I Want to Work In .... Counselling

Careers Guidance has now moved here

 

PROFILE: Counsellor

INVOLVES: Enabling individuals to come to terms with & try to solve problems or issues often of a very emotional & personal variety. Can also work with groups of people in this way.
EMPLOYERS: Self-employment, Education: Universities, schools (mostly Secondary level). NHS
RELATED JOBS: psychotherapy, social work, youth work, clinical psychology, careers adviser.
SATISFACTIONS: Working intimately with a small range of clients. Helping people.
NEGATIVES: Employment opportunities are limited. Risks in self-employment. Income can be sporadic.
SKILLS: Counselling-related (listening, summarising, caring, challenging, focusing etc.), Oral communication skills including verbal comprehension.
ADVANCEMENT: Some management opportunities exist, especially among Education sector employers. More difficult with regard to self-employment.
DEGREE: All subjects relevant, although psychology, sociology, social work & nursing of particular relevance.
POSTGRADUATE STUDY: A BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) recognised Certificate or Diploma would be of great benefit.
VACANCY SOURCES: Counselling Jobs Online - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy web site. The Guardian (Tues & Wed in particular), Local Press.
TIPS: Study a vocational Counselling course (preferably BACP recognised) first. Undertake voluntary work with Samaritans, Relate, Mind etc. in order to acquire additional practical skills & make contacts.

 

 

Further Information

See the following job profiles

How many counsellors does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but the bulb must want to change.

Meditation is not what you think.

Meditation has no future!

Life Coaching

Life coaches support and encourage people to help them fulfil their potential in areas such as relationships, careers, fitness, work-life balance and self-confidence.

You want to be a tree?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last fully updated January 2009