Guides to Counseling Careers & Other Resources

Journaling is one self-care method counselors can recommend to their clients. Clients can use this tool on their own and incorporate these entries into a therapy session. Counselors refer to journaling in therapy as writing therapy, journal therapy or expressive art therapy.

Since Kinsey, there have been many studies exploring the spectrum of heterosexuality and homosexuality, yet there has been little to no research measuring the spectrum of aromanticism to alloromanticism, and asexuality to allosexuality.

Some religious and spiritual practices can be healing to the individual, while others cause harm. If the counselor strives to treat the client as a whole person, religion and spirituality must be included in the therapeutic work.

Gambling disorder is the only behavioral disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). It appears alongside substance use disorders and is formally considered to be a type of addiction. Like other addictions, gambling disorder represents persistent, recurrent behavior that continues despite significant harmful consequences.

Too much caring without proper boundaries can cause emotional stress and strain on the counselor. Even with sufficient self-care measures, chronic day-to-day occupational stress can wear down even the most experienced professional.

There is no formal training on how to deal with client loss. If you are a counselor long enough, you will face a client’s death.

Over the years, the rules have changed, so it makes sense to know what you can and can’t expect when it comes to counselor education loan forgiveness programs. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) made certain counselors eligible for loan forgiveness.

When clients show up for therapy, they often have exhausted all other resources, such as Internet searches, self-help videos, books, and other people’s advice. They may feel drained and unsure if therapy can help them.

The military meets our definitions of culture perfectly, and there are distinct differences from civilian culture that could impact military mental health. An understanding of factors such as military culture, moral injury, and resilience can maximize the counselor’s efficacy in assisting this population to maintain well-being.

Building rapport creates increased communication, trust, and motivation in the counselor-client relationship. Developing a positive emotional connection leads to client satisfaction and greater therapeutic outcomes.