A Counsellor's Job Profile

It is a counsellor’s job to create a comfortable, safe and confidential environment where a client can voice their concerns, problems and thoughts involving their own experiences and personal difficulties.

This environment must provide clients with reassurance, so that they feel comfortable enough to share their private thoughts and feelings with you.

To encourage a positive rapport, and the building of trust, it is the counsellor’s responsibility to provide the client with full, undivided attention, understanding and empathy, and good listening skills.

A counsellor will usually work within one specialist field of knowledge. This may be relationship based, career-orientated or an equally broad area, like addictions or eating disorders. The counsellor will also concentrate on one particular approach, and may work in a people-centred, humanistic or psychodynamic way.

A Counsellor’s Typical Day

Because a counsellor works with a huge diversity of people, there is no such thing as a typical day in their working week. There will be an element of paperwork involved, and for counsellor’s working within a Practice there may also be meetings to attend. Generally though, a counsellor’s job centres around spending huge chunks of their day in the company of people who have problems they would like to resolve.

Working with individuals, couples or families, a counsellor will spend their time creating a safe environment where clients can be comfortable about discussing private and personal matters, in the strictest confidence.

It is a counsellor’s responsibility to build rapport and trust with a client. Establishing a counselling contract, which outlines what will be covered during the sessions a client attends, and will also help project the caring aspect of your profession. Listening carefully to what a client tells you, and encouraging clients with challenging questions are also part of a counsellor’s job. You may also refer clients to other helpful sources and attend further training yourself.

Open Hours

A typical full-time job may include around 20 hours of weekly client contact. This will usually take place between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. A counsellor may also decide to work evenings, in order to accommodate some clients. Part-time work is also available.

Counselling Qualifications

Due to the nature of the work involved Counselling is usually a person’s second or third career. Life experiences are highly valued so your background does not influence your ability to do the job well. Most employers do expect you to have an accreditation with a professional body, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Further Training

Working towards further professional recognition is recommended. Ongoing supervision is also important, as is developing your skills through private learning, courses and workshops.

Expected Salary

• A newly qualified counsellor can expect to earn in the region of between £19,000 - £26,000 pa. This will obviously depend on the area of specialist knowledge you work in. Supervisory responsibilities can bump your pay cheque to between £30,000 to £40,000.
• Counsellors offering their skills privately can typically charge around £30 to £50 per hour.
• Unpaid work is also available, however, as there is always a plentiful supply of voluntary counselling positions available.