In your career as a counsellor, you’ll use your skills in communication, active listening and empathy to help people learn about themselves and address issues in their lives. Read on to find out more about working as a counsellor, what you might do day-to-day and how you can qualify.
Working as a counsellor usually means having a roster of regular clients who you’ll have sessions with on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. These sessions might be in person or via video and phone calls, and you could work independently or as part of a larger institution. You might have a certain professional focus such as family, relationship or career counselling.
As a counsellor, you’ll be expected to create a safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to talk openly about the issues affecting them. You’ll provide guidance, structure and advice that’ll lead to positive improvements in their health and wellbeing. The ability to help people directly can be highly rewarding.
Daily tasks will vary but could involve:
The average salary for a counsellor in the UK is £29,120.
Counsellors don’t usually travel overseas for work. You’ll usually help clients in your city or region.
Many counsellors offer remote and virtual sessions, which lets them work from home, as well as offering face to face sessions from a home office.
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