Crisis counselors help people dealing with trauma or despair by assessing and evaluating the situation, proposing solutions, providing ongoing support, and teaching stress reduction techniques. They work with a wide range of individuals and age groups, and may be required to work flexible schedules. Employers look for a combination of academic performance, work experience, and specific personality traits.
A crisis counselor helps people who are dealing with a life crisis deal with their feelings of trauma or despair. A crisis counselor’s tasks often include assessing and evaluating the situation, identifying and proposing solutions to the problem, providing ongoing support, and sharing stress reduction techniques. Individuals who may require crisis counselors include those with mental and behavioral issues as well as substance abuse issues. Victims of war and crime, recipients of negative health diagnoses, and individuals who have had a major relationship or financial loss are examples of those who may seek crisis counseling.
The tasks of a crisis counselor are analytical and supportive in nature. Crisis counselors must be able to think clearly and demonstrate common sense. Individuals in need often rely on crisis consultants to analyze their problems and provide possible solutions. A crisis counselor must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build a relationship with the affected individual and convey support simply and effectively.
Crisis counselors work with a wide range of individuals and age groups. An elderly woman who has just lost her home and all of her belongings in a hurricane, for example, may find herself unable to identify the next steps in her life. Children who have lost a parent in an accident may need a crisis counselor to assess the situation, provide support and connect them and their caregivers to the right services. A young college student who has just received a devastating health diagnosis might seek out a crisis counselor to help him prioritize his commitments.
The crisis counselor’s challenge is to quickly assess the situation and help the individual regain a sense of inner calm. By listening carefully, being available as needed, and providing advice, a counselor can help alleviate an individual’s emotional stress. Many crisis counselors teach stress management techniques, such as dealing with big issues one piece at a time, journaling as a form of therapy, or utilizing meditation and relaxation strategies.
Crisis counselors work in a variety of settings, including mental and behavioral clinics, youth service organizations, academic institutions, and public service organizations. Specific duties vary according to the needs of each configuration. In some cases, crisis counselors must be available 24 hours a day and work a flexible schedule. Certain environments may require that patients be referred for consultations with other service professionals, such as psychologists, physicians, or financial advisors.
Organizations that hire crisis counselors often look for a combination of academic performance, work experience, and specific personality traits. Many employers require a master’s degree in a social services field, although some organizations will accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field. In most cases, employers are looking for prior experience in crisis counseling. Generally, crisis counselors are expected to have common sense and possess the ability to remain calm under pressure.
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