Counseling the Book Entitled \"Becoming

Counseling

The book entitled "Becoming a Counselor" written by Samuel Gladding offers a story within a story. It mainly tackles the author's journey to becoming a good counselor that he is now. The book is very simply written. It does not contain any high falutting jargons nor idiomatic statements. But however simple it is, the impact to the readers is very profound. The contents of the book will surely left a permanent mark to any reader's heart and mind.

The book offers an idea that a counselor is not made, nor created; it is learned and earned through time. This is the very reason why the author has made use of his own experiences as examples. Gladding narrated how he became so engrossed with the idea of counseling. He fondly recalled various people and the different experiences and/or circumstances which have inspired him to continue working on in taking up a degree related to counseling. After which, he also cited some of the first memorable experiences he has had with some friends, colleagues and later on clients (which he also called friends). These experiences, according to him, are like the bond that made him hold tighter to his profession.

Becoming a counselor is not an easy task. The title itself cannot be achieved in just one snap of a finger. To reiterate, it needs to be earned. The counselor should first learn to trust himself. He must know where his capabilities are. He must know how to sympathize and to empathize with people. He must know the power of listening. He must know when is the right time to speak up. If the counselor is confident with himself and with his capabilities to be of help to other people, then he/she has already proven his high regards for himself.

In the same manner, the counselor must earn the trust of other people. He must exude a positive aura which will motivate other people to share what's in their hearts and minds. Other people's trust is hard to earn as it is equally hard to maintain. But if a counselor knows how to effectively handle each and every situation where other people' feelings and thoughts is concerned, then the counselor is on the right track to enhancing other people's trust on him.

As becoming a counselor is earned, there are also several learning processes that go with it. To be able to effectively communicate with people, the counselor must know what are the most affective things to say. This is where education comes in very handy. By having a university degree related to human behavior and/or psychology coupled with other courses, the counselor will surely be able to handle different situations very well. Indeed, education is one of the major key players in becoming a counselor.