Counsellor | Career Planet

OFO No: 263501

Other names for a Counsellor:

Social Counselling Worker
Bereavement Counsellor
Genetic Counsellor
HIV / AIDS Counsellor
Trauma Counsellor
Women’s Welfare Organiser

What is a Counsellor?

Counselling is a branch of psychology. There are many fields of counselling. It would be advisable for you to do some research of your own to check out all the possible options. You certainly want to choose the right path for yourself.

Counsellors help people or groups of people to understand their problems and work towards setting goals and solutions for these problems. Counsellors assist people to manage their lives better, to instil confidence and give them the emotional tools to cope.

Once qualified, you will be able to practice in these approved areas:

Psychometrics
Career Counselling
Trauma Counselling
Community Mental Health
Family Counselling
School Counselling
Sports Counselling
HIV and AIDS Counselling
Human Resources
Pastoral Counselling

Counsellors are good listeners and are empathic to the person’s feelings and situation.

What does a Counsellor do?

establishes a trusting report with client/patient
puts the client at ease so they are willing to ‘open up’ about their emotions/situation
listens attentively without interrupting
helps clients understand and deal with their situation
asks questions to consolidate facts
assists clients with decisions to ‘move forward’
in the case of social work, liaises with other agencies
organises group sessions as well as one-to-one sessions
keeps detailed records and notes on client
in extreme or difficult cases, refers client/patient to specialists

Are you . . . ?

interested in people and their mental and emotional well-beiing?
understanding?
non-judgemental?
respectful?
a good listener and attentive?
good at logically formatting information?
intuitive?
empathic?
positive
emotional strong and confident?

How do I become a Counsellor?

Other Counselling careers you can follow:

263501 – Social Counselling Work / Genetic / HIV & AIDS / Trauma Counsellor etc
263502 – Addictions Counsellor / Drug & Alcohol / Gambling / etc
263503 – Marriage & Family Counsellor / Family Court / Family Therapist / etc
263504 – Rehabilitation Counsellor / Life Coach
263505 – Student Counsellor
263506 – Parole or Probation Officer / Community Corrections Officer
263507 – Social Worker
263508 – Child & Youth Care Worker
263509 – Parole Board Member
263510 – Employee Wellness Practitioner

Training:

To become a Counsellor you will need some psychology training but to become a Registered Counsellor you will have to complete a 4 year Bachelor of Science Honours degree with a 6 month internship.

Most universities offer a B.Soc.Sci degree. Check with your local university to see what they offer.

Make sure you know what their minimum entry requirements are.

CLICK HERE to check institutions online.