What do you believe makes you an excellent Mental Health Counselor?
When you answer this question, it's important to highlight something unique and memorable about yourself as a counselor. Set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates and help the interviewer to remember you when it comes time to make a hiring selection.
Reflecting on your strengths, think of a few primary qualities that demonstrate your skills as a Mental Health Counselor. Think about how these skills help you do your job. This question is a significant opportunity to sell yourself.
"I am astute in knowing what my clients are thinking and feeling. I pay attention to their body language as they explore and frame their life experiences for me. I notice when they need space to think and process, and when it's the right time to challenge something they believe. I also know when to step back and allow my client to conclude something for themselves. I use verbal and nonverbal methods to build trust with my clients. I create a place where they feel safe, and they know that I am there for them. My clients often mention that they appreciate how I am a contributing member to their progress without being overbearing. I let my clients know that it's a privilege to be a part of their support team. I closely follow a treatment plan that the client and I develop early on, and I am transparent with my clients about their mental health plan and when we should pivot or try a new approach. Another factor that makes me an excellent Mental Health Counselor is that I clearly express the 'why' behind my treatment approaches. When the client understands the purpose of the path, they are often far more successful."
"I am confident and ready to make the most of my education and internship experiences. I desire to continually develop a broader counseling perspective, which will help in my client interactions. I can view situations from many different perspectives--whether it be the perspective of my clients, their friends, family, or their partners. I am ready to help my clients to navigate their relationships and understand the influences involved. In addition to these factors, my patience, ability to listen, and be attentive to the smallest details are all qualities that will make me a great Mental Health Counselor."
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 believe I am a great counselor because of my ability to see things from multiple perspectives and meet clients where they are while listening and being empathetic. I am also calm, which helps when clients are dealing with difficult emotions.
Rachelle's Feedback
You highlight important characteristics here. Great response!
Anonymous Answer
Over the past years, while working towards being a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor, I have also invested in strengthening my skills as a mental health professional. Through those efforts, I have gained a Crisis Intervention certificate, the Anger Management Specialist Certification, the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Certificate, and the Child and Adolescent Trauma Certification. Along with being a mental health provider, I am also a trained school teacher which has helped me in developing skills in working with children and their families.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great--it sounds like you have the perfect background and traits for this profession!
Unlock all 40 Mental Health Counselor questions
Unlock expert responses to sensitive clinical and ethical interview questions.
Get Started