Walk me through your professional counselling experience.
You may have already given the interviewer examples of your work, and they may have a career outline from your resume. However, you now have a chance to share more in-depth details of what you have learned and practiced throughout your career as a Mental Health Counselor.
Rather than share all of the tiny details of your experience, take this opportunity to outline the highlights. You may want to put a spotlight on some of the challenges and successes you have experienced as a counselor.
"For the past fifteen years, I have worked in drop-in youth centers as a Mental Health Counselor. The topics I have counseled on include addiction, homelessness, abuse, and many cases of undiagnosed mental health issues. I have coordinated group therapy for various youth-based organizations, and I have volunteered in a variety of related capacities with the homeless shelter and a local women's shelter. I have always shown a passion for this work, which is why I work to expand my education in professional counseling. I have a degree in Psychology, and I am currently finishing my masters' degree in Counseling. My greatest counseling-related strengths include problem-solving, empathy, and acceptance. Over the years as a counselor, I have worked very hard to take a 'start where the client is' approach. This method has helped me to facilitate a significant number of breakthroughs with my clients."
"While attending college to complete my counseling degree, I worked at a community-based free clinic, where I was able to help other counselors treat a very diverse population through group and one-on-one therapy. I learned a lot through this experience, such as how different communities and cultures deal with mental health issues. It was an honor to help people overcome emotional hurdles and help them to make progress in their lives. This experience is why I'm applying to work with your organization, now that I have completed my degree. I wish to continue my work within a diverse environment focused on mental health issues. I have completed 2000 hours of supervised counseling work, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a Mental Health Counselor with your organization."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I have been a mental health professional for the past nine years and a Pastoral Care provider for the past twenty-five years. During my nine years as a mental health provider, I have only worked at one Counseling Service. At that particular counseling service, I was responsible for providing counseling for over one thousand students. Many of the cases I have dealt with over the years needed treatment for either Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar, Anger Management, and Trauma.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great--you have a wealth of experience in this area!
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