{"id":26711,"date":"2021-03-22T16:33:30","date_gmt":"2021-03-22T16:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=26711"},"modified":"2021-03-22T16:33:32","modified_gmt":"2021-03-22T16:33:32","slug":"how-to-become-a-counsellor-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/cbt-counselling-and-psychotherapy\/how-to-become-a-counsellor-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Counsellor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since 2016, there has been a 65% increase<\/strong><\/a> in the demand for private counselling services. This is largely because the waiting lists for NHS counselling are too long for people needing treatment. Among many things, people going out of their way to receive counselling proves its value. So, if you\u2019re looking for a therapy-related career, it\u2019s an ideal time to become a counsellor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a counsellor, you\u2019ll work with individuals, couples and families. You\u2019ll help them talk about their thoughts and feelings to find ways they can make positive changes in their lives. For them to entrust you with their private and personal matters, they need to feel safe and comfortable in your presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re guided discussions will allow them to work through all manner of personal challenges and problems. Whether these are related to their mental health, education, career, or development. Generally, counsellors will specialise in just one area, such as addiction & dependency or childhood\/developmental trauma. But each can be just as emotionally taxing for you to work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to make sure this career is right for you before you start your journey to become a counsellor. Find out more about the role and what it entails, plus what it takes to get qualified below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stonebridge<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is Counselling Right for Me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a counsellor, you\u2019ll help people with all kinds of issues, including marital problems, embracing their sexual identity or accepting a physical health condition. Traumatic experiences, addiction and eating disorders are also discussion points that can be covered in counselling sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A big part of this role will also be addressing your client\u2019s mental health concerns. Where you\u2019ll enable them to look at their values, core beliefs and help them explore patterns in their behaviour. This assists them in identifying issues and making changes in their behaviour to achieve some degree of mental wellness. At times, your clients may require additional support to develop the appropriate coping mechanisms. So you\u2019ll need to make referrals to relevant service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of their reason for seeing you, you\u2019ll listen, encourage and question, so they can process their thoughts and feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nature of your client\u2019s problems and challenges can be upsetting, confronting and hard to process. But you need to remain professional, non-judgemental or emotional, and supportive at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideal Traits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The role of a counsellor generally attracts people who have a high level of empathy and a strong desire to help other people. It also requires certain traits and skills that enable you to provide the level of counselling that your clients require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n