What is a Counseling Skills Diploma?
In a counseling skills diploma program, you will be learning methods of assessing the well being of individuals and groups across many age levels and socioeconomic strata. The goal is to create competent individuals who can work with a variety of people and cultures.
Skills You Will Learn
While studying towards a counseling skills diploma, you will be learning how to reflect upon the thoughts, feelings and actions of an individual or groups and determine the best method of advising them. To do this, you will need strong communication skills, as well as an understanding of the latest counseling methods and theories. You will also study the ethical and legal issues that accompany counseling practice.
Courses
In a typical counseling skills program, you will encounter the following courses:
- Career Development
- Counseling Methods and Theories
- Ethics and Law of Counseling
- Human Development
- Personal Communication
Why Get a Counseling Skills Diploma?
To practice professionally in an educational setting, which is the sector with the largest amount of counseling positions, it is first necessary to become certified. A counseling skills diploma is a good first step towards certification. A diploma will also show to employers that you are qualified to be a counselor.
What Can I Do with a Counseling Skills Diploma?
The majority of counselors work in an educational setting such as an elementary or secondary school. Other counselors work for individual and family services, or in vocational rehabilitation centers.
Job Outlook and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) predicts that the demand for counselors will grow faster than the national average until at least the year 2014. The median annual income for counselors in 2004 was around $45,500.
