BECOMING A COUNSELOR

This Ask Bob was inspired by Kevin L. from Modesto CA. He wrote mentioning he wanted to become a counselor after he was released, using his life experience to help others. I’m all for that! I believe if you’ve “walked the walk” you have meaningful things that could help others. It’s the best way to take a weakness and make it a strength. That’s how I started to serve the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and anyone needing to start life over.

Becoming a counselor is hard work, but you can do it. Many states require some education and a license to become a full-blown counselor. The good news is there are other things you can do as you work towards a counselor’s license. Once you complete your sentence, and any probation or parole, you could get a job at a halfway house or treatment facility. Some of them might even pay the tuition for your education while you’re working for them. 

Here are some general steps you can take:

1. Get an Education

You may need to have a degree in counseling or a similar field to be a counselor. You can go to college and get a degree in counseling, psychology, or social work depending on the work you want to do. If you’re in a facility that offers college courses, take some classes in one of those areas now. 

2. Get Some Experience

It’s important to get experience working with people who are struggling with whatever area you want to offer counseling in, like addictions, alcoholism, trauma, etc.. You can do this by working as an intern or volunteering at a place that helps people who are struggling. 

3. Get a License

You probably need a license from your state to be a counselor. Google your state’s requirements to find out what you need to do. Each state has different requirements, but most require a certain amount of supervised work experience and pass an exam. 

4. Keep Learning

The field of counseling is always changing, so it’s important to keep learning. You can take classes or go to workshops to learn new things.

5. Take Care of Yourself

It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re helping other people. You can do this by joining a support group, going to therapy, or doing things that make you happy. 

Becoming a counselor is hard work, but it can be really rewarding.

You can help other people who are going through the same thing you went through and make a difference in their lives.

© 2023 Pelshaw Group, Inc. Used with permission.

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Ask Bob is an advice column by Bob Pelshaw, formerly incarcerated citizen, successful entrepreneur, speaker, and author of the award-winning Illegal to Legal: Business Success for the (Formerly) Incarcerated. (Book and workbook available on Amazon). Bob also provides content to Edovo, GTL, PayTel, and jails and prisons nationally.

Ask Bob answers questions about life, successful re-entry, starting a business and entrepreneurship, and most anything that adds value, except the column does not cover legal issues, sentencing matters, or case issues. To ask Bob a question, write to him at:

ASK BOB

c/o Pelshaw Group, Inc. 

PO Box 460671 Papillion, NE 68046