How do I get in?
Counselling and therapy are growing areas in the UK and jobs in this field range from highly qualified psychotherapists to volunteers. However, whatever the level training is vital and many counsellors specialise in a particular area such as alcohol abuse or bereavement. You can go the academic route and do a psychology degree followed by a postgraduate course or you could do an HND or NVQ in counselling. Other courses are offered by psychotherapeutic and psychoanalytical training organisations such as the British Confederation of Psychotherapists. Training is also provided by voluntary organisations such as Alcohol Concern and Relate.
What job could I do?
Psychiatrist - a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has taken further training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat people with clinical mental illness such as schizophrenia
Psychologist - psychologists are concerned with human behaviour. Chartered psychologists treat a range of behavioural disorders such as excess anxiety
Counsellor - counsellors can work for the NHS, business, voluntary agencies and universities. They are normally trained in specialist areas and can help people overcome trauma caused by illness, marital problems, anxiety etc
Life coach - this is relatively new to the UK. A life coach is someone who takes a holistic look at your life and advises you on ways to resolve personal, professional or health problems. They help their clients formulate and achieve life goals
Voluntary counsellor - voluntary counsellors work alongside professionals in organisations such as The Samaritans and Relate. They undergo a rigorous selection interview and are then offered training
Pros and Cons?
Pros
Counselling can be a very rewarding career
The work is very varied as every case is different.
Cons
The work can be harrowing and emotionally draining
Counselling is not well paid unless you reach the top rungs.
Careers in Sunderland Earning potential?
Salaries in counselling rang from nothing as a volunteer, to about £14,000 for a full-time counsellor. Higher paid posts may reach £30,000. Psychotherapists charge between £35 and £45 per hour, although some charge considerably more.
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