Becoming a counsellor: where to start

CPCAB

22 Apr 202002:42

Summary

TLDRThe speaker advises aspiring counselors to start with an introductory course like ICSKL2 to explore counseling skills. If they enjoy the experience, they can progress to CSKL2 for more practice and self-discovery, learning to work with silence as a valuable listening skill. Upon completing Level 3, they'll have a clearer idea if counseling is their calling. If so, they can commit to a Level 4 diploma, investing time for a two-year program to prepare for a career in the counseling field.

Takeaways

🚀 Start with an introductory course to get a feel for counseling, like the ICS K1.
📚 The ICS K1 course is short and provides an introduction to basic counseling skills.
🤔 Engage in active listening and metaphorically 'hold' the person you're counseling in a dedicated space.
🎯 If you enjoy the introductory course, progress to the CSKL2 to deepen your understanding of counseling skills.
🔍 Practice and self-reflection are key components of the CSKL2 course.
🌟 Learning to work with silence is an essential and often underestimated skill in counseling.
📈 Advance to CSTL3 to learn more about counseling theory and build on the skills from CSKL2.
🏆 By completing level three, you'll have a clear sense of whether counseling is the right career path for you.
💪 Committing to the level four diploma requires a significant investment of time, but it's a necessary step for professional practice.
🌱 Upon completion of level four, you'll be well-prepared to start practicing in the counseling field.
🔑 The journey in counseling is progressive, with each level building on the previous to ensure readiness for professional commitment.

Q & A

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a counselor at the very start of their journey?
-Start small by taking an introductory course, such as the ICS K2, which is the Introduction to Counseling Skills. This will give you a basic understanding of what it's like to listen to and support someone in a dedicated space.
How long is the introductory course to counseling skills mentioned in the transcript?
-The introductory course, ICS K2, is only a few hours long.
What is the progression after completing the introductory course in counseling skills?
-After the introductory course, one can progress to the CSKL2 course, which is a more in-depth look at the counseling skills introduced in the ICS K2.
What will you learn about in the CSKL2 course?
-In the CSKL2 course, you will learn more about the counseling skills, practice them, and start to understand yourself better through the process.
Why is working with silence considered an important listening skill in counseling?
-Working with silence is an underestimated skill that allows the person being counseled to think about what they are saying, which can be a gift to anyone receiving the counsel.
What course follows the CSKL2 in the progression towards becoming a counselor?
-After CSKL2, one can progress to the CSTL3, which is the Level 3 in Counseling Studies, where you learn more about counseling theory.
What does the Level 3 in Counseling Studies add to the skills developed in Level 2?
-The Level 3 in Counseling Studies adds counseling theory to the skills developed in Level 2, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the field.
How will you know if counseling is something you want to pursue as a career after completing Level 3?
-By the time you complete Level 3, you will have a good understanding of whether counseling is something you want to do for a living.
What is the next step after completing the Level 3 in Counseling Studies?
-The next step is to commit to the Level 4 diploma, which is a significant investment in time and requires a two-year commitment.
What is the duration of the Level 4 diploma in counseling?
-The Level 4 diploma takes two years to complete.
What does the speaker suggest about the potential outcome of completing the Level 4 diploma in counseling?
-The speaker suggests that upon completion of the Level 4 diploma, one will be well-prepared to start practicing in the counseling world with no looking back.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Starting a Counseling Career Journey

The speaker advises aspiring counselors to begin their journey by taking introductory courses, such as the ICS K/L2, which provides a brief introduction to counseling skills. The course is a few hours long and offers an insight into the experience of listening to and supporting clients. If the initial experience is positive, the progression leads to the CSKL2 course, where more skills are learned and practiced. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to work with silence as a valuable listening skill. The journey continues with the CSTL3 course, where counseling theory is introduced, building upon the skills acquired at the previous level. Upon completion of level three, the individual will have a clear understanding of whether they wish to pursue counseling as a career. If so, they can commit to the significant time investment required for the level four diploma, which takes two years to complete. The speaker concludes by suggesting that reaching this level will place the individual in a strong position to begin practicing in the counseling field.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Counselor

A counselor is a professional who provides guidance and support to individuals facing personal, social, or psychological challenges. In the video, the speaker advises those interested in becoming a counselor to start with introductory courses to understand the nature of the work, which involves listening and supporting others.

💡Introductory Courses

Introductory courses are entry-level classes designed to provide a basic understanding of a subject or field. The speaker mentions 'ICS K1' as an example, suggesting that these courses are a good starting point for those considering a career in counseling to gain foundational skills and knowledge.

💡Counseling Skills

Counseling skills refer to the techniques and abilities used by counselors to facilitate communication, understanding, and problem-solving with clients. The script discusses the progression from an introductory course to a more advanced course (CSKL2) where these skills are further developed and practiced.

💡ICS K1

ICS K1, or Introduction to Counseling Skills, is a specific course mentioned in the script. It serves as an initial step for those interested in counseling, offering a brief introduction to the skills and experience of being a counselor, such as listening and providing support.

💡CSKL2

CSKL2 stands for Counseling Skills Course Level 2. It is a course that builds upon the introductory level, allowing students to practice and refine the counseling skills they were introduced to in the ICS K1 course. The script highlights the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's own reactions during this process.

💡Silence

In the context of counseling, silence is an important listening skill that allows clients time to gather their thoughts and express themselves more deeply. The speaker in the video emphasizes the value of silence as a gift in the counseling process, underscoring its underestimated role in effective communication.

💡CSTL3

CSTL3 refers to the Level 3 in Counseling Studies, a course that delves deeper into counseling theory, building upon the practical skills developed in the previous levels. The script suggests that by the end of this course, individuals will have a clearer understanding of whether they wish to pursue counseling as a career.

💡Counseling Theory

Counseling theory encompasses the principles, models, and frameworks that guide the practice of counseling. In the script, the speaker mentions that CSTL3 introduces students to counseling theories, which are essential for understanding the underpinnings of effective counseling practices.

💡Level Four Diploma

The Level Four Diploma in the script represents an advanced stage of study in counseling, requiring a significant time investment and commitment. It is portrayed as the next step for those who have determined that they want to pursue counseling as a profession, marking a transition from learning to practicing in the field.

💡Investment in Time

An investment in time refers to the significant amount of hours and effort one must dedicate to learn and master a skill or profession. The speaker in the video describes the Level Four Diploma as a considerable investment, indicating the level of dedication required to become a proficient counselor.

💡Practicing

In the context of the video, practicing refers to the application of learned skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. After completing the Level Four Diploma, the speaker suggests that individuals will be ready to start practicing in the counseling world, signifying the transition from theoretical learning to practical application.

Highlights

Advice for beginners to start small with an introductory course like ICSKL2.

ICSKL2 course provides a few hours of introduction to counseling skills.

ICSKL2 helps to experience sitting with someone and listening to them.

If the introductory course is liked, there's a progression to the CSKL2 course.

CSKL2 teaches more about the counseling skills introduced in ICSKL2.

Practicing counseling skills and learning about oneself is part of CSKL2.

Working with silence is an underestimated listening skill in counseling.

Silence allows clients to think and reflect on what they are saying.

CSTL3 is the next level for learning counseling theory to complement skills.

Completing level 3 helps determine if counseling is a desired career path.

Level 4 is a significant investment in time for a two-year diploma.

Level 4 prepares individuals to practice in the counseling world.

The progression from ICSKL2 to CSKL2 to CSTL3 builds a strong foundation.

Listening and holding space for clients is a fundamental counseling skill.

The journey from introductory courses to Level 4 diploma is a commitment.

By the end of Level 3, one can decide if counseling is a lifelong career.

The Level 4 diploma is the final step before entering the counseling profession.