As the general public has become increasingly aware of the benefits of counselling, there has been a corresponding boom in the demand for professionals able to give expert opinions on areas such as the work place, careers, marriage, health and psychotherapy.
A therapy counselling professional needs to be able to listen to a wide range of patient problems which may revolve around bereavement, health issues, relationship break ups or just general dissatisfaction with life. At the end of sessions, proficient counsellors will offer patients hope and enhance their personal wellbeing
Applicants for therapy vacancies should preferably hold a BSc degree in psychology with membership of the BACP or similar and HPC registration. Candidates for other roles such as careers advisor also need a minimum of a BA degree and possibly a specific QCG diploma.
Vacancies in the field exist in all areas of the UK where there are large concentrations of people. Annual salaries range up from £20,000 to £50,000, depending on the specific field, experience and position location.

• Having excellent observation and listening abilities.
• Being respectful for client’s confidentiality.
• Being impartial.
• Having strong ethics.
• Having organisational and business knowledge.
• Being trustworthy.
• Having good interpersonal skills.
• Being patient and tolerant.
• Being able to work with people from different backgrounds.
• Having abilities to understand client’s feelings and emotions.

There are no specific qualifications to be a Counsellor because many people in that area work on a voluntary basis. It is recommended to have studies from UK Council of Psychotherapy and BACP. There are different qualification levels needed for courses, but some options do not require specific degrees. Courses offered by those institutions last two or three years in part time mode and one year studying full time.

Other degrees related to this sector are human sciences, psychology, and social sciences. Entry requirements for these courses are five GCSE’s grades (A-C/1-3) and A levels/three H grades as a minimum.