Career Description:
A family counselor is one who counsels a family to deal with personal and professional problems. Family issues can range from relationship problems, difficulties with the child, financial crisis, job related issues, etc. To become a family counselor you need to develop good relationships with that particular family, a strong foundation of trust so that your suggestions are paid heed to, and understand their problems intricately.
How to become a Family Counselor:
To become a family counselor the candidate needs to get educated in children and parent psychology, understand the gender and generational differences; present an impartial judgment on the matter with a workable solution. The family counselor should not have any hidden agendas to harm or break the family in any way. Rather a family counselor is one who keeps the family united and strong for years together.
Family Counselor Career courses, training, programs:
There are various training programs at the graduate level and post graduation level that can help candidates acquire the skills to become a family counselor. The courses provided in these colleges and universities include rehabilitation counseling, student development, psychology, etc.
Family Counselor Career schools/colleges, education:
There are various schools and colleges in the Unites States that provide courses on counseling. These courses include both theoretical and practical perspectives of the subject. Candidates should get practical exposure by working under psychologists, etc.
Top 5 colleges/universities:
University of Wisconsin
Michigan State University
University of Iowa
Pennsylvania State University
Southern Illinois University
Family Counselor job opportunities, salaries/pay, recruitment:
A family counselor can find opportunities in the government or private sector but most of them are self employed. They develop a contact list of families and start by counseling them on severe issues. A good relationship with families builds trust and therefore the counselor can be kept in loop for any kind of family problems to suggest feasible solutions. The pay of a family counselor ranges from $30,000 to $90,000.