Ever gotten the impression that folks just seem to gravitate towards you with their problems? Maybe you’re the go-to friend for advice, or perhaps you just have a real way with people. Either way, a career in counselling might be just what you’re searching for!
Professional Counselling is actually all about helping other people - whether that is helping students through career choice, helping someone navigate a tough time, or helping families improve their relationships. And the best part of it? You actually make a genuine impact on other people’s lives.
Is Counselling the Right Career for You?
Professional Counselling is all about listening, understanding and steering people towards solutions. You may be the perfect fit for becoming a professional counsellor if you:
- Enjoy chatting with and assisting people
- Are an excellent listener
- Possess loads of patience and empathy
- Are fascinated by human behavior and emotions.
Key Responsibilities of a Professional Counsellor
- Helping clients navigate personal, academic, or professional challenges.
- Providing a safe space for people to talk about their emotions
- Teaching coping techniques for stress, anxiety and relationship issues.
- Advising students and professionals on career choices.
How to Become a Counsellor in India
Now to the big and most important questions “How to Become a Counsellor in India”. Let’s discuss the qualifications! You don’t just wake up one morning and are a professional counsellor who is earning in 6 figures. On the road to become a professional counsellor, you need the following qualifications:
Get Your Degree
Here’s the stepping stone. You begin by obtaining an undergraduate degree in Psychology, which will establish the correct foundation in Human Behavior and Practice in Professional Counselling that you require to proceed on your career journey.
Then, if you wish to specialize in mental health, career development or counselling guidance and therapy, a Master’s degree in Psychology or Counselling Psychology will be of immense assistance. Finally, if you like research or teaching, then do a doctorate, too
Certifications & Specialized Training
Not interested in pursuing a full psychology degree? You can also pursue
- Diploma Courses in Counselling
- Online Certifications in Mental Health Counselling
- Specialized Training
Becoming a Registered Counsellor: The Must-Knows
Now, onto the next step. Once you’re done with your education, you have to get registered to work as a counsellor or therapist in India, or abroad. In India, to become a Registered Counsellor, there are certification bodies like the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP).
If you are thinking about working abroad, you may need to get licensed by their local boards, like the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) for USA or British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) for UK.
Essential Skills to be a Professional Counsellor
Let’s be real - you need more than just a degree. Here are the essential traits that make you amazing at this:
- Empathy & Active Listening: Let individuals feel heard and understood.
- Communication Skill: Asking questions and offering advice
- Problem-Solving Ability: Assisting clients in searching for realistic solutions
Confidentiality & Ethics: Not disclosing client’s private problems and being professional.
Where do Counsellors Work?
You’re not limited to one location as a counsellor! You can work at:
- Hospitals & Clinics: Assisting patients with emotional challenges.
- Schools & Colleges: Providing career guidance and mental support to students.
- Corporate Offices: Providing workplace counselling for stress relief.
- Non-Government Organizations: Like Corporate Offices, you can work either as the workplace counsellor for NGOs or help spread awareness with them.
Private Practice: You can set up your own private practice to assist and guide clients.
Salary Expectations
Now to the question on everyone’s mind, how much do you get paid as a counsellor? Well, as you might have already guessed, that is dependent upon what you do and how long you have been doing it. An entry-level job begins from ₹2.5 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs, whereas an experienced counsellor can get as much as ₹7 to ₹12 Lakhs annually.
Challenges in the Counselling Profession
Counselling is a fulfilling career, yet it has its fair share of challenges as well:
- Emotional Exhaustion: Listening to sorrowful life stories is tiring
- Breaking Stigma: Mental health works still have to face some social stigma
- Uncooperative Clients: Not everyone wants to open up right away, and that can be frustrating.
But if you’re passionate, resilient, and have proper support (yes, even counsellors need counselling too sometimes!), you’ll thrive.
Want to Start your Own Counselling Practice?
If working a 9-to-5 job isn’t your thing, you can start your own counselling practice. Here’s what you need:
- Get your qualifications and certifications
- Register your practice legally
- Create a website & social media presence
- Build a network to attract clients
Being your own boss is exciting, but it also requires hard work and marketing skills.
