If you’re looking to study and develop your career there are endless amounts of options, but how do you know what is right for you? It’s important to look for an industry that is in demand and something you’re passionate about. Luckily counselling ticks both these boxes and can be a very rewarding career for many people.

A counselling degree can lead to many different career opportunities. With the right education and experience, you could be working with people of all ages in a variety of settings. So if you’re looking for a career that will make a difference in people’s lives, keep reading this article as we’ll be outlining potential careers in the field.

Getting a Degree

Counselling degrees offer students the opportunity to learn about different psychological theories and how to apply them in a therapeutic setting. While this is important you also should examine the traits of a good counsellor. These can be learned but are often ingrained in your character, such as those that have always been empathetic and willing to help others.

If you have work experience this is also advantageous, but not necessary to study the field. There are many streams you’re able to study which include mental health, social work and even psychology. Make should you take time to consider what kind of counselling would be right for you and what is suitable for your personality.

Careers Available with a Counselling Degree

After you’ve received your degree you’ll be ready to enter the workforce, this means you’ll be in-practice working face-to-face with clients. While there are many specialised options available here are some of the main careers you can look into once you’ve passed this important step.

Mental health worker

Mental health workers are responsible for assessing and supporting clients who are experiencing mental health issues. This might include working with families and carers of the individual to provide support. You are also expected to provide counselling and therapy services to those within the community as well as promote positive mental health practices.

You’ll be able to not only deal with multiple people from different backgrounds but also make real differences in your clients’ lives. While practising you’ll be able to develop your knowledge and experience in counselling and human psychology. This path can be quite challenging but also rewarding.

Social worker

A social worker is someone who helps people in their community, by providing support and assistance with various issues they may be experiencing. While not as specialised as mental health workers, they are able to vary their approaches to clients. They work with people from all different backgrounds and ages from the very young to the elderly.

There are many benefits to working in the social work field. It’s a very rewarding career, as you are able to help the community in many different ways. Social work is also a growing industry, so there are many opportunities for advancement.

Psychologist

Individuals with backgrounds in counselling often move to psychology as they are similar fields, therefore your degree could function as a stepping stone to this career. Psychologists are able to offer therapeutic services to people who are struggling with various mental health issues. While they might be similar to mental health workers, they often work in clinics, hospitals, or private practice.

The major advantage of progressing to work in the psychology field is that you will be able to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge than you would in conventional counselling. Additionally, the field of psychology is growing, so there are many opportunities for advancement. Psychologists also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area, such as child psychology or forensic psychology.

Conclusion

A counselling degree can open up many different career paths, from mental health workers to psychologists and social workers. All of these options are rewarding careers that can make a real difference in the lives of others. With the right education and experience, you could be working with people of all ages in a variety of settings.

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