National Counselor Awareness Month, observed each April, serves as a vital opportunity to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of professional counselors across various settings. Counselors play a crucial role in supporting individuals through life’s challenges, promoting mental wellness, and fostering personal growth and resilience. This month encourages awareness of the counseling profession, reduces stigma surrounding mental health and highlights the need for continued access to quality mental healthcare for all. We’re spotlighting three Magellan counselors on the importance of their work.
- Kathy Lane, wellbeing coach, clinical operations
- Jaqee Cook, personal financial counselor, federal market
- Tisha Miller, adolescent support and counseling services counselor, federal market
Continue reading to learn more from Kathy, Jaqee and Tisha on their experiences as counselors:
Why did you want to pursue becoming a counselor/ coach and what is the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?
Kathy: I always knew that I wanted to be a therapist, and throughout my career one of the biggest things that I discovered along the way is that I, as a therapist, am a very action-oriented and goal-focused helper. I believe that within the context of a good client-centered relationship, change is facilitated. Together we can explore the issues and goals that a client has. I enjoy being able to partner with so many interesting people to help them grow as individuals! Clients can receive coaching in any area of life that they want to focus on for improvement. Since I have been in this role, I have focused a lot on learning motivational interviewing skills to facilitate change.
Jaqee: I became a counselor because it is important to me that I’m able to help others realize what is possible in their life and what it is that they truly value. As a financial counselor it’s even more impactful because I can help make an impactful difference in an individual’s life by helping them to become aware of the financial behaviors that don’t serve them, such as excessive credit, debt or lack of financial literacy.
Tisha: There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to create a safe space for someone to feel heard, seen and understood. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing someone grow into their potential and seeing the shift in someone when they realize they’re capable of change. That is a moment I never take for granted.
What are some challenges you face in this profession and how do you overcome them?
Kathy: I think that all helping professionals need to be aware of the potential for burnout if self-care is not practiced on a consistent basis. Because of this, I prioritize my self-care by making sure I make time for the things that are most important to me outside of work.
Jaqee: The biggest challenge that I’ve faced was overcoming the stigma or negative association of needing a financial counselor. In the small community I serve, I was able to overcome this by engaging in my environment, listening attentively and using effective questioning to help clients develop their financial goals and action plan. Through creating a judgement free and positive environment, my clients feel supported and are learning to make decisions that are aligned with their values. The key is no judgement and educating the clients on what is available to them.
Tisha: One challenge is managing the emotional weight that comes with hearing people’s pain and trauma. While it’s an honor to hold space for others, it’s also important to care for my own well-being. I try to prioritize self-care, set healthy boundaries and utilize my support systems both professionally and personally. That balance is essential, if I am to be present for my clients.
Is there anything you’d like to highlight about working as a counselor/ coach?
Kathy: As a part of the coaching team at Magellan, I can work with individuals from all different kinds of backgrounds and with all different kinds of goals they want to achieve. Through coaching, we can teach our clients how to prioritize and how to break down goals into manageable pieces that will allow them to be achievable. One of my favorite things about the wellbeing coaching program is that we can help people with all levels of motivation with lots of different types of goals.
Jaqee: It’s extremely rewarding to help people create a financial blueprint for their lives and in the process relieve stress and open individuals up to being able to be present in the things that bring joy in their lives.
Tisha: The strength and resilience of those who seek counseling is often overlooked or underestimated. Working in this field, I’m repeatedly reminded of how courageous it is to ask for help. I’d also highlight that therapy isn’t just about treating illnesses, it’s about growth, empowerment and creating meaningful change. Counselors play a role not only in crisis but in building a stronger foundation for lifelong wellness.
What does Counseling Awareness Month mean to you?
Kathy: Being a wellbeing coach means being able to help people of all types make the changes they want to make in their lives. Being a coach and helping others work towards becoming the best version of themselves has motivated me to work continually at being a better version of myself also. My teammates all do amazing work and bring a wealth of education, experience and talent to the coaching team. I feel privileged to be a part of such a great group of people to learn from each day. We share ideas and resources with each other. I am inspired by my teammates on a regular basis!
Jaqee: I look at counseling as the opportunity to listening attentively, ask questions and help others achieve a greater understanding of what’s important to them and gain agency over their life and decisions.
Tisha: National Counseling Awareness Month is a chance to honor the work counselors do and to reduce the stigma around mental health. It’s a time to celebrate the dedication of counselors across the country and to remind people that seeking help is a sign of strength—not weakness. It’s also a great moment to reflect on the impact we have and why this work matters so much.
