The emotional rewards of becoming a licensed counselor are many, including the possibility of helping people change their lives in a meaningful way. Mental health counselor Tina Yeager told the Brandon News & Tribune that she enjoys encouraging her clients to take proactive steps to improve their situations. Ms Yeager deals with people who have a variety of problems, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and substance abuse. She explained that her job is not only useful for others, but also gives her own life meaning, saying: "One of the greatest antidotes to depression is reaching out to other people." A master's degree is normally a requirement to become a licensed counselor, though some states accept a bachelor's degree alongside certain extra courses. Students may choose to concentrate in an area - such as school counseling, gerontological counseling, marriage and family therapy, or substance abuse counseling - or they may follow a general course of study. There are around 635,000 counselors employed in the US, according the most recent Department of Labor (DOL) data, which also states that an increasing number of workers in this sector are self-employed and work in group or private practices.  |