THE REASONS I BECAME A COUNSELOR

One factor that greatly influenced my decision to become a counselor was that I have always been a good listener. This is one trait that all good counselors possess; the ability to listen intently, absorb the information and offer advice based on their education and experience. I have seven sisters and three brothers. As children and to a lesser degree, as adults, they listened to me while I listened to them. We had, and have, lengthy conversations that helped me fully comprehend that everyone has problems of one sort or another. In my work I have encountered myriad people who are greatly in need of some type of counseling. Some are aware that they need help and unfortunately, others are not.

The prospect of becoming a surgeon also entered my mind; actually it was my first career choice. I wanted to be able to help people who are in physical pain. I remember my grandmother walking around in her old wooden home, deep in the country of Southern Georgia. She would rub her hands because they were hurting badly while humming and singing an old time gospel song. “Waaaade in the water, waaaade in the water chil-ren, waaaade in the water. God gon’ trouble the water!”   She sat in an old rocking chair rocking slowly back and forth. One of us would place a white porcelain bowl with a blue embroidered design across the top under her feet so that she could soak her calloused feet; all the while she continued to hum and rub her hardened, weary and overworked hands. I asked, “Is there anything I can do?” Her reply was always the same “Is there anything I can do for you?”   I could see that my grandmother was in great pain and my childhood desire to help her was of little use because I didn’t know what to do to help relieve her pain.

From an adult standpoint, I see other types of pain in our great country. People who have lost everything in situations such as Katrina or the wild fires in California need counseling. Soldiers returning from war torn countries usually return with various types of mental problems and are greatly in need of counseling.

As a child I always deeply enjoyed helping others and I still get the same feeling today when I am able to offer helpful advice and counseling. Maybe you are like me. If you feel a sense of accomplishment when you help others or if you enjoy listening and are genuinely concerned about others maybe you should pursue this career field. The rewards are great. When you make the needs of others your focus you, in turn, are truly blessed. Until next week this is Anthony - Down & Under!

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