Counselors are motivated by the idea of changing someone’s life. They celebrate the victories of their clients and help them work through their failures, all while keeping the end goal in mind of helping their client live a happier, healthier life.

If you’re considering getting your master’s degree in professional counseling, you’re probably interested in learning who you could help. Here are just a few of the clients you may encounter.

Families

Divorce, death, alcoholism, the loss of a child, marriage and more can bring families to a counselor. Some families bring every member to sessions while some families have members who do not wish to participate in counseling. Either way, counselors can help families work through their issues and give them tools to help with conflict resolution.

Couples

From engaged couples to couples celebrating their 25th anniversary, counselors can help people get through the rough patches in their relationships and give them the tools they need for a better future. Tools like tips on how to communicate better and how to make their partner feel appreciated. These are tools that you will learn as you work toward your master’s of professional counseling.

Children

Children are sent to see counselors for any number of reasons. These reasons include trouble getting along with other children, behavioral issues, loss of a parent or loved one or learning disorders.

The Incarcerated

Many times, hardship is the beginning of the lifestyle that lands people behind bars. When they work with counselors, many of them are able to explore why they committed their crime and following their release, live happy, healthy, productive lives.

Hospital Patients

A medical diagnosis can cause stress, sadness, anger and many other emotions. Counselors can work with sick patients through their roller coaster of emotions and help their mental state improve as their physical state does.

Those Suffering from Stress, Depression or Any Other Kind of Distress

Everyone experiences times of sadness, loss or anxiety. For some people, counseling is helpful in getting them from a place of darkness to a place of light. Counselors teach coping mechanisms, dig deep down to the root of the problem and help clients find effective solutions on their own. The biggest thing you will learn in earning your master’s of professional counseling is how to help your patients help themselves.

Those Looking to Make a Career Change

Work can have a massive effect on peoples’ self-esteem, energy levels and stress levels. Especially if they are unhappy with their jobs. Talking through a career change or additional education with a counselor helps those who may be unhappy with their work look at their options and make the best decision for them. In contrast, some seek out counselors when they are very happy with their careers and are looking for ways to set their next goal, like starting their own business or getting a promotion.

Those Struggling to Communicate

Relationships can be difficult. Even more difficult when you are struggling to communicate your wants, needs and criticism. Counselors can help clients communicate more effectively with spouses, siblings, parents, co-workers and friends.

Those with Mental Illness

Clients with a long-term mental illness such as anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder may see a counselor regularly as a part of their treatment. Many people with mental illness are able to live completely normal lives through a combination of healthy choices, medicine and counseling.

Everyone Else

Clients don’t need to have a personal disaster happen to seek counseling, and there is no one “type” of counseling client. Counseling is a healthy way to deal with stress, anxiety and feelings of negativity and anyone can take advantage of.

To learn more about earning your master’s degree in professional counseling, contact one of our admissions counselors today.

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