Becoming a counsellor: where to start

Summary

The 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.