Counseling
Counselors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career problems. Their duties vary greatly depending on their occupational specialty, which is determined by the setting in which they work and the population they serve.
School counselors assist students of all levels to evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals. They use interviews, counseling sessions, assessment tests, and other methods to evaluate and advise students. Often, counselors work with students who have academic and social development problems or other special needs.
A vocational counselor's chief focus is helping individuals with career decisions. They evaluate the client's education, training, work history, interests, skills, and personality traits, arrange for aptitude and achievement tests, work with individuals to develop their job-search skills and assist clients in locating and applying for jobs. In addition, these counselors provide support to people experiencing job loss, job stress, or other career transition issues.
Mental health counselors work with individuals, families, and groups to address mental and emotional disorders such as; depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress, problems with self-esteem, and grief. They also help with job and career concerns, educational decisions, and family, parenting, marital, or other relationship problems. Mental health counselors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counselors.
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors help people who have problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. Counseling can be done on an individual or group basis. These counselors will often also work with family members who are affected by the addictions of their loved ones.
Marriage and family therapists apply family systems theory, principals and techniques to individuals, families, and couples to resolve emotional conflicts. In doing so, they modify people's perceptions and behaviors, enhance communication and understanding among family members, and help to prevent family and individual crises.