Among several professions that exist, counseling is one that certainly falls under the noble category. Simply put, it is a selfless profession.
By Azeem Bolar
Today, there are numerous careers to choose from. The selection of a career is generally based on the expectations that one attaches to it. Not everybody has the same intention in choosing something.
Among several professions that exist, counseling is one that certainly falls under the noble category. Simply put, it is a selfless profession. Every profession is rewarding in some way. With respect to counseling, the contentment factor, or the feeling of having rendered unbiased assistance to the needy that one derives, is rewarding by itself.
One cannot gauge the impact counseling has on society. Its use is so minute that it can work with regard to almost every interpersonal issue.
The career of counseling enables us to empathize with others, thus helping to understand their problems better. In a world where people have literally become parts of a machine, working on and understanding emotions helps a counselor to remain humane. It helps him to genuinely reach out, thus creating a better bond with those around him.
Over a period of time, people tend to get hardened due to bitter experiences, but when it boils down to rendering counseling assistance, their steel-like structure gives way to a heart that can relate to others, overcoming all barriers.
It is but obvious there’s another side of the counseling profession, one that should not be overlooked. For instance, often, as a counselor there is more contentment that one experiences than ‘cash-back’. Sometimes, counselling sessions pass by without any remunerative gesture. Even if remuneration is involved, it is sometimes low-paying. As genuine as the concern of a counselor maybe, some people do not acknowledge his or her selfless intentions. Then, there is the expectation that counselors are expected to wear the counselor’s coat at all times”which is unrealistic and demanding.
Adopting counseling as a career has not only helped me to help others, but has also brought out the human hiding within me. Through it, the barriers inside me were removed so that I could help people in need.
(The writer is a Bangalore-based Counselor and can be reached at [email protected])
COMMENTS