Counseling is a field that serves many roles and reaches a wide array of individuals, from students navigating the complexities of school life to those working through interpersonal conflicts and mental health issues. Counselors are the guiding lights in these scenarios, offering support, insight and strategies to help people overcome challenges.
However, becoming an effective counselor requires more than just a desire to help others: it demands a significant commitment to education, training and personal development. The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior) offers three distinct online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) programs that prepare students to meet these demands and excel in the counseling field.
What Is an MSEd in Counseling?
Each of UW-Superior’s online MSEd programs — School Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Clinical Mental Health — equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in their chosen paths. These programs are not just academically rigorous: they are also pre-approved for state licensure in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The programs also hold the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This means that graduates are well prepared to pursue licensure and begin their careers with confidence.
Types of Counseling
Counseling as a profession offers a variety of specializations, each serving different populations and addressing unique needs. Each counseling type requires specific skills and knowledge, but they all share a common foundation of core counseling principles. The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s MSEd in Counseling programs cover three primary types of counseling: school Counseling, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling. Professionals entering the field must know the differences among each.
School Counseling
In this MSEd track, students are “trained to support youth academically, socially, and emotionally within a K-12 setting. School counselors provide individual short-term counseling services to students experiencing problems impacting them within the academic setting. A teacher, administrator, or parent may refer students to a counselor, or students can refer themselves,” according to Choosing Therapy.
Marriage and Family Therapy
This track focuses on working with couples and families to resolve conflicts, improve communication and strengthen relationships. Counselors in this field must understand the complexities of family dynamics and be skilled in helping individuals and families address emotional and relational issues. “MFTs take a holistic perspective to health care; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families,” points out the AAMFT.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This track involves working with individuals facing mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Counselors in this area provide therapy and support in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community mental health centers.
Important Traits of a Good Counselor
While academic knowledge and technical skills are essential, certain traits are crucial for thriving as a counselor, enabling professionals to connect with clients, provide effective support and maintain their well-being in this emotionally demanding profession. The following are a few examples of necessary traits:
- Empathy is essential for building trust and rapport with clients, whether they are students, couples, families or individuals dealing with mental health issues.
- Strong communication are also important, as pointed out by Healthline: “A therapist is also an educator, and as such, they should be able to distill concepts and explain symptoms in a way that you’re able to understand. Although most therapists have undergone years of schooling, their language should be accessible as opposed to scientific.”
- Active listening involves fully engaging with a client’s words and emotions. This skill is particularly important in counseling as it helps counselors accurately understand and address the concerns of their clients.
- Cultural competence is increasingly important in today’s diverse society. Counselors must be aware of and sensitive to the cultural backgrounds, beliefs and values of their clients. This trait is particularly emphasized across all of UW-Superior’s counseling programs, preparing students to work effectively with clients from various cultural backgrounds.
- Ethical judgment is indispensable for any counselor. Counselors often face complex ethical dilemmas, and the ability to make sound decisions that prioritize the well-being of clients is essential. UW-Superior’s programs place a strong emphasis on ethical training, ensuring that graduates are ready to navigate these challenges with integrity and professionalism.
Students seeking a counseling career can choose the track that fits their interests on one of UW-Superior’s three MSEd online programs. With critical skills in empathy, listening, cultural competence and ethical judgement, graduates of all programs are prepared for success in any space.
Learn more about the University of Wisconsin Superior’s Master of Science in Education — Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Track; School Counseling Track; and Marriage and Family Therapy Track.
