4 answers
Julissa
Student
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Questions
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Are the people within the counseling field welcoming/friendly
Coming from a socially anxious person it is hard to socialize with new people.
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Julissa !
I have have two careers: acting and the other career was working within many social service arenas in a major city and a suburb. I can draw upon my experiences at all my social service employment to give you only my one experience in retrospect.
There were two extremes working in the social service environment. You'll work with fellow service providers who are challenging as well as make a couple of outside of work friends. It's going to depend where you work and what your position is. Many of your fellow workers will not be as educated as you and some will be and there will be that connection. Many will have a mental health or drug addiction background and carry personality traits over from those elements and act a certain way. I want to be fair about this as someone who was not a former addict and someone who never had to utilize the mental health system first hand. You are looked at as a sort of outsider and naïve. That was the message I got many times. It could be stressful working with people like that because you have the ability to accept people but you get feedback that you are flawed and it's not a healthy way to interact with co-workers.
I had always received very strong support from administration, however. Most places I worked had very well-rounded and understanding managers and administrators. But that may not be enough or maybe it is. On a daily basis, you will have most contact with your co-workers. I think that what I had in my favor is that I am very comfortable around people of all backgrounds and generally a friendly person so that was a good foundation for this type of work. If you are socially anxious as you say you are, I am not sure that this field will provide complete satisfaction for you. I worked in social service case management, not a counseling office per se, so it will depend on exactly where you work and exactly who your co-workers are, what their education is and the only way to know if a group is friendly and accepting is to actually be on a job and get to know them. It can't be generalized. Than again, you may grow out of your social anxiety and mental health environments may be very suited for you. You can only hear other people's experiences about this but it doesn't necessarily mean it would be your experience. I didn't find the social service field particularly friendly, to be completely honest. I made a few friends within it in twenty seven years, but nothing profound.
On the other hand, my career in acting always proves to be so warm and accepting, friendly - each project was like one big family. Different personalities coming together all working and socializing as one group in harmony. Strong supports and good times. We would do so many things outside of work and everyone was pretty much connected in all aspects of work and socially. The people really are interested in you.
I can't really tell you to not go into any specific field of work. You can test it by doing volunteer work at a few places and come to a personal conclusion as to how you would enjoy working in the human services field. There are good and bad things in every career, so there's no way to know for sure until you begin to have your own experiences.
I have have two careers: acting and the other career was working within many social service arenas in a major city and a suburb. I can draw upon my experiences at all my social service employment to give you only my one experience in retrospect.
There were two extremes working in the social service environment. You'll work with fellow service providers who are challenging as well as make a couple of outside of work friends. It's going to depend where you work and what your position is. Many of your fellow workers will not be as educated as you and some will be and there will be that connection. Many will have a mental health or drug addiction background and carry personality traits over from those elements and act a certain way. I want to be fair about this as someone who was not a former addict and someone who never had to utilize the mental health system first hand. You are looked at as a sort of outsider and naïve. That was the message I got many times. It could be stressful working with people like that because you have the ability to accept people but you get feedback that you are flawed and it's not a healthy way to interact with co-workers.
I had always received very strong support from administration, however. Most places I worked had very well-rounded and understanding managers and administrators. But that may not be enough or maybe it is. On a daily basis, you will have most contact with your co-workers. I think that what I had in my favor is that I am very comfortable around people of all backgrounds and generally a friendly person so that was a good foundation for this type of work. If you are socially anxious as you say you are, I am not sure that this field will provide complete satisfaction for you. I worked in social service case management, not a counseling office per se, so it will depend on exactly where you work and exactly who your co-workers are, what their education is and the only way to know if a group is friendly and accepting is to actually be on a job and get to know them. It can't be generalized. Than again, you may grow out of your social anxiety and mental health environments may be very suited for you. You can only hear other people's experiences about this but it doesn't necessarily mean it would be your experience. I didn't find the social service field particularly friendly, to be completely honest. I made a few friends within it in twenty seven years, but nothing profound.
On the other hand, my career in acting always proves to be so warm and accepting, friendly - each project was like one big family. Different personalities coming together all working and socializing as one group in harmony. Strong supports and good times. We would do so many things outside of work and everyone was pretty much connected in all aspects of work and socially. The people really are interested in you.
I can't really tell you to not go into any specific field of work. You can test it by doing volunteer work at a few places and come to a personal conclusion as to how you would enjoy working in the human services field. There are good and bad things in every career, so there's no way to know for sure until you begin to have your own experiences.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
478
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
I like your question because I see myself there also. My advice to you is to turn the issue around. That is, you can never predict how others will react to you, and attempting to categorize such people into career groups will always fail you. Instead, focus on yourself, your sense of self-worth, your strengths, and the value of every person. This poem by Marianne Williamson summarizes the issue far better than I:
https://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/stories/williamson.ourdeepestfear.invitation I wish you well. You are valued and have much to offer.
https://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/stories/williamson.ourdeepestfear.invitation I wish you well. You are valued and have much to offer.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Niloofar
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
552
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Helo Julissa,
In general, people within the counseling field are often welcoming and friendly. These professionals are trained to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for their clients. Their goal is to make you feel comfortable and at ease during your sessions.
Counselors understand that many individuals may struggle with social anxiety or find it difficult to open up to new people. They are trained to be empathetic, supportive, and patient in order to establish rapport with their clients.
However, it is important to note that individual personalities can vary among professionals, just as they do in any other field. While most counselors strive to be warm and inviting, there may be some who have a different demeanour or communication style. If you find that a particular counselor does not make you feel comfortable, it is okay to seek out another professional who better aligns with your needs.
Alway remember that seeking counseling is a proactive step towards personal growth and self-improvement. It might take time for you to become more comfortable in social settings, but working with a counselor can provide valuable support along the way.
Best wishes.
In general, people within the counseling field are often welcoming and friendly. These professionals are trained to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for their clients. Their goal is to make you feel comfortable and at ease during your sessions.
Counselors understand that many individuals may struggle with social anxiety or find it difficult to open up to new people. They are trained to be empathetic, supportive, and patient in order to establish rapport with their clients.
However, it is important to note that individual personalities can vary among professionals, just as they do in any other field. While most counselors strive to be warm and inviting, there may be some who have a different demeanour or communication style. If you find that a particular counselor does not make you feel comfortable, it is okay to seek out another professional who better aligns with your needs.
Alway remember that seeking counseling is a proactive step towards personal growth and self-improvement. It might take time for you to become more comfortable in social settings, but working with a counselor can provide valuable support along the way.
Best wishes.
Simone Komatsu
Nutritionist
5
Answers
Mogi das Cruzes, SP
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Being a counselor is all about being kind and understanding towards others. It's essential to have a friendly and welcoming attitude as part of your professional persona, otherwise, giving advice may not be as effective.
Now, let's talk about anxiety. It could be really beneficial for you to take a closer look at your daily diet, especially your sugar and processed food consumption. These types of foods can actually increase your anxiety levels.
If you're struggling with this, why not try incorporating healthier foods into your meals? Think along the lines of veggies, cereals, grains, fruits, quality meats, chicken, fish, eggs, and so on.
Try to cut down on sugary drinks and opt for more water instead. And it's a good idea to curb your candy and snack intake too.
What about exercise? Engaging in some sort of sport could be a great idea. You might even find that it helps you feel more at ease around others over time.
Now, let's talk about anxiety. It could be really beneficial for you to take a closer look at your daily diet, especially your sugar and processed food consumption. These types of foods can actually increase your anxiety levels.
If you're struggling with this, why not try incorporating healthier foods into your meals? Think along the lines of veggies, cereals, grains, fruits, quality meats, chicken, fish, eggs, and so on.
Try to cut down on sugary drinks and opt for more water instead. And it's a good idea to curb your candy and snack intake too.
What about exercise? Engaging in some sort of sport could be a great idea. You might even find that it helps you feel more at ease around others over time.