Counsellors

Counsellors provide information on vocational, relationship, social and educational difficulties and issues, and work with people to help them to identify and define their emotional issues through therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy and other talking therapies.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Working with clients on career, study and employment options by obtaining and examining information relevant to their abilities and needs
  • Providing information and resources to assist clients with job-seeking skills
  • Assessing client needs in relation to treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Conducting counselling interviews with individuals, couples and family groups
  • Assisting the understanding and adjustment of attitudes, expectations and behaviour to develop more effective interpersonal and marital relationships
  • Presenting alternative approaches and discussing potential for attitude and behaviour change
  • Consulting with clients to develop rehabilitation plans taking account of vocational and social needs
  • Contributing information, understanding and advice on the learning and behaviour of students, especially those with special needs, and assisting parents and teachers in dealing with these needs
  • May work in a call centre

Key values of workers in Counsellors

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Top skills required for workers in Counsellors

  • Social Perceptiveness

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Service Orientation

    Actively looking for ways to help people.