What are the different types of counselling career? Jobs, Salaries & more

Reader's Digest: Are you intrigued by understanding the human mind? Does helping others make your heart happy? If the answer to both questions is yes, you have arrived at the perfect destination.

Read more to discover various opportunities and obstacles that may form part of your journey as a counsellor.

Points to be covered in this article: 

• What is counselling?
• Types of counselling careers 
• How to build our career in counselling 
• Employment opportunities for Counsellors 
• Top 10 reasons to build your career in counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling involves clients seeking support from counsellors to talk about their challenges, life, and other sources of distress. The counsellor and client establish a therapeutic relationship in which they consistently work to identify goals and triggers and seek potential solutions to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Types of Counselling Career 

• Guidance Counselling

Guidance counsellors commonly operate within educational institutions, providing continuous support to students throughout the academic year. This can include engaging in meetings with students, parents, and faculty members to assess student development, aid students in selecting appropriate courses, and provide emotional guidance and support during difficult situations.

• Career Counselling

Career counselling helps individuals gain insight into themselves and the dynamics of the job market, empowering them to make well-founded choices regarding their careers, education, and life paths.

• Mental Health Counseling 

Mental health counsellors provide therapeutic support to clients faced with emotional, mental and/or behavioural health issues, such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress and other concerns.

• Child Counselling 

Child counsellors assist youngsters and teenagers with emotional, physical, or mental obstacles hindering their healthy development.

• Rehabilitation Counselling

Rehabilitation counsellors help individuals with mental, emotional, developmental, or physical disabilities achieve fulfilling and successful lives.

• Substance Abuse Counselling

Substance abuse or addiction counsellors work with clients to address their mental and physical well-being, aiming to deliver comprehensive treatment for substance abuse disorders.

• Grief Counselling

Grief counsellors support clients in their journey towards personal growth following significant losses such as the death of a loved one, severe injury, terminal illness, divorce, or other forms of bereavement.

• Speech Therapist 

A speech therapist helps individuals with speech, language, or swallowing disorders. They also provide support to individuals dealing with medical conditions such as surgery, brain injury, or other accidents.

• Marriage Counselling 

A marriage counsellor primarily works with married couples to assist them in addressing challenges within their marriage. This commonly entails observing couples' behaviours and interactions, including those with other family members. 

• Admission Counselling 

An admissions counsellor often works for a specific college or university and assists students in the application process.

Read more: Psychology as a Career After 12th: Best Jobs, Salary, Courses, Roles & Responsibilities & Growth
 

How do you build your career in counselling? 

To build your career in counselling, you need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling or Psychology

Getting yourself enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in counselling or psychology. This initial step lays the foundation for unlocking the doors to a fulfilling and transformative path in counselling. Completing an undergraduate degree in counselling equips you for entry-level roles in rehabilitation counselling, addiction counselling, or case management. This academic foundation prepares you to enter a master's program, a prerequisite for obtaining a professional counselling license in most states.

Step 2: Master’s Degree in Counselling or Psychology

Enrol in a master's degree program in counselling or psychology to gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of counselling. Simultaneously, pursue diplomas in guidance and counselling to become a licensed counsellor.

Step 3: Gain Practical experience 

Seek internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in counselling settings to gain hands-on experience working with clients under supervision.

Step 4: Build Professional Connections

Network with other counsellors, mental health professionals, and potential employers to stay informed about the job and professional development opportunities.

Step 5: Seek Supervision and Mentorship 

Adhere to ethical guidelines and codes of conduct set forth by professional counselling organisations to ensure the highest integrity and professionalism in your practice.

Check out: Why Career Counselling is Important?

Employment Opportunities for Counsellors

Job Profile	Description	Average Monthly Salary (INR)
Mental Health Counsellor	Mainly deals with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, etc.	30,000-60,000
Family and Marriage Counsellor	Focus on improving relationships within marriages and families, aiming to foster stronger bonds and healthier dynamics in each instance.	25,000-50,000
Career Counsellor	Help an individual to get proper guidance for which career path to choose and why	30,000-70,000
Rehabilitation Counsellor	Assists individuals with disabilities in achieving independence and fulfilment in various aspects of their lives.	40,000-70,000
School Counsellor	provides support and guidance to students, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs to promote their overall well-being and success.	30,000-60,00

Top 10 reasons to build your career in counselling 

Selecting a career path can be daunting initially, particularly due to the multitude of choices and the rapid evolution of industries. Here are the top reasons why you consider building your career in counselling: 

• Making positive impact

You have the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others and help them navigate through challenging situations.

• Personal fulfilment

There is immense satisfaction in seeing your clients grow, overcome obstacles, and lead happier, healthier lives.

• Variety of Specialization 

Counselling offers a wide range of specialisations, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your interests and strengths.

• Continuous learning 

Counselling is a field that constantly evolves, providing opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development.

• Work-life balance 

Many counselling roles offer flexibility regarding work hours and settings, allowing for a better work-life balance.

• Emotional intelligence

Counselling develops your emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, which are valuable in your professional life and personal relationships.

• Resilience building 

Working with clients facing various challenges helps you develop resilience and coping strategies, enhancing your own well-being.

• Job satisfaction

The gratitude and progress you witness in your clients can lead to high levels of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose in your career.

• Creativity and innovation

Counselling allows for creative expression and innovative approaches. Therapists can tailor interventions and techniques to suit clients' needs and preferences.

• Professional growth 

Counselling is a field that encourages personal and professional growth. As you accumulate experience and expertise, you may pursue advanced certifications, specialise in niche areas, or take on organisational leadership roles.

Check out: Importance of Personality Types in Career Selection 

Conclusion

• You can make a career out of counselling if you are passionate about helping people.
• There are many diversions in the field of counselling; you choose the one that best resonates with you