Below is a collection of websites and links that are essential for any beginning counselor:
Websites
As you proceed in your education, you should begin to develop a professional identity. In fact, many university programs will require that you join at least one professional organization. You’ll also have to follow the licensing laws in your state once you graduate, and you may even want to consider an extra certification. Towards that aim, below please find a compilation of professional organizations, certification boards and licensure information for you to explore:
American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB)
List of State Licensing Boards for Counselors
Professional Development and Support for Counselors
The rate of burn-out for counselors is very, very high. As part of developing your professional identity you should start to integrate good self-care into your clinical practice. Because counselors are natural helpers, we risk going a bit too far in helping our clients. Thus, a major part of good self-care is to be aware clinically when you are working too hard in the counseling process.
