7 Common Challenges Counsellors Face

Counselling can be an extremely rewarding career for those who have a passion for helping
others process and work through their issues. Unfortunately, it can also be equally
challenging. Counsellors face some unique challenges in their careers that can be
discouraging if they’re not prepared for them. So, if you are a counsellor or you’re planning
to become one, here are some of the common challenges counsellors face.

1. Finding a balance between work and life
   Often, one of the most challenging things mental health professionals face is trying to work
   out a balance between their work and social life. Some counsellors have managed to set
   good boundaries between their work schedule and social life, while others find it difficult.
   Counsellors struggle with everything from long hours to emotionally draining situations and
   clients who often develop a reliance on them. Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be too
   difficult when you understand that you must take time off from work to ensure you’re rested
   and in the right frame of mind for your clients. Some methods that counsellors usually use to
   separate their work and social life include setting clear boundaries with clients, like contact
   times and work hours, prioritising their own self-care and engaging in hobbies.
2. Resistance from clients
   As a counsellor, you will have some clients who simply don’t want to engage with you in the
   session. This is a common challenge for counsellors. Usually, this is because the client may
   not actually want to be there, for example, if the counselling session was requested via a
   court order. Client resistance shows through an unwillingness to participate,
   unresponsiveness, surface-level answers, or complete defiance.
   These clients generally take more of your time because you have to build rapport with them,
   showing empathy and understanding in an effort to build trust. Try using motivational
   interviewing techniques, working out why they are resistant, and being as patient as you can
   be.
3. Dealing with people from diverse backgrounds
   This challenge might affect some counsellors, whereas others would be fine with it. As a
   counsellor, you may be exposed to people with diverse backgrounds, some of which you
   may not fully understand or agree with. Your role as a counsellor is to be impartial. In no
   circumstances should your political, religious, or ethical opinions or views influence or impact
   the client you’re working with.
   In addition to that, gaining an understanding of individuals’ cultural norms and values could
   help you build rapport with them and help you create a more effective treatment plan for
   them, too. If possible, always try learn more about the cultures and values of your clients.
4. Vicarious Trauma
   Counsellors are exposed to some extremely traumatic stories and experiences from their
   clients. Over time, this could result in the counsellor developing a condition known as
   vicarious trauma, when they start having intrusive thoughts or dreams that are related to
   their clients’ experiences.
   Self-awareness and care are essential for counsellors who may be susceptible to developing
   this condition. This may surprise you, but this is actually why some counsellors seek
   counselling.
5. Burnout
   Burnout is a real issue in mental health professionals, like counsellors. Because the nature
   of the job requires counsellors to be so available to the clients, they expend a ton of energy
   emotionally and physically caring for clients with a range of different problems. Combine this
   with the long work hours, and many counsellors show signs of burnout.
   Like most other strategies mentioned above, to avoid burnout, you need to prioritise yourself.
   Set aside time for hobbies, keep good boundaries between work and your social life, and
   focus on keeping healthy habits like eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising.
6. Ethical or confidentiality issues
   This is often a tough one for counsellors, as there may be a time when your clients show that
   they have the intention to hurt themselves or others. Because of this, you’re obligated to
   break client confidentiality. Many confidentiality cases are dealt with on a case-by-case
   basis, but if you’re wondering whether or not you need to break confidentiality, there are
   regulations around when this is permissible.
7. A lack of resources
   The last challenge for counsellors is often resources. Restricted or limited resources can
   hinder counsellors’ ability to provide their clients with the most effective care. Usually,
   limited resources come in the form of funding, access to materials, or even access to
   support staff. In some cases, this may be out of your control, but there are ways in which you
   can work with other professionals to share resources, or you could collaborate with them to
   provide a service that you may not be able to provide.
   Where can you study further to be a counsellor?
   One way in which counsellors can equip themselves to overcome challenges is to study
   methods and techniques that can help them process and overcome these challenges. If
   you’re thinking of doing a Master of Counselling online, here is a helpful page from Canberra
   University. You’ll find all the information you need to help with this course. Once you’ve
   completed this degree, you will feel equipped with the knowledge to prepare yourself for the
   typical challenges faced as a psychologist. So, what are you waiting for?

Final thoughts
As a counsellor, you may experience many of these challenges or none of them at all if
you’re lucky. Regardless of whether you experience them or not, preparing yourself for them
is equally important. Consider the issues above and consider how you can work through
them if you ever face them.

Image by Cottonbro studio from Pexels

The editorial staff of Medical News Bulletin had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Medical News Bulletin. Medical News Bulletin does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products or services, nor do we endorse any products, services, or links in our Sponsored Articles.