Have you always been the person who will listen patiently to people and always seem to be the person to talk people into feeling better? Well, then, you might just have a calling to be a counsellor. Understanding the human mind and helping people cope with stressors and mental conditions is an intriguing career path, but not everyone is suited to this profession.
In this article, we’ll take you through what a counsellor is and the reasons why you should become a counsellor, and then you can gauge if this is a suitable career path for you.
What does a counsellor do?
Counsellors are licensed mental health therapists who assess and diagnose individuals who are facing stressors, mental health issues, and various struggles in life. Counsellors aim to build meaningful and professional relationships with clients to help them open up, share their thoughts and feelings, and remain receptive to advice and techniques to help them resolve their issues.
Clients may need help with everything from their mental health (especially with conditions like anxiety and depression), relationships and their careers. A good counsellor will have strong interpersonal, listening and research skills, and they need to be compassionate.
How do you know if counselling is your calling?
While you may be good at listening to people and offering advice, to road to being a counsellor is one that requires dedication and you need to know if this is the right career choice for you. Here are a few reasons you should consider entering this field, and if you relate to them, then being a counsellor could be the career you’ve been waiting for.
1. You want a fulfilling career
The last thing people want is to be stuck in a dead-end job where you don’t feel fulfilled. Well, helping people with mental health and providing them with guidance will really give you a sense of purpose, and it’s one of the most rewarding things to see your clients make progress with their situation and reach their full potential. Counselling is a job where every day that you go to work, you know that you are playing a pivotal role in making a difference in the lives of others.
2. You love helping people solve problems
Not only do you need to be good at listening to your clients and showing compassion, but you also need to have good problem-solving skills. Your job entails helping people improve their lives, which means you need to be able to analyse their situations correctly, and with the proper training you’ll acquire from studying counselling, you’ll give them the tools and advice to make a positive impact and help them turn things around. No two cases are completely identical; with each new client, you’ll need to approach it with an open mind.
3. You are a good listener
Those you pursue becoming a counsellor will have a strong desire to listen without judging and empathise with people long before they desire to be counsellors. By being a listening ear that clients can trust, you’ll allow them to open up about their deepest hopes, fears, and challenges. This will allow you to assess their situation and help them through life fully.
4. You want flexibility
Your average counsellor will work approximately 34 to 41 hours a week. A huge benefit to being a counsellor is the flexibility. You’re able to set your own hours and organise your sessions around your other commitments. If you’re a person who desires a healthy work-life balance or the ability to determine when you work, counselling could be your ideal career.
5. You want to be paid well
You can find satisfaction in your career aside from getting paid a high salary, but counsellors do earn an appealing amount, and it’s only predicted to grow. This is due to the high demand for workers who deal with mental health. On average, professional counsellors can expect a salary of $69,000 – $92,000 annually.
6. You love meeting new people
Counsellors are people, people. They love to meet and work with new people. However, this means that you’re also a person who loves to help people from all different socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, race and more. You’ll need to have an open mind and be super tolerant throughout your sessions to build a professional relationship where people can feel free to talk openly.
Final Thoughts
For those who love more than just understanding the mind and human behaviour but have a true passion for helping people, then you could be the perfect fit for this career.
