Counsellor

Counsellors help people who are experiencing difficulties with relationships, bereavement, stress or other personal problems, and people who want to improve the way they handle everyday life.

Counsellors help people explore their own solutions in a calm and confidential setting. They help clients to talk about their behaviour and feelings by listening carefully and patiently, making observations and asking questions.

Counsellors generally work standard office hours, though some also work in the evening and at weekends. Sessions with each client usually last about 50 minutes.

A high proportion of counsellors work part time or in unpaid voluntary jobs.

Salaries range from around €25,000 to €40,000 or more a year. Many charge for a session of 50 minutes at a rate of €40 to €100.

A counsellor should:

• have excellent listening and observation skills
• have patience, tolerance and sensitivity
• be non-judgemental
• be able to explore and understand a client’s feelings, but not become burdened by them
• exercise self-awareness and regularly review their own practice
• respect client confidentiality
• have an interest in the theory and practice of the different types of counselling.

Full- and part-time jobs may be available in schools, colleges, youth agencies, prisons, the HSE, the voluntary sector and with large employers. However, there are more part-time than full-time jobs.

At present there are no specific entry qualifications, but the professional bodies suggest that clients are more likely to choose a counsellor who holds a recognised qualification.

It would be unusual for someone to enter full-time counselling work before their mid-20s. Most advanced counselling courses insist on maturity and life experience. Counsellors are often people who have worked in areas such as social work, nursing or teaching, before training in counselling.

There are many part-time and short courses that give an introduction to counselling.

Degrees in social sciences, psychology or human sciences may be a useful (although not essential) preparation for counselling training. Counsellors may take a postgraduate diploma in counselling, or a Masters degree in counselling.

Professional bodies require counsellors to undertake a certain number of hours of supervised practice before they can be accredited.

Experienced counsellors may move into management, supervision or training. Some specialise in certain types of counselling, such as drug misuse, AIDS, bereavement, cancer or child abuse.

There are also opportunities for self-employment. Counsellors can set up in private practice and work from home or their own offices.

What is the work like?

Counsellors help people who are experiencing difficulties with relationships, bereavement, stress or other personal problems, and people who want to improve the way they handle everyday life.

Counsellors don’t offer advice, but they do help people to examine their options and explore their own solutions in a calm and confidential setting.

The work of a counsellor usually involves:

• agreeing a ‘counselling contract’ with their clients, outlining the issues that will be covered and the conditions under which the counselling will take place
• helping clients to talk about their behaviour and feelings by listening carefully and patiently, making observations and asking questions
• undergoing supervision to review their cases with a more experienced practitioner
• keeping confidential records of their work.

Counsellors in private practice may work with a range of clients with a variety of reasons for seeking help. Others may specialise in a particular type of problem, such as alcohol or drug use, or work-related issues.

Counselling usually takes place in a one-to-one situation, but it can involve work with couples, families and groups. It can also be done over the phone or the internet, if the counsellor has received appropriate training.

Hours and environment

Counsellors generally work standard office hours, though some also work in the evening and at weekends. Sessions with each client usually last about 50 minutes.

A high proportion of counsellors work part time. In a full-time job, the profession recommends an average of 20 hours of client contact time each week, with the rest of the time being spent on administration, professional development and supervision.

Counsellors mostly work indoors, usually sitting in a quiet, comfortable room, in places such as health centres, colleges or a suitable room in the counsellor’s own home. Some may rent a counselling room or do home visits.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

• Starting salaries for full-time qualified counsellors are from around €25,000.
• With experience, salaries could rise to around €40,000 a year.
• A very experienced counsellor, or one with additional supervisory responsibility, could earn up to €60,000 a year.

Counselling service managers and specialists in the HSE could earn more. Many work in unpaid voluntary positions.

Counsellors in private practice charge an average of €40 to €80 per session but their income depends on the number of client sessions and the cost of providing the counselling room and their own supervision.

Skills and personal qualities

A counsellor should:

• have excellent listening and observation skills
• have patience, tolerance and sensitivity
• be non-judgemental
• be able to support clients emotionally and encourage them to express their feelings
• be able to explore and understand a client’s feelings, but not become burdened by them
• be able to help clients question their attitudes and approach to problems
• exercise self-awareness and regularly review their own practice
• be willing to examine their own thoughts, feelings and values, as training always includes the experience of being counselled
• respect client confidentiality.

Interests

It is important to:

• be interested in people and their feelings, thoughts and behaviour
• have an interest in the theory and practice of the different types of counselling.

Getting in

Full- and part-time jobs may be available in schools, colleges, youth agencies, prisons, the HSE and the voluntary sector and with large employers. However, there are more part-time than full-time jobs and counsellors may benefit from being able to work in other roles as well.

The number of opportunities is rising, but there is still strong competition, especially for full-time jobs.