You might be a perennial do-gooder, or someone who loves helping and working with others. In fact, the perfect career might lie in counselling, but it may not be as simple as it seems. Having the desire to make a difference in others’ lives is very admirable, but only the beginning of the process it takes to launch a career in the field of counselling. Understanding not only the industry, but knowing what to expect, how to break in, and where to start the process with a
counselling course can make a huge difference. It can also save you time in embarking upon your new career path. Read on to learn more about how you can get a career in counselling.
First, it’s important to know the qualifications for becoming a counsellor. It is very common for positions to require a master’s degree, but it’s also possible for you to secure a position with a bachelor’s degree and the commitment to work towards a master’s degree throughout your employment. It is important that the counselling program be accredited, and that you choose between a professional and academic degree. A professional degree, like a master’s of education or master of social work, can help you build the professional skillset needed to move forward. An academic degree, like a master’s of psychology, likely requires research and a thesis, and can be applied both toward a professional role, or toward pursuing higher education as a PhD candidate.
You will want to carefully consider the training and licensing that is necessary to become a counsellor. In the United Kingdom, there’s no current requirement in order to practice, but this could change at any time. A student membership in the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy requires current enrollment in a
counselling course or even a psychotherapy course in a brick-and-mortar classroom with a minimum of one full year or two years of part-time participation and at least 100 hours of supervised placement. In the United States, professional counselors need to be licensed in order to practice, and this includes passing exams like the PC, LCPC, or LMHC.
It’s extremely important to understand the impact that a career in counselling can have on both your personal and professional life. Not only can the training and education from a
counselling course require a great deal of time and commitment, but the knowledge of and exposure to the types of issues you will be learning to treat can affect your emotional well-being, personal relationships, and personal health and wellness. It can certainly be taxing and there is always the risk of burnout in dealing with high-stress situations involving clients.
Seeking a career in counselling may be the most fulfilling ambition that you can pursue in your professional life. Armed with the knowledge of how to make it possible, the certifications and education necessary to break into the field of counselling, and prior preparation for a tough experience, you have an amazing opportunity to make a lasting impact in others’ lives.
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