Q&A: Do I have the wrong image of a counseling career.?

Question by Tom L: Do I have the wrong image of a counseling career.?
I have taken appitiude tests and scored high in human resources and counseling-type careers. I had some dysfunction in my family while growing up (siblings who eventually became alcoholics), but never had to deal with it directly. I have also heard that one cannot get into much of a counseling position with just a certificate or less than a degree, but will be relegated to menial tasks such as crisis intervention or removal (I do not know the correct terminology, forgive me). Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am 55 years old and want to venture into a new career after having been out of the workforce for some time.

Best answer:

Answer by ladyren
You need all sorts of degrees to qualify in any state as a counselor. As well, it doesn’t pay well, and takes years to build a reputation. You need a license to counsel, just as you would need a license to practice medicine. It isn’t something you can just claim that you are, such as you can indeed claim to be an artist with no training. You may even sell a painting/sculpture/whatever. But in truth, you aren’t an artist…. you are a manipulator of materials.

If you intend to charge a fee, you have to have a license.

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