is being a mental counselor hard

I would say a mental counselor is a challenging career, but also imagine it is very rewarding. Mental challenges people face are often hard to diagnose and get accurate. They can go on for years as well. As someone who's working with people in those states, I'm imagining it can be very frustrating at times. However on the other side, when you do provide relief to people in need, it can be very rewarding to know that you've helped someone out. The school required and exams to be able to practice this are very challenging, so be sure to study hard and look into the necessary certifications.

Good Evening Abigail,

If you are considering to become a mental health counselor, it can be an incredibly rewarding job because it gives you an opportunity to interact with people and help them address psychological issues. On the other hand, being a mental health counselor can be draining at times for a variety of reasons. For example, you may work with client that is reluctant to open up to you; a client can be dealing with mental health concerns or trauma, which can be challenging; forcing clients to make progress when they are not ready yet; and clients can be resistent to change.

The constant struggle to develop trust, cultivate a relationship and set goals for clients only to watch them struggle, even after months or years of therapy, can cause you to feel a little pessimistic after time. Mental Health Counselors must develop a thick skin and a sense of confidence to help clients continue to enjoy the profession.

Time spent helping people to lead more productive, functional and happier lives can be deeply satisfying and challenging. Many people become therapists without knowing or understanding the true requirements of the profession. Having a better understanding on what it is truly like to be a therapist can help you decide whether this profession is right for you. In the end, the joys of the profession surely outweighs the challenges of licensed mental health counseling.