4 answers
Joan
Student
Georgia, IN
1
Question
Asked
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What kind of environments does one look for to start a counseling station?
Want to start a guidance and counseling station to help a few youths here and there
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4 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
105
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Joan, I think this is great! There is and will always be a need for helpers. As others have noted, not knowing your exact age or level of education I will assume you are not a licensed therapist. However, you can still put yourself out there to work with others and make a difference. Because you are not licensed (post-graduate school), I would refrain from using the term counseling. Perhaps use "support" instead. I would first get clear on what kind of support. Is there a particular age group, topic, or setting you find most interesting? Have you gone through something personal and want to support others in similar situations? Or do you simply want to get experience in the human and social services field? As a college student, I created a (non-affiliated with the college) peer support group for people. I posted signs and took on the role of group leader. I made it known I was not an expert or a professional. At this time everyone in the group were adults over age 21 and able to care for their own mental health independently of myself or the group. This was critical. We met together and shared our stories. You might be able to do something similar in your school with the additional supervision of a teacher, social worker, school counselor, or psychologist. Often there are peer hotlines (affiliated with a school, county, or state) you can volunteer with after receiving some training. The requirements of participation may vary. Contact youth and family centers to see about opportunities as well; YMCA, YWCA, as previously mentioned- Big Brothers/Sisters, or afterschool programs. Even if you are not providing exactly the services you originally envisioned, being around others in a helping role is absolutely useful and potentially life changing (for yourself and others). It is important to emphasize safety- your own and the emotional safety of others. You want to do work that is within your scope of understanding. For example, you want to help with things you already know about. If you are unsure, check in with an adult or mentor to check your knowledge. Basically, stick with something you feel very comfortable with and know you can do well. If you enjoy kids, try babysitting. Check out summer camp opportunities as an associate counselor or camp counselor. If you like art, perhaps set up an art table at a local farmers market or school fair. Lay out art supplies and invite people to get crafty! Keep it simple and non-clinical. Stay away from offering big life advice or mental health advice. These seemingly small acts can have a big impact. I absolutely believe you can think outside the box and make something amazing happen! Is there a skill you want to teach? Or something you want to learn about? Get out into your community and talk with others to generate ideas. Perhaps you will connect with others who want to join in as well. Public libraries can be a good place to start- for research and to learn what is already available in the place where you live. Have fun! And thank you for wanting to be a change maker!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Joan,
Great to know you are interested in counseling. When starting a counseling station, the environment is crucial for creating a safe, comfortable, and effective space for clients. Here are some factors to consider:
Accessibility:
Location: Choose a location that is accessible to your target population. This might be near schools, community centers, or public transportation.
Physical accessibility: Ensure the space is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Quiet and private: The space should be quiet and private to protect client confidentiality. Consider soundproofing and private rooms or booths.
Confidentiality policies: Develop clear policies and procedures to ensure client confidentiality, including how to handle records and communication.
Comfort and Safety:
Comfortable furnishings: Provide comfortable seating, such as couches or armchairs.
Safe environment: The space should be well-lit, clean, and free from clutter.
Emergency procedures: Have emergency procedures in place, such as a first-aid kit and knowledge of local emergency services.
Community Connections:
Partnerships: Consider partnering with local schools, community centers, or organizations to increase visibility and access to resources.
Community involvement: Engage with the community to build trust and awareness of your counseling services.
Budget Considerations:
Affordability: The space should be affordable within your budget. Consider renting or leasing space, or exploring options like shared spaces or co-working spaces.
Specific Examples of Suitable Environments:
Schools: Counseling stations within schools can provide easy access to students and their families.
Community centers: Community centers offer a central location for various services, including counseling.
Private practices: If you have the resources, you can establish a private counseling practice in a rented office space.
Online counseling: Consider offering online counseling services to reach a wider audience and accommodate individuals with limited mobility.
By carefully considering these factors, you can find an environment that is conducive to providing effective counseling services to the youth in your community.
Best wishes!
Great to know you are interested in counseling. When starting a counseling station, the environment is crucial for creating a safe, comfortable, and effective space for clients. Here are some factors to consider:
Accessibility:
Location: Choose a location that is accessible to your target population. This might be near schools, community centers, or public transportation.
Physical accessibility: Ensure the space is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Privacy and Confidentiality:
Quiet and private: The space should be quiet and private to protect client confidentiality. Consider soundproofing and private rooms or booths.
Confidentiality policies: Develop clear policies and procedures to ensure client confidentiality, including how to handle records and communication.
Comfort and Safety:
Comfortable furnishings: Provide comfortable seating, such as couches or armchairs.
Safe environment: The space should be well-lit, clean, and free from clutter.
Emergency procedures: Have emergency procedures in place, such as a first-aid kit and knowledge of local emergency services.
Community Connections:
Partnerships: Consider partnering with local schools, community centers, or organizations to increase visibility and access to resources.
Community involvement: Engage with the community to build trust and awareness of your counseling services.
Budget Considerations:
Affordability: The space should be affordable within your budget. Consider renting or leasing space, or exploring options like shared spaces or co-working spaces.
Specific Examples of Suitable Environments:
Schools: Counseling stations within schools can provide easy access to students and their families.
Community centers: Community centers offer a central location for various services, including counseling.
Private practices: If you have the resources, you can establish a private counseling practice in a rented office space.
Online counseling: Consider offering online counseling services to reach a wider audience and accommodate individuals with limited mobility.
By carefully considering these factors, you can find an environment that is conducive to providing effective counseling services to the youth in your community.
Best wishes!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Joan !
What a marvelous question and I am very impressed with your ambition !
Not knowing your age or experience with social service clients, I will assume that you are in high school and this advice can be applied for others with different levels of experience. Counseling is a very general term, too and I would like to advise that, if you do not already have a degree in psychology or if you are a current college student, you gear your service as Situational Counseling which is something you can do without experience. It would be more like support, suggestions and lending an ear to people who just need to talk about situations. It would not be therapy.
The first place that you should go to propose a counseling program is your High School Social Worker or one of the Administrators. They would need for you to submit a written plan and they would need to have a room for you to do this in. If you are in college, do the same approach at the campus clinic and Career Center.
Other places you can try are after school programs as well as local social service agencies. I would ordinarily recommend the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program but they don't have an office in your Southwestern region of Indiana. There are also no community centers in Georgia, Indiana either, otherwise those would be great to explore. I have to say that you may have to approach faith based places like churches or synagogues which are two that are usually open to having services connected to their establishments. It's worth a try. I can see that your service is greatly needed as there doesn't seem to be much in the way of Social or Community services in Georgia, IN. You can be part of a trend starting one of the first services that youth would benefit from.
I would suggest that it's a good time to start writing your plan/proposal directed at the venues you ask about having your service at. You wouldn't be applying for a grant, but the article I have left a link for below can explain a way to write up your plan. Also do additional searches online because there is more information and some provide templates that guide how to write it.
Hopefully, your school will be happy to have your service on board and available for the students or the community. Your school social worker or counselor can inform and guide you and possibly have better referral sources because they live in your area.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best with your excellent service plans that will help many youth !
HOW TO WRITE UP YOUR PLAN/PROPOSAL TO PITCH TO COMMUNITY VENUES https://howtoapplyforgrants.com/continue/how-to-write-a-community-project-proposal/
What a marvelous question and I am very impressed with your ambition !
Not knowing your age or experience with social service clients, I will assume that you are in high school and this advice can be applied for others with different levels of experience. Counseling is a very general term, too and I would like to advise that, if you do not already have a degree in psychology or if you are a current college student, you gear your service as Situational Counseling which is something you can do without experience. It would be more like support, suggestions and lending an ear to people who just need to talk about situations. It would not be therapy.
The first place that you should go to propose a counseling program is your High School Social Worker or one of the Administrators. They would need for you to submit a written plan and they would need to have a room for you to do this in. If you are in college, do the same approach at the campus clinic and Career Center.
Other places you can try are after school programs as well as local social service agencies. I would ordinarily recommend the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Program but they don't have an office in your Southwestern region of Indiana. There are also no community centers in Georgia, Indiana either, otherwise those would be great to explore. I have to say that you may have to approach faith based places like churches or synagogues which are two that are usually open to having services connected to their establishments. It's worth a try. I can see that your service is greatly needed as there doesn't seem to be much in the way of Social or Community services in Georgia, IN. You can be part of a trend starting one of the first services that youth would benefit from.
I would suggest that it's a good time to start writing your plan/proposal directed at the venues you ask about having your service at. You wouldn't be applying for a grant, but the article I have left a link for below can explain a way to write up your plan. Also do additional searches online because there is more information and some provide templates that guide how to write it.
Hopefully, your school will be happy to have your service on board and available for the students or the community. Your school social worker or counselor can inform and guide you and possibly have better referral sources because they live in your area.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best with your excellent service plans that will help many youth !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Joan,
Going to College vs. Becoming a Professional Soccer Player: Pros and Cons
When considering whether to go to college or pursue a career as a professional soccer player, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each path. Both options have unique benefits and challenges that can significantly impact your future.
Pros of Going to College:
Education and Knowledge Acquisition: Attending college provides an opportunity to gain knowledge in various fields, which can be beneficial for personal development and career versatility. A degree can open doors in many professions beyond sports.
Networking Opportunities: College often provides access to a network of peers, professors, and industry professionals that can be valuable for future job opportunities, whether in sports or other fields.
Athletic Development: Many colleges have strong athletic programs that can help you develop your skills further under the guidance of experienced coaches. This environment can enhance your chances of being scouted by professional teams.
Backup Career Plan: Earning a degree offers a safety net if a professional sports career does not materialize due to injury or other factors. It prepares you for alternative career paths.
Life Experience: College is also about personal growth, learning life skills, and experiencing independence, which are important aspects of maturity.
Cons of Going to College:
Time Commitment: College typically requires four years of study, during which time you may miss out on opportunities to join professional teams or leagues that could advance your athletic career.
Financial Costs: Higher education can be expensive, leading to student debt that may take years to repay unless you secure a high-paying job after graduation.
Injury Risk: If you play collegiate sports, there is still the risk of injury that could affect both your college performance and future professional prospects.
Less Focus on Sports: Balancing academics with athletics can be challenging; some athletes may find it difficult to dedicate enough time to training and competition while maintaining academic performance.
Pros of Skipping College for Professional Soccer:
Immediate Entry into Professional Sports: By pursuing soccer directly, you have the chance to start your professional career sooner than if you were in college, potentially leading to earlier financial rewards.
Focused Training: You can dedicate all your time and energy towards improving your skills as an athlete without the distractions or commitments associated with academic studies.
Potential for Early Success: If you are talented enough and get signed by a team early on, there is potential for significant earnings through contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships at a young age.
Experience Over Education: Many successful athletes have proven that real-world experience in their sport can sometimes outweigh formal education when it comes to achieving success in their careers.
Cons of Skipping College:
High Risk of Failure: The competition in professional sports is fierce; many aspiring athletes do not make it professionally despite their efforts and talent.
Lack of Education Credentials: Without a degree or formal education, it may be challenging to find alternative employment if an athletic career does not pan out due to injury or other reasons.
Limited Networking Opportunities: Skipping college means missing out on building relationships with peers who might become influential contacts later in life or within the sports industry itself.
Pressure and Stress: The pressure to succeed as a young athlete can lead to significant stress without the support system often found in college environments where student-athletes are encouraged academically as well as athletically.
In conclusion, the decision between going to college or pursuing a professional soccer career depends largely on individual circumstances such as talent level, financial situation, personal goals, and readiness for either path’s challenges and opportunities. Each option has its merits; thus careful consideration should be given based on one’s aspirations and life situation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): Provides information about collegiate athletics including eligibility requirements and benefits of participating in college sports.
Pew Research Center: Offers insights into educational attainment trends among athletes compared with non-athletes.
Sports Illustrated: Features articles discussing the realities faced by aspiring professional athletes versus those who choose collegiate paths.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.
Going to College vs. Becoming a Professional Soccer Player: Pros and Cons
When considering whether to go to college or pursue a career as a professional soccer player, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each path. Both options have unique benefits and challenges that can significantly impact your future.
Pros of Going to College:
Education and Knowledge Acquisition: Attending college provides an opportunity to gain knowledge in various fields, which can be beneficial for personal development and career versatility. A degree can open doors in many professions beyond sports.
Networking Opportunities: College often provides access to a network of peers, professors, and industry professionals that can be valuable for future job opportunities, whether in sports or other fields.
Athletic Development: Many colleges have strong athletic programs that can help you develop your skills further under the guidance of experienced coaches. This environment can enhance your chances of being scouted by professional teams.
Backup Career Plan: Earning a degree offers a safety net if a professional sports career does not materialize due to injury or other factors. It prepares you for alternative career paths.
Life Experience: College is also about personal growth, learning life skills, and experiencing independence, which are important aspects of maturity.
Cons of Going to College:
Time Commitment: College typically requires four years of study, during which time you may miss out on opportunities to join professional teams or leagues that could advance your athletic career.
Financial Costs: Higher education can be expensive, leading to student debt that may take years to repay unless you secure a high-paying job after graduation.
Injury Risk: If you play collegiate sports, there is still the risk of injury that could affect both your college performance and future professional prospects.
Less Focus on Sports: Balancing academics with athletics can be challenging; some athletes may find it difficult to dedicate enough time to training and competition while maintaining academic performance.
Pros of Skipping College for Professional Soccer:
Immediate Entry into Professional Sports: By pursuing soccer directly, you have the chance to start your professional career sooner than if you were in college, potentially leading to earlier financial rewards.
Focused Training: You can dedicate all your time and energy towards improving your skills as an athlete without the distractions or commitments associated with academic studies.
Potential for Early Success: If you are talented enough and get signed by a team early on, there is potential for significant earnings through contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships at a young age.
Experience Over Education: Many successful athletes have proven that real-world experience in their sport can sometimes outweigh formal education when it comes to achieving success in their careers.
Cons of Skipping College:
High Risk of Failure: The competition in professional sports is fierce; many aspiring athletes do not make it professionally despite their efforts and talent.
Lack of Education Credentials: Without a degree or formal education, it may be challenging to find alternative employment if an athletic career does not pan out due to injury or other reasons.
Limited Networking Opportunities: Skipping college means missing out on building relationships with peers who might become influential contacts later in life or within the sports industry itself.
Pressure and Stress: The pressure to succeed as a young athlete can lead to significant stress without the support system often found in college environments where student-athletes are encouraged academically as well as athletically.
In conclusion, the decision between going to college or pursuing a professional soccer career depends largely on individual circumstances such as talent level, financial situation, personal goals, and readiness for either path’s challenges and opportunities. Each option has its merits; thus careful consideration should be given based on one’s aspirations and life situation.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): Provides information about collegiate athletics including eligibility requirements and benefits of participating in college sports.
Pew Research Center: Offers insights into educational attainment trends among athletes compared with non-athletes.
Sports Illustrated: Features articles discussing the realities faced by aspiring professional athletes versus those who choose collegiate paths.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC.