As a soon to be licensed Marriage and Family Therapist I consider it a priority to gather growth-promoting information from as many qualified professional resources as possible. Recently I had the privilege of interviewing an individual with over thirty years of counseling experience and her insight proved remarkably helpful. Linda Richards, now involved primarily in mission work, possesses a Christian worldview and was instrumental in the establishment of New Creation Counseling Center, located in Tipp City, Ohio. Here is a sample of the interview along with the preceding questions:
What is most challenging about marriage and family counseling work?
It is unfortunate that many couples do not come in until it’s almost too late. Married couples come in as a last resort and know that it probably won’t work. Secondly, domestic violence is a major issue and how wives are often reminded by others of the marital commitment that was made. Recommending divorce is not an option but separation is necessary in situations involving domestic violence or substance abuse.
How do you stay detached from your counseling work?
It is important to stay detached in order to resist experiencing overload. Setting boundaries is a must or risk being ineffective for the client so keep the personal life in check with the help of outside interests. Being able to work with people who are genuinely interested in healing and recovery is helpful in maintaining focus and being able to detach.
What do students coming into the profession need to learn?
A student needs to be prepared and up to date on things. Know yourself, pay attention, and put the client first.
What experiences are most useful for people becoming counselors?
Exposure, in-the-room practice and good supervision are extremely important. It is unhealthy for counselors to practice without enough supervision. There is a definite need for the input of peers. This is not work to do in isolation.
I was appreciative of her input and have placed much of it into practice. Her final words of advice included get experience, talk to other marriage counselors and practitioners and volunteer.If you have questions or thoughts of becoming a counselor or possibly receiving counseling I urge you to reach out to a local counseling agency. I can be reached if you would like to leave a comment or through email.
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