Become a Counsellor

Mental health is a huge problem in our society, in a busy and fast-paced world it can be extremely difficult to cope. According to the organisation Mind it is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. You would think that with so many people suffering from mental health conditions like depression, it would be easy to get treatment, but such is not the case.

Often, treatment can be as simple as talking to someone, and that is exactly where Counsellor’s come in. A Counsellor is someone who listens, and talks through the issues of their clients in a confidential and objective setting. Talking therapy is suitable for anyone, and for many people it can have the same effect as taking medication, and in some cases it can be even more beneficial.

Who can become a counsellor?

A counsellor spends a lot of time listening, so if you’re a good listener then that is an advantage
As well as this, you need to be non-judgemental and enthusiastic about working with a variety of people
You’ll need to have an interest in psychology, and in most cases will need a qualification in Psychology to become a Counsellor
It is essential to have an understanding of and appreciation for confidentiality
In addition, you should enjoy talking with people, and have an understanding of your own outlooks and reactions

Where do Counsellors work?

Freelance: if you work freelance you can choose buy ultram pills your own hours, which could include evenings and weekends. Working freelance will allow you to work from home, you can set up a space for appointments, and can also provide phone or skype appointments, which are becoming much more popular.

In an office: most counsellor’s work in an office of some kind, and the hours are usually 9-5. Group counselling is very popular, so working in an office could accommodate this.

Many counsellors combine part time work with private work, so it’s a position which provides a lot of variety.

You could also work for the following organisations:

Schools or other educational facilities
Voluntary agencies
Health care providers
Children’s centres or agencies
Citizen’s advice bureaux
HR departments
Telephone helplines

What kind of duties will I perform day-to-day?

As a counsellor you’ll usually be:

Carrying out sessions with individuals or groups
Speaking to clients either on the phone or during appointments
Encouraging clients to talk openly about issues
Listening to clients objectively and without judgement
Referring clients to other resources that would be helpful to them
Attending training and development courses
Keeping records and managing diary

What can I expect to earn?

The starting salary for a Counsellor in the UK varies, but is usually in the region of £20,000-£26,000. This will go up with experience and can reach a maximum of about £40,000.

Where should I start?

We offer a range of exceptional courses that will help you get started. For more information, click here.