03/01/2015

Best Practices For Career Counselors: The Advantage Of Having A Dual Specialty Private Practice

By Beverly Baskin

Counseling Was My Calling

Over the years. career and mental health counseling have been my passion. Actually counseling was my second career, after serving as a business teacher in the early 1970s. I taught upper classmen in the local high school and realized that fifty percent of my job was performing career guidance. I counseled young women who would have probably never attended college if they were not exposed to business courses and the opportunities it afforded them. It was rewarding work, and thirty years later I still keep in contact with former students.

 

Because of that position, I became friendly with the college representatives, and I was hired by a local community college as a career instructor, helping women re-enter the work force. I was using my career guidance and coaching skills on a daily basis and I yearned to further my education. It was then that I decided to continue with my Master’s Degree, and later, with my Ed.S degree in Counseling.

 

The Clinical Counseling Hat

Once in graduate school, my professors influenced me to try on the “clinical counseling hat” and it fit! The combination was perfect for me, combining career and mental health counseling. As part of my continuing education, I obtained career certifications (Master Career Counselor, MCC, and National Certified Career Counselor, NCCC, and Professional Association of Resume Writers, PARW) and mental health licenses and certifications (Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors, CCMHC, and National Certified Counselor, NCC).

 

My adult students at the college asked me if I would see their family and friends privately and that is how my own practice, BBCS Counseling, began. Marketing myself with the career and mental health specialties provided me with numerous clients. I performed clinical counseling, addressing many problems that encompassed a client’s career, family, marriage and other transitions. In the interim, I raised two children, continued with my studies, and joined local business associations to hone my increasing entrepreneurial skills. The learning curve concerning growing my private practice was fast and steep, and I found it very exciting.

 

The Evolution Of BBCS Counseling Services

BBCS Counseling has evolved since the 1980s. Twelve years ago my husband joined us in the business, and we expanded to the size we are now. There are six mental health counselors and two career counselors. It has been a wonderful experience and a labor of love. The business supports us both, and provides jobs for other LPCs in New Jersey. We work with clients and corporations nationwide.

 

Tips For A Successful Business

 

Making A Difference

Looking back, I can say that the “business of counseling” is one that has provided wonderful dividends for me, both personally and financially. Even as a young woman, I wanted a career that made a difference in people’s lives, but I never realized how my clients and my colleagues would make a difference in my life as well! They provide me with continuing insight, and I have had a lifetime learning experience to which I am truly blessed.

 


 

Beverly BaskinBeverly Baskin, Ed.S, LPC, CCMHC, NCCC, MCC, PARW, has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2000 and is the Executive Director of BBCS Counseling, with offices in Freehold, Cranford and Princeton, New Jersey. Additionally, Beverly serves as the Community Career Counselor for the Continuing Education Division of Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. Beverly’s contact information can be found at www.BBCSCounseling.com

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5 Comments

Nancy Miller   on Sunday 05/24/2015 at 05:45 PM

Thank you, Beverly, for sharing your experiences and successes. I will use you as one of my examples of successful career professionals in private practice for a Career Convergence article in June. Sue Aiken and I will be co-presenting on the topic at the NCDA Conference in Denver. Join us and share your successes and challenges in private practice. -Nancy

Sue Gleeksman   on Monday 05/25/2015 at 09:31 AM

Congratulations, Beverly. Great article, and, more importantly, a great career. You can feel very proud. I enjoyed reading your article!

Mary Guindon   on Monday 05/25/2015 at 10:25 AM

From your first day in grad school, it was clear that your ambition, enthusiasm, likeability and your willingness to work hard would lead you to great heights in an already successful career trajectory. Couldn't be more pleased for you!

Susan Rosen   on Monday 05/25/2015 at 11:09 AM

Bev ! Congratulations on this momentous honor and allow me to add always being an exemplary cousin to your list of accomplishments !

Beverly Baskin   on Tuesday 05/26/2015 at 11:35 AM

Thanks for the lovely comment, Nancy. I will be there and look forward to meeting you and sharing with the other career professionals.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the comments shown above are those of the individual comment authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of this organization.