Counsellor

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• training with a counselling organisation

University

You could do a diploma, degree or postgraduate course in counselling or psychotherapy.

You might be able to study counselling alongside another subject like psychology, sociology or criminology.

You should look for a course that includes practical skills training and supervised work placements.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

College

You could start by doing an introduction to counselling course. This can last up to 3 months and can help to work out if counselling is the right career for you.

After that, you can do further training and complete courses like:

• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory
• Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

You can find out more about the recommended training to become a counsellor from the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

OtherRoutes

You can volunteer and do training courses with organisations like Relate , Samaritans and Cruse .

This can be useful experience before you take up professional counselling training.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• maths skills

What you'll do:

Counsellors help people discuss their problems and feelings in a confidential setting.

As a counsellor, you could use different types of therapy to:

• agree what will be covered in sessions and keep records
• build trust with a client in person, online or over the phone
• listen carefully, ask questions and check understanding
• help your client to talk about their feelings, see things clearer and find ways to cope
• empathise but challenge when necessary

You could work with individuals, couples, families or groups.

Location : You could work in a therapy clinic, at a GP practice, at a school, at a college or from home.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

If you're a new counsellor, It's important to get peer support to develop your skills. It's unusual to go straight into working for yourself.

With experience you could:

• specialise in an area like bereavement support, relationships or addiction
• set up your own practice and work for yourself
• become a counsellor supervisor or trainer
• move into management or consultancy