Placement Overview

This VIP is a private self-employed Counsellor providing therapy in emotional and life situations. This placement also offers training and guidance to other Counsellors.

Generic Job Description for a Counsellor

Counsellors provide help and support to people experiencing problems in life by listening to them and helping them to explore their problems, think clearly about their situation and find possible solutions to their problems. Counsellors do not give advice or offer solutions to client’s problems.

There are a range of methods of counselling, each with its own theoretical basis. Counsellors can specialise in a specific area such as marriage guidance, drug or sexual abuse, or health. Typical activities might include:

• Establishing a relationship of trust and respect with clients
• Listening
• Accepting without bias the issues raised by clients
• Helping clients to identify their current and underlying concerns
• Encouraging clients to think more clearly about their situation and perhaps consider taking a new perspective
• Helping clients to make decisions and choices regarding possible ways forward
• Referring clients to other sources of help, as appropriate
• Attending supervision and training courses

Skills:

• Excellent listening skills
• Excellent observations skills
• Patience
• Sensitivity
• Self Awareness
• Ability to not become burdened by clients problems
• Respect for confidentiality 

Pay:

• Entry £15,000 - £25,000
• Senior level Counsellor with experience £40,000 or more 

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically 9-5, Monday – Friday
• Self Employed Counsellors are more likely to have to work overtime 

Environment:

• Typically an office environment
• Some work is done clients houses or at Counsellors own home 

Qualifications:

• No set entry requirements
• Degrees in social sciences, psychology or human sciences may be useful
• Degree courses require five GCSE’s grades A-C and two A-Levels 

Training:

• Part time courses available for a professional qualification
• Training can be expensive and is usually carried out while working part time 

Opportunities:

• Full and part-time jobs are available in schools, colleges, youth agencies, the NHS, the voluntary sector and large employers
• Competition for full time jobs is fierce

Links:

www.bacp.co.uk - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

www.bps.org.uk- The British Psychological Society (BPS) 

www.relate.org.uk  - Relate