A licensed professional who helps people overcome stress, mental health issues, behavioral problems, and family issues is known as a family counselor. He or she usually works in a group or private practice, providing counseling services to individuals and families on an appointment basis. A family therapist must be aware of the various social, economic, and personal issues that people of all ages may face. A large part of his or her job entails advising couples who are trying to work through marital problems and assisting children in adjusting to new situations.
Families face a variety of challenges, ranging from divorce to dealing with children who have behavioral issues. By interviewing family members and asking about their feelings about their household situation, a family counselor tries to uncover the nature of such problems. He or she may offer family members one-on-one counseling or facilitate group therapy sessions. To help families deal with their problems in a healthy way, the counselor applies his or her knowledge of family structures, developmental psychology, and mental health issues. He or she frequently tries to improve communication between family members and offers advice on how to deal with difficult situations.
Counselors are frequently experts on the various issues that a married couple may face. A family counselor might meet with a couple who is dealing with a variety of issues, including financial concerns, intimacy issues, differing views on child rearing, and trust issues. The counselor assesses a couple’s issues, suggests solutions, and provides ongoing counseling to help the couple maintain a positive relationship.
A master’s degree in clinical psychology or counseling from an accredited university is typically required to work as a family counselor. Internships are common for new counselors, who observe sessions conducted licensed professionals. In order to learn and gain experience, they may be allowed to provide some counseling services under the supervision of other counselors. Counselors are typically required to obtain a license in their respective state or country, which entails completing a certain number of supervised counseling hours and passing a written exam. Some institutions may require additional certification from a national accrediting board, though requirements vary greatly between employers.
Family counselors typically work standard forty-hour weeks, though some private practice professionals choose to work on weekends and evenings to better serve their clients’ needs. In the event of a crisis or a family emergency, some counselors encourage clients to call them outside of business hours. A family counselor may choose to divide his or her time between providing therapy and teaching university courses on related topics on occasion.