Further Training and Career Development

Training and career development includes a combination of work experiences, formal training, networking, and a formal course of study that updates personal skills and knowledge.

Continued career development and progression are fundamental in any form of profession. In counselling this is generally conducted in a structured way that incorporates further courses, extended learning programmes and continual self-development and self-awareness.

Registration Rules

Although, currently in the UK, counsellors do not have to be professionally registered in order to practice, increasing interest in this field will mean that registration will soon be necessary, and that all counsellors will have to show evidence of graduate quality training. Having completed an accredited training programme or course will ensure your skills are of the required standard to meet with any qualifying criteria.

Career Development Programme

Enhancing the counselling skills you already have can be done in a variety of ways. Creating a Career Development programme that works best for you is the most important requirement.

Some of the options you may like to consider include:

• Job sharing and/or shadowing.
• Intern/extern programmes.
• Resume writing and interview skills workshop.
• Secondments.
• Educational assistance.

Integrative Counselling

This is a recent addition to the types of courses already available to prospective counsellors. Integrative Counselling offers students the opportunity to combine study with work, and to build on the connections between the two forms of learning. This course is ideal for students wanting to develop their skills as a counsellor, or for those wishing to enhance their current practice.

Substantial experience in the field or in a voluntary capacity, and at least a Level 3 qualification in Counselling Skills are the course entry requirements, although students not meeting this criteria may apply for a Certificate in Counselling Studies and then transfer onto the Integrative course.

Integrative Counselling provides a professional and academic training programme, which students can use to enhance their reflective counselling skills in an up-to-date manner.

Careers Advice

Most additional training offers the student the opportunity to enhance their skills, develop further understanding and techniques, and the opportunity to make steady progression on their chosen career path. Developing a career in counselling is no different to working your way up the ladder in any other profession. In order to attain a better level of understanding of the job you do, and the major requirements, counsellors will have to undertake additional training whilst working as counsellors in their preferred specialist field.

Job diversification usually requires that the applicant takes on further training – either on the job or as a course or series of courses. Exploring formal counselling roles, whilst adding to your skills and knowledge, will provide students with options to develop their skills in a number of ways. Because networking opportunities often arise from being in the environment you wish to work in, students will be able to sample current counselling research ideas alongside other like-minded people studying for similar qualifications.

Although career advancement can never be guaranteed, further training and career development provide the necessary level of understanding and skills needed to make career progress within the competitive field of counselling.