The services of a substance abuse counselor Colorado area are not just limited to those individuals who have difficulties with either drugs or alcohol. However, when the subject is talked about, it is certainly these two areas that immediately spring to mind. Some people are now starting to notice a more common problem among young females, and this is an eating disorder.
Besides the substance abuse, there are often behavioral problems which a counsellor will also have to deal with. Many counsellors will have come from other community outreach programs, some others will have been reformed users. All will have had some form of hands on knowledge, although people can go into assisting with these community outreach programs on completion of their education.
Educationally all that is required is a high school diploma, or an equivalent. From there you would undergo training, which could also include helping with some case work. Unfortunately due to the nature of the work there is a high turnover of qualified personnel, but they do tend to stay within the community outreach programs.
Once qualified, the new counsellor could find themselves working from a variety of locations. They could be in private practice, if they have enough experience, mental health facilities, prisons or even social welfare agencies. One thing that can be guaranteed is that no two days will ever be the same.
Many people misunderstand the duties of a substance abuse counsellor. It is true to say that they do help those with problems regarding substances. The counsellor will operate under the direction of a senior social worker, a physician or a psychologist. The counsellor will not concentrate solely on the individual, but also their family and friends, as these too might have been affected by the abuse of substances. Many do regard this as a highly rewarding, but challenging, aspect of community social work.
It is a misconception that counsellors provide the actual psychological therapy, which still remains the duty of the psychologist. A counsellor will often provide one to one sessions with the affected individual, or even group sessions. At these meetings the individual is encouraged to talk about their problem and are then provided with possible strategies or techniques with which to help themselves. The counsellor will also be responsible for monitoring any progress, or even any potential for slipping further back along the recovery route.
These records will have to be passed onto the psychologist or physician, who will use this information to determine treatment. As a result the counsellor will need a good command of the English language. Other sought after attributes will be such things as patience, understanding, compassion and a desire to help others.
Commonly, the substance abuse counselor Colorado area will find that they spend most of their time helping the individual with mainly practical matters. This could involve getting that individual back into full time employment, which if they were left to their own devices the individual might struggle with. Another aspect could be referring this person to various other agencies or bodies who might also provide assistance and support.
Besides the substance abuse, there are often behavioral problems which a counsellor will also have to deal with. Many counsellors will have come from other community outreach programs, some others will have been reformed users. All will have had some form of hands on knowledge, although people can go into assisting with these community outreach programs on completion of their education.
Educationally all that is required is a high school diploma, or an equivalent. From there you would undergo training, which could also include helping with some case work. Unfortunately due to the nature of the work there is a high turnover of qualified personnel, but they do tend to stay within the community outreach programs.
Once qualified, the new counsellor could find themselves working from a variety of locations. They could be in private practice, if they have enough experience, mental health facilities, prisons or even social welfare agencies. One thing that can be guaranteed is that no two days will ever be the same.
Many people misunderstand the duties of a substance abuse counsellor. It is true to say that they do help those with problems regarding substances. The counsellor will operate under the direction of a senior social worker, a physician or a psychologist. The counsellor will not concentrate solely on the individual, but also their family and friends, as these too might have been affected by the abuse of substances. Many do regard this as a highly rewarding, but challenging, aspect of community social work.
It is a misconception that counsellors provide the actual psychological therapy, which still remains the duty of the psychologist. A counsellor will often provide one to one sessions with the affected individual, or even group sessions. At these meetings the individual is encouraged to talk about their problem and are then provided with possible strategies or techniques with which to help themselves. The counsellor will also be responsible for monitoring any progress, or even any potential for slipping further back along the recovery route.
These records will have to be passed onto the psychologist or physician, who will use this information to determine treatment. As a result the counsellor will need a good command of the English language. Other sought after attributes will be such things as patience, understanding, compassion and a desire to help others.
Commonly, the substance abuse counselor Colorado area will find that they spend most of their time helping the individual with mainly practical matters. This could involve getting that individual back into full time employment, which if they were left to their own devices the individual might struggle with. Another aspect could be referring this person to various other agencies or bodies who might also provide assistance and support.
About the Author:
The web pages at www.abetterchoicecounseling.com provide details on the qualifications of a substance abuse counselor Colorado residents need. For more information, check the website at http://www.abetterchoicecounseling.com now.
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