:
In order to become a mental health practitioner one needs a combination of personal qualities and personality features to be a skilled counselling psychologist.
A strong foundation in psychology, therapy, and counselling is necessary to become a successful mental health counsellor. Counsellors must not just be knowledgeable about the material but also proficient in the methods used. They must also have excellent interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking abilities. It’s also essential to have emotional intelligence, compassion, empathy, and nonverbal communication skills. The following competencies are necessary for a successful career as a counselling psychologist:
Excellent communication and listening abilities
In all forms of therapy, you must pay close attention to the people you are working with, think on their ideas, and keep in mind significant things they have said or done.
The capacity to adopt a nonjudgmental attitude
A counsellor’s goal in talking therapy is to help clients see things clearly and from a new, more positive perspective rather than simply passing judgement or offering advice on their behaviour or feelings.
Knowledge of professional boundaries and confidentiality
You should be able to talk with patients about the parameters of the therapeutic relationship as a counselling psychologist. Usually, it begins as the patient fills out your disclosure paperwork during your initial consultation.
Tenacity, endurance, and humility
A vital value of any counsellor is the development of adequate emotional resilience as well as a high level of self-reflexivity. Additionally, you’ll need the capacity to take care of yourself and the willingness to recognise your limitations.
Genuine concern for individuals
It is more crucial to be interested in this subject and committed to enhancing the patients’ emotional wellbeing for a more fulfilling career. Realising your genuine interest in your clients’ circumstances will promote a highly favourable working relationship.
There are various training programmes for becoming a counsellor, so a person do not need to have a degree.
Numerous options are available from training providers at the entry level, in addition to additional training to support qualification and career advancement. Additionally, providers provide training in a range of specialised fields, including counselling for couples, children and adolescents, and trauma therapy. There are many possibilities available, and you can select a flexible programme that enables you to learn more about a certain area of interest.
In the provision of psychological treatment, mental health counsellors are essential. If you believe that counselling could be helpful for you, speak with your doctor to learn more about your options and to determine whether a mental health counsellor might be the best choice for you.
Spend some time learning about the requirements to become a counsellor if you are interested in a profession in this area. There are other employment options in this field outside mental health counselling, such as social work, clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, and counselling psychology.
If you want to find the best online professionals in mental health, go to TalktoAngel. This search engine for “Psychiatrist near me” or “Counselling online” can help you get the help you need.
