Why You Should Consider a Rewarding Career in Counselling
If you are good listener, love to help others and hold an interest in psychology, then perhaps should consider pursuing a career in counselling.
There’s no doubt about it, counselling is one of the most highly- regarded and personally rewarding careers going around. But when it comes to actually understanding the job and what it involves, there’s still a lot of uncertainty. If you’re looking at being a part of this invaluable service, read on to find out what this job is really about, as well as information on becoming a counsellor in New Zealand and pursuing your dream career.
What is a Counsellor?
Counsellors assist people in investigating their feelings and emotions, solving problems and stimulating change – it is a process in which a client and counsellor allocate a particular time to explore difficulties which may involve the stressful or emotional feelings of the client. As a counsellor, you will not give advice, but instead help your clients to make their own decisions and create pathways to make positive changes in their lives.
Working in this industry, you will listen attentively to your clients; giving them your time, understanding and respect.
What’s Involved in a Counselling Role
There are many skills needed to be able to undertake this important profession. For instance, to have the ability to provide support and assistance to help someone cope with their problems, you need to be able to listen, understand and empathise with their struggles. More so, you need to be able to address these issues and concerns effectively and provide a way to help resolve them. Some of the skills needed in a career as a counsellor include:
Average Annual Income
Very Strong
Future Job Growth
Predicted
How to Become a Counsellor
In New Zealand, anyone can start up their very own counselling business, with no real restrictions. If you wish to be employed by a company or organisation, they usually require a Diploma of Counselling as well as membership to an organisation such as the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). It’s important to keep in mind that from 2019 onwards, NZAC will require a Bachelor Degree in Counselling to become a registered member.
If you want to get a taste of what a career in counselling might involve, a short course is a perfect place to develop an understanding of the requirements and skills needed to become one of these professionals, as well as give you first hand
There are also other responsibilities and requirements if you plan on being a counsellor in a specific field, for instance:
Pay Difference By Location
Your Future Roles in Counselling
Counselling qualifications can lead to a variety of career paths. Once you’ve finished your studies, you could end up as a:
By becoming a qualified counsellor, these roles and prospects can sustain you for a lifelong career. Along with this, there is plenty of opportunity within the counselling industry to progress your career and grow your skillset.
Counselling Careers in More Detail
There are many fields of specialisation that counsellors choose to develop experience and training in. After all, many issues that need to be addressed by these professionals require specific and often in-depth knowledge of their effects. Some of the more common types are below, but in reality, this list is much greater.
Aged Care Counsellor
This section is truly rewarding, providing the elderly with more than just support and care, but also allowing them to have someone to talk to, who is always there to listen and keep them company. Dealing with loss, loneliness and the decline of age is something that many elderly people face everyday, and having a solid support system is essential in allowing them to enjoy their golden years properly.
Mental Health Counsellor
When people are vulnerable, they need someone to rely on for support and care. This is where counsellors come into play in this area, providing the quality support for people currently suffering a mental health issue. This career requires a highly-focused attention to detail and the ability to develop strategies to help overcome these problems.
School/Guidance Counsellor
School and guidance counsellors help students develop the academic and social skills they need to achieve their best in school. They are also a vital resource for students struggling to overcome hardships, both at home and at school and for this reason are highly-regarded and an invaluable commodity to any secondary institute or another school.
Marriage and Family Counsellor
This important specialisation is vital in assisting children and their parents alike with the support and resources necessary in providing the best family environment. Counsellors in this field are often in high demand, with the need to ensure children can be brought up in a caring, supportive home. Marriage counsellors are also very popular, and a rewarding path for those that want to help couples overcome difficulties.
Grievance Counsellor
When the support is needed the most, grievance counsellors are there. Helping clients overcome loss or death is an invaluable resource to those who would otherwise struggle. This sector often requires a higher level of empathy and can sometimes involve long-term assistance.
Gender Employment Share
Years of Experience in the Field
Where Will You Work? And What’s It Like?
Counsellors are typically based in an office, however their work may include travelling to external locations or even working from home. As a counsellor, you also have the option to be self-employed.
Working hours are usually 9am to 5pm, however there is an exception to this. As some clients may need your services outside of office hours, you may be required to work some evenings and weekends.
Top 5 Skills
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Service Orientation
Speaking
Top 5 Knowledge Areas
Psychology
Therapy & Counselling
Customer & Personal Service
Sociology & Anthropology
English Language
Is Studying Counselling the Right Career Path For You?
A career in counselling can provide you with the opportunity to help others who are in need of emotional support to find a solution to their problems. By taking on a counselling role, you are creating excitement and meaning not only within your professional and personal life, but also in your clients’ lives.
A short counselling course is a suitable option for individuals who are taking their first steps into the professional landscape, re-entering the workforce or who are looking to change industries altogether.
As you will be dealing with people’s emotions on a regular basis, working in the counselling industry requires a significant amount of strength, as it can be overwhelming working with clients to overcome their problems. A necessary characteristic that all successful counsellors possess is the ability to listen to client issues without allowing them to affect your personal life. Despite this, a career in counselling can be exceedingly fulfilling career to follow, as you are the key to change in people’s lives.
No matter what area of counselling you’re interested in, as long as you have the ambition and the passion for helping others, you’re always going to succeed. There really isn’t anything better than pursuing a passion as a career, and the added benefit of knowing that you’re helping people every day overcome difficulties and better their lives; makes this one of the most rewarding and invaluable professions to be a part of.
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