Could someone with ASD be an effective counsellor/therapist?

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I would like very much to go into Music Therapy as a career. Music is my main coping mechanism and greatly improves my life and I'd like to go into a career that helps others develop music related coping mechanisms and generally uses music to improve the lives of others.

I don't know if this would end up being more akin to an occupational therapist (which I am also considering as a career or a stepping stone towards music therapy) where I work on skills or ways for others to function, or would be like an actual counsellor or therapist.

My current therapist is an art therapist, but I never do art with her. When we're in session, it's just regular therapy. So if I were to become a music therapist, it probably would involve doing actual therapy.

Could someone with ASD be effective at this? Don't counsellors need to be at least a little empathic? I wouldn't be able to look at someone and know what they're feeling.

On the other hand, last night a friend I hadn't talked to in years messaged me over facebook chat because she wanted to talk about a problem she was having, and chose me because I might understand the situation better, being someone who didn't conform to the gender they were assigned at birth.

I was able to let her talk about her problem, and my bluntness and directness was helpful though I tried really hard not to be *too* blunt. She said she appreciated that I didn't tiptoe around things or be really diplomatic like her other friends did. I didn't tell her what to do, but I gave an honest appraisal of what I thought of the situation, which she appreciated.

The thing I'm thinking right now though is, do I want to become a music therapist because I want to help other people solve their problems? Or do I want to become a music therapist because my special interest is music (well, musical theatre), and I just want to be immersed in that?

I guess there are several questions in this post. I would appreciate answers to any or all of them.

I think the most important thing for a counselor/therapist is to have good, strong interpersonal boundaries within the therapeutic relationship. I honestly feel that is more important than any other skills. And I do think that, where there are weaknesses in that, one can learn.

I think a key is to be aware of oneself, and one's strengths and weaknesses.

And, as in anything, appropriate role models / teachers is helpful. That is, role models (or a role model) for being a therapist that are actually ones that you, with your traits, can emulate.

And I know I haven't answered everything, but I expect others will jump in with their thoughts.

Sure. I think there's a few people right here on WP that would make great counselors, especially for people on the spectrum.

It's a rare thing though. I wouldn't want to try it.

I think that it would give you an edge, because you know what it's like to be on the spectrum, and you'd be able to help your clients better.

I believe so, yes. I'm majoring in psychology right now, and even though I'm not sure what I want to get into, I'm very interested in therapy. If it interests you a lot, then I think you would be able to become a good therapist.

I would have to say: Go For it!
Yes, I think if you have good insight into your own strengths and weaknesses with an ASD, than this might be an excellent carreer choice.

Sincerely,
Matthew

I think it is possible for someone on the spectrum to be an effective counselor. There are all types of people in the world who are looking for therapy. It is possible to incorporate your individual style to therapeutic skills and just like any other counselor it will be the right fit for some people and not for others. There are so many ways to approach therapeutic practice, that if it is something you are truly passionate and committed to, you can find your niche.

As autistics we get a unique, almost outside, perspective of human emotion. I can confirm that this is an excellent platform to build up a systematic understanding of feelings and emotions, even if you're like me and don't get a lot of them. speculatively Aspies may make generally better therapists than NT's since we can get an almost unbiased view on emotion. Don't you think?

Hi,
I am an aspie and am also an excellent therapist. I have always been interested in and mostly puzzled by human behavior, since I was very young. I always saw that the person and their behavior/communication was disjointed. I didn't talk till I went to school and still have difficulty with small talk. But I love presenting and public speaking, which originally was my only fear. I have an edge as a therapist as I spent many years meditating-discovering how my mind worked and the processes involved.

So you can be atherapist or whatever you want, use your uniqueness as your strength. I see most therapists are therapist because unconsciously they want to 'heal' themself indirectly. I strongly recommend not working with people that have the same problem as you, as it is impossible to have an unbiased perspective.

You state - "The thing I'm thinking right now though is, do I want to become a music therapist because I want to help other people solve their problems? Or do I want to become a music therapist because my special interest is music (well, musical theatre), and I just want to be immersed in that?"
You have to get clear on which goal you want to focus on, which will give you the most joy. If you want to help people, then become a therapist. If you have a special interest in music (but not necessarily helping people) then discover a differnt occupation, such as a music teacher. Be true to your passion.
Don't worry about how or what you think a therapist is or does. The only question is - what is your passion? Then follow that and you will discover how.

My LCSW is an aspie.

I can't think why not.

A good way to find if you are suited to be a counselor is to give it a try and see how you do. ....maybe take a few classes first.

I think it is definitely possible for you to become a music therapist. I'm currently majoring in music therapy at college, and I really love it. I have found that for me at least, I am able to connect really well with another aspie student in the MT program I am in, and I've had people tell me that my dx may give me an advantage when working with certain populations. If you have more specific questions about music therapy please feel free to ask, I will do my best to answer.