Becoming a counsellor is a career choice that many people make. Providing emotional support and helping others emotionally is a large part of what counsellors do, creating a safe environment for individuals to share and express themselves. Our blog looks at some of the reasons why becoming a counsellor is a great choice for many people. To learn more about what becoming a counsellor means and where you can find quality counsellor training courses, keep on reading!
What Does A Counsellor Do?
If you’re interested in counsellor courses, but aren’t really sure what a counsellor does, let us explain. A counsellor is an individual who provides emotional support to individuals who are struggling emotionally. Many people seek out counselling, to help with a range of mental health problems or emotional issues such as:
● Depression
● Anxiety
● Grief
● Stress
● Relationship problems
● Family problems
As a counsellor, you will have sessions with individuals, creating a safe and confidential environment for them to work through their issues. The aim of counselling is to help people look at their situation, their choices and help to make positive changes.
As a counsellor, you will create strong relationships built on trust with your clients, and over time you will be able to gain a better understanding of their concerns and needs. Counsellors help people to explore their emotions, by asking questions and talking through the answers to help client’s reflect on themselves.
Counsellors can also help to promote coping mechanisms and strategies to help individuals cope with or regulate their emotions. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation and other coping strategies can help individuals to instigate positive change in their lives.
Counselling Vs. Therapy
Counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably, but they do in fact mean very different things. Counselling tends to provide a more short term approach to emotional support, helping individuals to work through their short term problems, work towards goals and overcome specific life challenges. Therapy, on the other hand, tends to be more long-term focused, helping individuals to explore deeper, long term problems and delve into their mindset. Counsellors might specialise in specific areas, such as grief, marriage…etc.
Being A Successful Counsellor
Counsellors use a range of techniques with their clients, and each individual client will have different needs. A part of being a counsellor is assessing each of your clients and figuring out the best ways to help them work through their problems. We’ve listed some of the key qualities a successful counsellor should have below.
Active Listening
It’s crucial that you are a good and active listener if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in counselling. Engaging with your client when they are talking, showing responsiveness and asking relevant questions are a large part of being a counsellor.
It’s important that your clients feel heard and understood as you develop your relationship. Ensure that your responses, facial expressions and body language are reflective of a good listener. Keeping your sessions comfortable and safe is an important factor in counselling, and could determine how much your client shares as time goes on.
Questioning & Interpreting Answers
You will need to think about the questions you are asking your clients, and ensure that you are giving them an opportunity to dig into their feelings. Closed ended questions can make this difficult, so try to focus your questioning in ways that allow clients to expand and elaborate.
In line with questioning is interpreting your client’s answers. They may not always say outright what it is they’re experiencing, so it may be up to you to decipher what it is they’re trying to express.
Trustworthy
Your clients need to feel like they can trust you, and that you're not judging them. Your counsellor sessions will be confidential, but it’s important for your clients to feel comfortable with you and are able to share openly with you. The more honest and open they are, the better advice and emotional support you can provide for them.
Empathetic
Being empathetic without becoming emotionally involved is a key part of being a good counsellor. It can help you as a counsellor to be empathetic with your clients and really understand things from their perspective. Having empathy will help you to connect with your clients as well as make them feel safe and heard. Building your relationships through empathy will help you counsel your clients more effectively while maintaining professional boundaries.
Benefits Of Taking Counsellor Courses
Many people decide to switch careers and become counsellors, and for good reason! Counselling can provide a range of personal and professional benefits. Read below to learn more about the benefits of counselling as a career.
Opportunities
Counselling careers offer a range of opportunities and can open lots of doors. Counselling can take place in a range of organisations, such as:
● Schools
● Universities
● Hospitals
● Youth Centres
● Churches
● Other organisations
Counsellors can also choose freelance and self-employment work as well as volunteering. These can all be great experiences to add to your portfolio, opening up more opportunities as you move through your counselling career.
Working within a range of different institutions can also help you to work with clients of all ages. From teenagers and children to adults and the elderly, gaining as much experience as possible will help you move forward in your counselling career.
Flexible Work Life
The counselling industry can allow you to have a flexible work life that suits the needs of your schedule. Counsellors can usually set their own appointments and schedules, meaning they can work around their own personal commitments.
Typically, counsellors work approximately 35 hours a week, but you may be able to find solutions that work better for your personal life. Creating your own schedule allows you to remain in control of your work life, and helps you maintain a healthy balance.
Working With People
If you’re someone who has a natural talent for talking to people, making them feel at ease and instigating conversation, a career in counselling could be extremely beneficial. Many people enjoy working face to face with others, and working in counselling is the perfect opportunity to do so. You will encounter people from all walks of life and be able to help them inspire positive changes in their lives.
Making A Difference
Making a difference to people’s lives is a great part of counselling. Although the job may sometimes be emotionally demanding, it can be extremely rewarding to help others make improvements in their life.
Many job roles can leave you feeling unmotivated and unhappy, which is why many individuals seek out a career in counselling. Helping others and making a difference in their lives can bring a sense of meaning to your career, leaving you feeling better about the work you are doing.
Providing guidance, emotional support and direction can change someone’s entire life. It may even be as simple as having someone to talk to. Providing people in need with the support and care that they need can be great for your own mental health too.
Personal & Professional Growth
Counselling can provide a sense of fulfilment and much better job satisfaction, helping you to be happier in your working life. You may find that you also start to apply some of your own counselling techniques and strategies to your own life, encouraging personal growth and development as a result.
Alongside your personal growth, the opportunities and career progression that counselling can offer you is great too.
Counselling Courses Online: Key Counselling Training
Here at Key Counselling Training, we offer a range of diploma counselling courses and more! Our courses are designed to help you become an effective counsellor, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to help others.
To learn more about our range of counsellor courses or the types of learning we offer, feel free to check out our website. Alternatively, you can contact us today to speak to one of our team members today!