Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of skills do I need to be a good therapist?

The best therapists are great listeners who truly care about others. You need patience, empathy, and the ability to make people feel safe and understood. Good communication is a must. You also need to be strong yourself, as you’ll hear about difficult situations. Being ethical and trustworthy is the most important skill of all, because clients share their deepest thoughts with you.

Is it a stressful job?

Yes, it can be very stressful, but also very rewarding. You work with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives, which is emotionally heavy. Hospitals are fast places with lots of urgent needs. But the stress is balanced by the deep reward of helping someone through a crisis. Seeing a patient get the support they need to heal is a powerful feeling.

Can I do grief counseling without a full degree?

There are some helping roles, like a grief support group facilitator or a hospice volunteer, that may not require a full counseling degree. However, to be called a “grief counselor” and provide one-on-one professional counseling, a master’s degree and a state license are almost always required. This ensures you have the proper training to help people with such deep and complex feelings safely.

What exams do I have to pass?

To get your license, you’ll need to pass a major national exam. The test you take depends on your career path. For example, future professional counselors take the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Future marriage and family therapists take a different one. These tests make sure all licensed helpers have the same important knowledge about ethics, how to help people, and professional practice. Studying for this exam is a big task, but your degree program will help prepare you.