How to Answer: How would you describe your counselling style, and how will it be a fit for our facility/organization?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mental Health Counselor job interview.
36. How would you describe your counselling style, and how will it be a fit for our facility/organization?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see a complementary match between your counseling style, your experiences, and the therapy methods deployed by their organization and existing team. Be sure to look into the background of the hiring company before your interview. This research will help you to craft a compelling response that will resonate with the hiring authorities.
Perhaps you could discuss your counseling influences, and how they have helped to develop your overall style as a Mental Health Counselor. Maybe you prefer Rational Emotive Therapy over Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Perhaps you integrate alternative forms of therapy in your counseling, like Creative Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
Whatever your approach, talk about how you have developed your style of counseling through your education and experience while highlighting the ways that your counseling methods are unique yet complimentary.
Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014
Entry Level Example
"While completing my Bachelor of Counseling, I developed a significant interest in client-centered therapy techniques. During my studies, I dove into a humanistic approach to therapy, which encourages clients to realize their full potential. I appreciate counseling exercises that encourage client discovery. As a Mental Health Counselor, I aim to carve out space for my clients to express themselves in a safe environment, free of judgment. I believe that real change happens through an empathetic approach to therapy, where I can develop a genuine relationship between the client and myself. Just as your organization focuses on the person, I believe in gently guiding the client towards change rather than assigning specific work or expectations to them. This approach is also extremely helpful in leading group therapy, which you mentioned your organization would like to lean into further. I can certainly assist in getting more group therapy options off the ground, and I can lead these groups using self-discovery exercises that would be comfortable in a group setting."
Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020
Answer Example
"My history is unique because I have training in trauma counseling and a great deal of experience in frontline work with at-risk populations. Utilizing this training in trauma therapy, I take a client-centered approach. This humanistic approach to counseling means that I focus on helping my client realize their inner potential. I wholeheartedly support my client in self-discovery while guiding them in a non-directive and non-judgemental way. This counseling style is flexible, which will ensure a smooth fit with your agency, considering your clients have a significant range of needs. My experience and training in trauma and emergency response training will be an immediate asset as I can work closely with internal and external SVU teams. I have garnered a strong reputation with victim services staff as well as local social workers in the area. These connections will help me to make headway and help solve the understaffing situations that your agency and staff are currently facing when it comes to Mental Health Counselors with experience in trauma counseling."
Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014
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