Counsellor Career Guide and Counseling

Question: How do you become a guidance counsellor? I am interested in persuing this career path, to be a school guidance counsellor. How would I go about it?

Answer: you can be a guidance counsellor by applying in a school you like of course. But if you want to be a good guidance counsellor, you must learn how to help others to realize their mistakes and for them to have a good outlook in life...

Question: Is anyone an Addictions Counsellor or know ANYONE who is an Addictions Counsellor? I planning on taking this "Addictions Interventions Counselling" at this college. Im wondering if anyone knows anything about income/ or day to day job being an addictions counsellor. Im wondering if you can do much with this diploma. Any info at all will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer: I'm an addiction counsellor dear Lynn. I dont live in your country , so I dont know about the income there. But I think the income cant be low in your country that I think is the states. I have never had any stress due to be in this profession. Instead I enjoy a lot when I help this group of patients, especially when I see them clean and sober at the end of the day. I love my job. if you have any other question and i can be of help in this regard email me. I wish you a very very nice and successful job and future./ BESIDES : I got my certification from PIERCE college of LOS ANGELES. I can give you the phone no. of this center if you want to get better instruction.

Question: What happens when you go to the guidance counsellor? I have been to the guidance counsellor a couple of times, and next week is a short week, and I have 2 guidance appointments. One for personal things and the other is I have to do a reading test? What happens at these kinds of things and do they have to keep everything between us?

Answer: i wouldnt trust a guidance counselor. at my school they were required to tell parents that u had been to see a guidance counselor other than for school related things. i was hurting myself tho thats y my guidance counselor told on me.

Question: What is the difference between a therapist and a counsellor? Is it that a therapist won't let you speak what you want to speak, that you have to focus on your feelings solely, and that a counsellor will allow you to speak what you want to talk about?

Answer: therapist is a counsellor with the ability to prescribe meds(should you need one). counsellor will just be there to listen to you and gives opinion and views.

Question: Is it illegal for a debt counsellor to visit my home on a sunday without any appointment? I live in the UK and received a visit from a debt counsellor on Sunday afternoon, without an appointment. What are the times that I can receive a visit without the counsellor making an appointment.

Answer: Harassment of people in debt by creditors or their agents is a criminal offence under the Administration of Justice Act 1970. You have not said if they have been harassing you or not....But just in case, click on the link and download the PDF Factsheet. This will give you a better idea of what harassment of creditors is..... Good luck.

Question: What qualifications do I need to practice as a counsellor? I have a first degree (social science degree) but no previous experience in counselling. I am interested in becoming a counsellor; what qualifications, degree or certificate do I need to practice or to be accredited? I have a first degree (social science degree) but no previous experience in counselling. I am interested in becoming a counsellor; what qualifications, degree or certificate do I need to practice or to be accredited? (in the UK)

Answer: As you already have a degree, you might like to consider undertaking a masters qualification (e.g. http://www.bbk.ac.uk/psyc/prospective/pgtaught/msc_psychodynamic_counselling ), however it's also worth noting that applicants to such courses may be expected to have completed an ‘introductory counselling course’ (e.g. http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/ce/counselling/index.html ) and to have done some other ‘relevant’ experience as well. Foundation/introductory courses can be found at http://www.hotcourses.com - accredited courses are recommended. Another option is to do a (2yr) Counselling Diploma. For more info and a list of accredited courses see the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website: http://www.bacp.co.uk/education/training.html Further information can be found here (re counselling): http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=77&pageno=1 http://www.bacp.co.uk/education/careersincounselling.html And if you have an interest in psychotherapy training see: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=82&pageno=3 http://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/iqs/sid.07298940881226012305422/trainees_students.html Yet another option would be to train as a counselling psychologist, however this would require a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited ‘conversion course’ qualification conferring GBR, before applicants can apply for doctoral level professional training. For more info see: http://www.bps.org.uk/careers/areas/counselling.cfm For a list of BPS accredited ‘conversion’ courses see: http://www.bps.org.uk/careers/accredited-courses/accredited-courses.cfm?action=results&title=&in_id=all&level_of_study=CONV&pg_cat=&status_flag=current BPS courses offering doctorate in counselling psychology: http://www.bps.org.uk/careers/accredited-courses/accredited-courses.cfm?action=results&title=&in_id=all&level_of_study=PGRD&pg_cat=TCCP&status_flag=current

Question: How do I become a counsellor or a psychologist? I am really keen on becoming a counsellor or a psychologist, but I don't have any background in that. I only have background in I.T. So how do i go about becoming a psychologist? Do I have to take up a course or something?

Answer: In order to become a psychologist, you would need a Ph.D. Becoming a counselor, on the other hand, is much easier. All you need is some training. Getting a bachelor's in psychology and gaining some internship experience is enough to warrant working in an agency under supervision, of course. If you want to be a LPC (licensed professional counselor), however, you would need to, preferrably, get a Master's (which include practicum and intership experience) and take the licensing exam so you can open a private practice or other. Even when you do become licensed, some agencies require at least 3-5 years field experience before you can move to the level of director or supervisor.

Question: How can you tell if a counsellor/psychologist is any good? What makes a good counsellor.If anyone has had any bad experiences too I would like to hear them,cause I had not great experiences with one.

Answer: I'm sure you realize that this is highly subjective. It's like asking "what makes a good restaurant?" It's just based on what you want. Some clients like a counselor that seems supportive and sensitive, whereas other clients might do better with a counselor that is more emotionally detached. Obviously you should make sure they have at least a Master's degree in Counseling or Psychology and are licensed, this doesn't make them a "good" counselor, but it helps to ensure some accountability. **Added** there's quite a lot of research out there in psychology that shows that a counselor that "enables" your problems is actually doing you more harm than good. What you perceive as being supportive might actually be enabling. Someone gave an answer below that sounded a lot like they wanted a counselor to enable them, that's a mistake.

Question: I am looking for a good psychological counsellor in Bangalore? I am looking for a good psychological counsellor in Bangalore who is more like a friend and not money oriented.

Answer: Any good counselor is worth every penny they get so the good ones will look like they are money oriented but that is just your unhealthy perception of what is right or good.

Question: What options do you have to take to become a social worker or counsellor ? I am studying to be a social worker/counsellor and wondered if you have to go to university and what options you should take.

Answer: I know 2 go on2 social work u need 2 get a Merit Merit Distinction in ur course to go on2 uni :)

Question: How do i tell my parents that my counsellor is wanting to send my to an eating disorder clinic ? They know i have been seeing a counsellor but they think it was because of the o.v.e.r. d.o.s.e i took last year but when really it is also to do with the fact i have a few problems . She sed that if i keep losing weight then she want to send my to an eating disorder clinic , how do i tell them that plz help and no mean comments plz .

Answer: I did my best to answer this for you yesterday. You don't have to worry about this at all right now. You don't have any facts just a few "maybe's" and "if's" Just say "Mom, my counselor wants me to go to a clinic for eating disorders if I keep losing weight." Or write it on a piece of paper and hand it to her.

Question: How much could I expect to earn as a counsellor? I live in the UK and I'd like to study to become a counsellor. I'm trying to weigh up all the pros and cons of going back to studying as it means I would have alot to juggle with my family life, shifts at work etc, so I need to decide if it's right for me just now. Thanks in advance for your answers!

Answer: You can expect about £15 - £20ph. You would need to set up your own practice to be sure of having a job. During the credit crunch the NHS may cut staff numbers or freeze posts. You may even find you have to do voluntary work. Link : http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=896 Link : http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/cgi-bin/advsearch

Question: What happens when you go to therapy or a counsellor? Like what kinds of things are discussed and stuff. Basically, I'm way too shy, and have no friends and don't know how to make any friends, let alone ask out a girl (I'm 20) and I'm concerned that this will get worse as I grow older so I'm considering seeing the counsellor when school goes back in session. I'm too ashamed to discuss this with my parents.

Answer: counseling is not bad...they start out doing what is called a social history...this gets you talking about your family so the counselor can get an idea of who you are...where you come from...usually this is basic talk...who raised you...do you have brothers and sisters...it gives you a comfort when you go so you can feel better when you do start talking about stuff you need to...i would suggest a try...especially if you are thinking of it...it may help...the worst thing that can happen is you sit there for 50 minutes and say nothing and never go back...what do you have to lose? always put it in perspective...worse case vs best case senario

Question: What situations would result in a counsellor having to break their confidentiality with they're client? Im 16...17 in january. I have been seeing my schools counsellor and i want to tell her that i've been self harming for a few years. I want to know what she would have to do with the information after i have told her. Would for example my parents have to be informed? and i live in scotland

Answer: Unless you are threatening - or they feel that your are suicidal or homicidal. If your or someone else's life is in danger they are allowed to break confidentiality. That is not criteria for her to break confidentiality and does not necessarily mean your parents would need to be informed, unless you are cutting with suicidal intent.. Talk to them first about their confidentiality laws and discuss any issues you have about it. You should feel safe with the person you are disclosing personal info to.

Question: Dreading going to my counsellor again!Do you ever feel awkward after telling a counsellor personal things? I have to go to a counsellor again tomorrow.Last week I told her some personal stuff and Im dreading tomorrow,does anyone else ever feel like that?Should I tell her I deliberatly burnt myself in the week?

Answer: What type of councelor do you see? Do you trust her? If not, I suggest that you ask for another councelor. You should feel safe and not intiminated. I had an appointment yesterday with my therapist and told him everything and he was a great help. He does not judge or give me condicending looks. Finding the right councelor is key in your recovery. Do you see a psychiatrist? Maybe you can ask him or her to recommend a therapist who specializes in your specific condition. Again, you should feel comfortable and safe talking with your councelor. Best luck to you!

Question: If I tell my counsellor about my self harming would I get referred to social services? my counsellor has told me all about the confidentiality part of our sessions but I was wandering what would happen if I did tell them about my self harm. Would it go to social services because i have kids or would the counsellor help me themselves. I am trying to stop and haven't done it for 2 months but need to talk to someone to help me through it. I really don't want social services involved.

Answer: I don't know your system. Perhaps have a look at your country's social welfare web site for information. Here though, if they do say that a session is confidential, when they say that they also include the exception to the rule, eg, contemplating or trying to kill yourself. If she didn't give any exceptions to the rule, when she informed you of the confidentality, then i assume she wont contact them.