Married couples face multiple problematic issues in their lives. If not taken care of at the right time, these problems and issues can have detrimental effects on the lives of couples. Problems in married life range from small ones to large ones, occurring on a daily basis. Today's fast paced world and hectic work schedule also contribute towards creating these conflicting issues. Under these circumstances, there remains a strong need for licensed marriage counselors who can help couple in resolving their problems. Counselors are trained professionals who use a wide range of counseling techniques to find solutions to problems that married couples may face from time to time. In fact, marriage counselors play a really important role in bringing happiness back in the lives of the married. By dissecting the relationship structure, they can assess the problems and offer realistic resolution to sort out the problems.

Job Description
Problems faced by people may vary from one couple to another. Some of these daily life problems include emotional conflicts, depression, domestic violence, infidelity, infertility, substance abuse, child adolescent behavior issues and bereavement among others. If these problems are issued at the right time, they can lead to further serious problems and crisis. Marriage counselors have a counseling session with married couples and try to make an assessment of the entire situation, its causes and how these issues can be resolved. After this session and assessment of the problem, marriage counselors come up with realistic resolution plan, which helps individuals in behavior modifications and perceptions as well as promotes better communication and understanding.

Parenting has also become a major challenging issue to deal with. Couples and families may face problems existing from their previous relationships. To avoid further strain on the relationship, it is essential for people to take that step and move to marriage counselor and seek expert counseling. Marriage counselors may deal with a range of issues or they may also specialize in their chosen areas of interest. Counselors need to obtain licensing from the state they work or practice in. Counseling licensing requirements vary from state to state.

Candidates who are looking to become marriage counselors can enhance their chances of getting jobs by specializing in an area they are keenly interested in. Marriage counselors have been trained to treat and offer realistic solutions to a wide range of married couples and family issues. Listed below are some of the major issues that counselors can treat.

Adolescent behavioral problems
Bereavement
Depression
Domestic violence
Infertility
Infidelity
Marital difficulties
Substance abuse

Not only the above mentioned problems, but marriage and family counselors can also provide effective solutions for a number of other mental issues faced by the general public. The job of a counselor is also much satisfying. It is really brings a lot of satisfaction when you see people improve their lives, thereby making an influence on the lives of their kids too.

Educational Requirement & Training
A master's degree in counseling is the standard requirement to become a marriage counselor. In some of the states, however, a bachelor's degree with supporting counseling courses may also be accepted. Marriage counseling training programs encompass subjects like marriage and family systems, human sexuality, counseling techniques, counseling principles etc. Internships are a good tool to acquire some real world experience in the field while continuing education. While landing entry level jobs, candidates may also be given on-the-job training by employers. Becoming marriage counselors also requires candidates to acquire necessary licensing from the state they work in. To make the most of their counseling careers, professionals need to be an active participant at workshops, seminars and conferences related to the profession. In addition, counselors need to adhere to the ethical standards and codes.

Career Outlook & Salary
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for marriage counseling jobs is expected to grow much faster than the average of all professions. The expected growth rate is 30% from 2006 through to the year 2016. More job openings will be available as a big number of marriage counselors reach their retirement age, get transferred or leave the field for other reasons. The salaries of marriage counselors with less than 1 year of experience range between $29,938 and $46,452 per year. Counselors who have 1 to 4 years experience under the belt earn an annual salary varying between $32,016 and $45,553.

Students, working parents, mid career changers, fresh career starters - all of them need career counseling to choose an appropriate career path. Only passion for work will not help. Many people across the United States need a career counselor for educational and career guidance. Based on an individual's interests, skills, strengths, personality traits, weaknesses and work history, career counseling experts recommend ways for the planning and development of career. There are aptitude tests to be taken by candidates and those who need educational guidance. Students and other candidates are able to make well informed decisions depending on the result of the career assessment tests. Counseling helps even when people face stressful job situations and get stuck in their careers and are unable to decide which direction they should be heading.

The occupation of career counseling is quite challenging. At the same time, it gives great amount of satisfaction as counselors help people plan and develop their careers. Helping people and seeing them achieve their career goals is absolutely an achievement in itself. There is no dearth of career options for counselors. They can work at college counseling centers, private training centers or they can also start private practice.

Counselors spend most of their time meeting with their clients. They are responsible for guiding and counseling people and recommending ways that bring clients not only job satisfaction, but financial fulfillment and happiness as well. The counselor should have the ability to gain the trust of the clients and people that they provide guidance to. These professionals need to deal with a range of career related issues including employer search, job hunting, job loss, career planning, career development, career change etc. In any case, a strong desire to help people and resolve their career related problems is key to becoming successful as a career counselor.

Education or Training Required for Becoming a Career Counselor
Educational requirements to become a career counselor may vary from one state to another. Though some states may accept a bachelor's degree in career counseling to be in this occupation, a master's degree in career counseling is needed for a successful career. There are a number of professional schools, colleges and universities across the United States offering counseling degrees and training programs. The coursework for a counseling degree includes training in the following essential areas -

Human growth and development
Social and cultural diversity
Career assessment
Career development
Group work
Professional identity
Research and program evaluation

Abiding by the state rules and regulations, career counselors also need to be licensed for practicing their profession. Licensing requirements ay also vary depending on the field you work in. Those who work in college counseling and guidance center may not need a license. However, those who are in private practice need to be licensed to provide counseling services.

Career Prospects for Counselors
With the awareness about counseling increasing more and more, the job market for counselors is becoming stronger than ever. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for career counselors is expected to increase by 13 percent through to the year 2016. Excellent job opportunities await counselors at private training centers as well. With a large number of people retiring from their counseling job positions, more job opportunities will be created for career counselors.

Salary Information
The salary of a career counselor may vary depending on the years of experience they have and the work location. Counselors earn an annual salary ranging between $38,686 and $48,170. With some experience under the belt, counselors can look forward to earning a higher salary.