Counselling is one of the fastest growing professions and can be a rewarding career opportunity. Over the last five years, employment in this sector has risen by 57% and employment growth looks set to continue. But are you cut out for a life in counselling?
A counsellor’s job is to consult with people to better understand why and how they feel, while offering advice that could be beneficial. The ultimate goal is to give people a better outlook on life and help develop rehabilitation plans that take account of vocational, social, medical and psychological needs. A counsellor helps people to identify and define their emotional issues through the use of therapeutic models.
To be a counsellor, one must possess a number of personal qualities and attributes that help make a client feel at ease. Speaking freely with a client is all about building rapport so that a client can self-disclose.
Empathy: Empathic understanding is the most important tool for any counsellor and will help you to see things from the client’s perspective. Without this quality, comprehending problems, experiences, thoughts and feelings will be difficult, and you could find it hard to focus and give your full attention.
Warmth: A friendly atmosphere is essential in encouraging interaction and disclosure, and you will need to provide of a feeling of warmth that comforts your client. Components such as body language, eye contact and tone of voice can make all the difference in creating a relaxing environment.
Respect: A counsellor must remain impartial and non-judgemental. While this doesn’t mean agreeing with your client’s way of thought or certain choices, it does mean respecting them and not forcing your opinions. Confidentiality is essential and must be maintained at all times.
Personal knowledge: You can’t be expected to help a person get in control of their feelings if you aren’t in control of your own. Counsellors must be self-aware and clear about the role of a counsellor.
Good listening skills: Being an active listener is crucial and the ability to question, reflect and challenge attitudes and beliefs is the key to a good counselling session. You must have a genuine interest in providing support for your client.
If you feel you possess these attributes, a career in counselling could be very gratifying.
If becoming a counsellor interests you, acquiring formal qualifications will improve your career opportunities. Before you enrol, try to get a good idea of the different specialty areas that are available, which will help you determine the level of education required.
The counselling industry is made up of many professions, from educational and school counsellors to marriage and family counsellors. Other specialties include addiction, mental health and rehabilitation.
The educational requirements vary depending on the specialty area you choose. In most cases, a certificate in counselling is required for level entry positions.
Counselling programs and courses are available from a range of sources, including online – making studying counselling a viable option for those already in employment or juggling other commitments. The International Career Institute (ICI) can help you fast track your career with a Certificate of Completion, and assessments and modules can be completed in your own time. The average certificate level takes just 14 weeks to complete. Skills taught will include interview techniqproblem-solvingning, problem solving, counselling approaches and welfare practice.
Counselling is one of the fastest growing professions and can be a rewarding career opportunity. Over the last five years, employment in this sector has risen by 57% and employment growth looks set to continue. But are you cut out for a life in counselling?
A counsellor’s job is to consult with people to better understand why and how they feel, while offering advice that could be beneficial. The ultimate goal is to give people a better outlook on life and help develop rehabilitation plans that take account of vocational, social, medical and psychological needs. A counsellor helps people to identify and define their emotional issues through the use of therapeutic models.
To be a counsellor, one must possess a number of personal qualities and attributes that help make a client feel at ease. Speaking freely with a client is all about building rapport so that a client can self-disclose.
Empathy: Empathic understanding is the most important tool for any counsellor and will help you to see things from the client’s perspective. Without this quality, comprehending problems, experiences, thoughts and feelings will be difficult, and you could find it hard to focus and give your full attention.
Warmth: A friendly atmosphere is essential in encouraging interaction and disclosure, and you will need to provide of a feeling of warmth that comforts your client. Components such as body language, eye contact and tone of voice can make all the difference in creating a relaxing environment.
Respect: A counsellor must remain impartial and non-judgemental. While this doesn’t mean agreeing with your client’s way of thought or certain choices, it does mean respecting them and not forcing your opinions. Confidentiality is essential and must be maintained at all times.
Personal knowledge: You can’t be expected to help a person get in control of their feelings if you aren’t in control of your own. Counsellors must be self-aware and clear about the role of a counsellor.
Good listening skills: Being an active listener is crucial and the ability to question, reflect and challenge attitudes and beliefs is the key to a good counselling session. You must have a genuine interest in providing support for your client.
If you feel you possess these attributes, a career in counselling could be very gratifying.
If becoming a counsellor interests you, acquiring formal qualifications will improve your career opportunities. Before you enrol, try to get a good idea of the different specialty areas that are available, which will help you determine the level of education required.
The counselling industry is made up of many professions, from educational and school counsellors to marriage and family counsellors. Other specialties include addiction, mental health and rehabilitation.
The educational requirements vary depending on the specialty area you choose. In most cases, a certificate in counselling is required for level entry positions.
Counselling programs and courses are available from a range of sources, including online – making studying counselling a viable option for those already in employment or juggling other commitments. The International Career Institute (ICI) can help you fast track your career with a Certificate of Completion, and assessments and modules can be completed in your own time. The average certificate level takes just 14 weeks to complete. Skills taught will include interview techniques and questioning, problem solving, counselling approaches and welfare practice.
To find out more about counselling programs with ICI, click here.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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