2 answers
Kim’s Answer
Counselors, in general, need to be good listeners, be empathetic, maintain confidential information, and help at solving problems. I find I am good at finding answers to friends' problems, but, when it is MY problem, I sometimes get stuck. I see a therapist from time to time, and it is nice to have someone who can help me find ways to deal with my problems - which mostly concern dealing with elderly parents.
Other skills you will learn in training include things like "active listening skills" and how to position chairs in the office (people talk more easily in certain settings rather than others, for example, if you sit at a desk, it comes across as "authoritarian" )