By Mureithi Melvin
Worth Noting:
Counseling, especially in today’s context, requires constant professional development and emotional investment. The mental and emotional toll it takes on practitioners is immense, yet they are often expected to provide their services without guaranteed financial support. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, which can further undermine the quality of services offered to those in need.
There is a pressing need for counselors to be enrolled in permanent and pensionable roles. A system that provides long-term employment opportunities would not only safeguard the well-being of counselors but also enhance the quality of care they provide. A permanent position allows for job security, benefits such as healthcare, and the peace of mind to focus on helping others without the constant fear of financial instability.
Pro bono services, while a noble undertaking, have long been the norm in the counseling profession. Many counselors, particularly those at the grassroots level, offer their expertise for free, driven by a passion to help individuals navigate life’s challenges. However, the practice of offering such services without financial compensation has serious implications, not only for the well-being of the counselors but also for the broader system of governance.
The Strain of Unpaid Work
While pro bono counseling offers critical support to marginalized and underserved communities, it places a significant strain on counselors who, more often than not, are working without the financial stability that paid employment offers. These professionals are highly trained and possess extensive qualifications, including a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology, but many still struggle to make a living through their work. The reality is that without financial compensation, counselors are often left to work in challenging conditions with little to no support, leading to burnout and high turnover rates within the field.
Counseling, especially in today’s context, requires constant professional development and emotional investment. The mental and emotional toll it takes on practitioners is immense, yet they are often expected to provide their services without guaranteed financial support. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, which can further undermine the quality of services offered to those in need.
The Call for Permanent and Pensionable Positions
There is a pressing need for counselors to be enrolled in permanent and pensionable roles. A system that provides long-term employment opportunities would not only safeguard the well-being of counselors but also enhance the quality of care they provide. A permanent position allows for job security, benefits such as healthcare, and the peace of mind to focus on helping others without the constant fear of financial instability.
Furthermore, pensionable employment would allow counselors to plan for their futures, as it ensures that they will be supported in their later years. The lack of such provisions often means that, after years of service, counselors are left without a safety net, making it difficult for them to retire with dignity. This is especially concerning when considering the emotional labor involved in the counseling profession.
Impact on Governance
The systemic integration of counselors into permanent and pensionable positions would have a profound impact on governance. By recognizing counselors as essential members of the workforce and providing them with stable employment, we are investing in the long-term mental and emotional health of our society. The counseling profession plays a critical role in addressing mental health issues, preventing crime, and fostering social cohesion. By ensuring that counselors are properly compensated, we acknowledge their value and prioritize mental health at the governance level.
In turn, when counselors are financially secure, they can better contribute to policy development and advocacy. Their experience and expertise become invaluable in shaping mental health frameworks, supporting vulnerable populations, and developing educational programs to prevent mental health crises. This strengthens the overall governance structure, as the well-being of citizens directly affects the stability and progress of any nation.
Conclusion
The time has come to move beyond the pro bono model for counselors and recognize their vital contribution to society. By providing permanent, pensionable employment, we are not only investing in the future of counselors but also in the future of our communities and governance structures. As a society, we must advocate for the fair treatment of mental health professionals, ensuring they are adequately compensated for their work. By doing so, we enhance not only their professional satisfaction but also the overall quality of life for the individuals and communities they serve. It’s time to give counselors the support they deserve, creating a sustainable and impactful mental health infrastructure for generations to come.
Prepared by, Mureithi Melvin, BA (Couns. Psych.) Ongoing- KCA, Dip. (Couns. Psych.), Hons. Doc. (Trg.) – Ulumudin Markaz, Assoc. Psych. (KCPA), Mental Health Advocate, ISSUP Member.
