Should I become a counselor?

I have a bachelor's degree in social work and I was thinking of going to get my msw and then start the process of fulfilling the other requirements necessary to become a licensed clinical social worker so that i could become a counselor. The problem is I am not sure if I should become a counselor. On one hand I think it would be a fun job, but I think that may just be me being idealistic. I do like learning about mental health and mental disorders, but I don't know if thats reason enough for me to go into that career. I am very shy, so that's another concern I have. Also I have been in counseling before and I thought that would be helpful because then I would be more empathetic and caring to my patients. However I realize that it may not because I currently work as a residential counselor and it is hard to relate their mental health issues to mine because there's are a lot worse. Is anyone on here a counselor. What do you like about your work and not like. (continued below)

Also what traits are necesssary.

You need to be empathetic, open minded, have a good ear. But also to be able to seperate yourself so you do not become overwhelmed in your own situations or in those of your patients.You will also have to initiate conversation as most people need help opening up.
We need more counselors out there. Talk to some in your area and get a feel for it.

do it

If you haven't been to the well, how can you tell others to drink?

It's a great profession but the rate of burn out is extremely high.Some of my collegues cared too much and some became bitter.I myself just changed careers because it was really hard to deal with the attitudes toward mental health and the total lack of funding and resources.I really did love it but was held back by budget cuts.Good Luck!!

I am a professional counselor and I feel my job can be very rewarding I have helped more than 4000 people to live a more satisfactory life.You need to be empathic, non judgmental and congruent (genuine) and to have good ethical boundaries.Also responsibility for change lies primarily with your client, in other words no rescuing.

If you want to be a counselor then you should do a degree in counseling and work toward you Licensed Professional Counselor status. As an LCSW you are not a counselor you are an licensed clinical social worker. If that is not what you want to be...don't go that route.

DA

Don't worry about being to shy. If you think you can, do it. :)

I qualified as a counsellor a number of years ago. It is not a fun job as it can be really stressful. Hearing people's tragic stories can have a detrimental affect on your mental health. I am still recovering from a case of mine where a client hung herself. There are a lot of legal responsibilities as well to be considered and I would not advice anyone to enter into counselling lightly.