4 answers
Julia
Student
Winter Park, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What advice do you have for a current Mental Health Counselor in training What do you wish someone had told you before entering this field of work?
I'm currently in a graduate program to become a mental health counselor (LMHC).
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4 answers
Michael Lacroix
Medical Director
8
Answers
Sarasota, Florida
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Great advice from both. Also, try to expand your knowledge. Take courses that cover more than just specific techniques. Many clients won't fit perfectly into needing just EMDR or CBT. Some will have deeper, existential issues, so it's important to understand the human condition on a broader level. Enroll in courses that teach about personality in general. Explore various theories and therapeutic methods beyond the popular ones. Learn the history of the field. Read some philosophy. Ask many questions and think critically about the answers. This field is exciting. If you approach it correctly, you'll always keep learning.
Sean Alexander
Retired
25
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
As a retired policeman, I wish someone had told me to be ready for anything. So, that's my advice to you: be prepared for anything and work hard. Best of luck, Sean.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
939
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Julia,
Good question! It's a privilege to help people through their struggles, but it can also be exhausting. Making mental health a priority isn't optional; it's required. Find ways to decompress, set emotional boundaries, and build a strong support system of peers, mentors, or your own therapist. Also, keep in mind that you won't always have the answers, and that's okay. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a client is just to listen. You don't need to fix everything; making them feel seen and heard is incredibly powerful on its own.
Another best thing is supervision. Locate a fantastic mentor or supervisor that pushes you, encourages you, and aids in your development. The type of counselor you become will be influenced by your early practice. Ask questions, make errors, and grow from them without fear.
Additionally, training frequently ignores the commercial side of counseling. Learn about insurance, license requirements, and business operations if you intend to open your own practice in the future. Knowing how agencies or clinics function will help you navigate the industry more skillfully, even if you choose not to pursue that path.
Last, but not least, remember why you began. There will be difficult days when it seems like nothing is getting done, clients cancel appointments, or imposter syndrome sets in. However, there will be times when you understand how important this labor is, small victories, sincere friendships. Keep those.
You're entering a profession that genuinely transforms lives. Continue to grow and learn while taking care of yourself.
Best wishes!
Good question! It's a privilege to help people through their struggles, but it can also be exhausting. Making mental health a priority isn't optional; it's required. Find ways to decompress, set emotional boundaries, and build a strong support system of peers, mentors, or your own therapist. Also, keep in mind that you won't always have the answers, and that's okay. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a client is just to listen. You don't need to fix everything; making them feel seen and heard is incredibly powerful on its own.
Another best thing is supervision. Locate a fantastic mentor or supervisor that pushes you, encourages you, and aids in your development. The type of counselor you become will be influenced by your early practice. Ask questions, make errors, and grow from them without fear.
Additionally, training frequently ignores the commercial side of counseling. Learn about insurance, license requirements, and business operations if you intend to open your own practice in the future. Knowing how agencies or clinics function will help you navigate the industry more skillfully, even if you choose not to pursue that path.
Last, but not least, remember why you began. There will be difficult days when it seems like nothing is getting done, clients cancel appointments, or imposter syndrome sets in. However, there will be times when you understand how important this labor is, small victories, sincere friendships. Keep those.
You're entering a profession that genuinely transforms lives. Continue to grow and learn while taking care of yourself.
Best wishes!
Kira Labinger
Mental Health/Peer Counselor
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kira’s Answer
Hi Julia,
I respect your question. I think it means that you are interested in knowledge beyond what is available in the classroom. To add to this knowledge expressed in the previous responses, I would say that the advice I wish I had received before entering this field of work is to focus on the difference between the person and their behavior.
I have learned how much self-shame is at the root of many mental health issues. And how important it is to convey to the individual that, while their behavior may not be acceptable, it is wholly natural given what they have been through in life.
I was surprised to discover that, in general, the more a person can accept every part of themselves, the easier it becomes to work on transforming the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that they want to change.
And that the more valuable someone feels, as an individual and as part of a group, the more likely they are to connect with treatment.
I think that within the field of mental health, there is always room to learn and grow.
I respect your question. I think it means that you are interested in knowledge beyond what is available in the classroom. To add to this knowledge expressed in the previous responses, I would say that the advice I wish I had received before entering this field of work is to focus on the difference between the person and their behavior.
I have learned how much self-shame is at the root of many mental health issues. And how important it is to convey to the individual that, while their behavior may not be acceptable, it is wholly natural given what they have been through in life.
I was surprised to discover that, in general, the more a person can accept every part of themselves, the easier it becomes to work on transforming the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that they want to change.
And that the more valuable someone feels, as an individual and as part of a group, the more likely they are to connect with treatment.
I think that within the field of mental health, there is always room to learn and grow.