Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Counsellor- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Counsellors help people to explore, understand and come to terms with their problems.
They give their clients the opportunity to work through their emotions by offering them time, attention and support within a confidential and trusting environment.
They aim to enable their clients to talk freely, to improve their self esteem, develop better relationships and discover more satisfactory ways of living.
Some counselors work in specialised areas such as victim support, marriage guidance or bereavement.
They may also choose to work in a specialised way for example by using cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic. or alternative counseling practice models.
Further Information
- Counsellor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
- Counsellor- from: GradIreland
- Substance Misuse Outreach Worker- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Counsellor
You must enjoy working with people and helping them to solve their problems. You must respect the client's right to make their own decisions, and avoid making judgements, giving advice or imposing solutions.
The ability to use tact and treat your client's problems in strict confidence is essential to counselling. Some clients experience positive changes after a short time, but others need counselling over a longer period, so you will need patience, tolerance and determination.
You will need excellent communication skills, to listen carefully and to ask the right questions to guide the client towards decisions. Maturity, self awareness and an openness to self-development are also key factors in this profession.
Clients may reveal intense emotions, and discuss painful aspects of their past or present experiences. You must be comfortable with this, and not become burdened by the problems you encounter.
Interests - Counsellor
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Entry / Progression - Counsellor
CORU Requirements
There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Counsellor, you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.
One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.
What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?
This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Counsellor. If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.
What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?
If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.
To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.
The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.
If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) is the main counselling standards professional body and has developed strict Codes of Ethics and Practice for its members. They also have strict accreditation criteria, and this accreditation is very highly valued by employers.
On 1st September 2018, the minimum requirement for counselling & psychotherapy (for the purpose of accreditation and course accreditation) is degree/post-graduate programmes level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The entry requirements for Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy recognised training courses vary depending on the course and college. The IACP publish a full list of courses click here.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: counselling, psychology, social care.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: counselling, psychology, social care.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: counselling, psychology, social care.
It should be emphasised that in order to become a professional counsellor extensive training and supervised placement will need to be undertaken. Many entrants to this profession come with a primary degree in psychology, social studies, pastoral care, nursing, and then go on to do a postgraduate course in counselling.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: counselling practice models, psychotherapy studies.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
The principle of continuous professional development is strong in the occupation of counselling and counsellors would continuously up-grade and develop their skills through attending further training programmes IACP.ie.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Counsellor
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €15k - €89k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience. Counsellors in private practice charge their per hour rate, and maintain a client load, and thus earnings in line with practice ethics. Earnings may vary based on private or sessional guidance work.
Data Source(s):
IACP / HSE
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Counsellor
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Physiotherapists; Occupational therapists; Speech and language therapists; Therapy professionals n.e.c (not elsewhere classified).
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment growth was below average for therapy professionals, with levels in 2022 remaining below that of 2020. Although LFS data does not allow for a detailed breakdown of employment in this group, Census data for 2016 and 2022 shows detailed employment as follows.
Despite the lack of overall employment growth in recent years, issues with recruitment resulted in a number of therapist roles (occupational, physiotherapists and speech and language) being added to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List in June 2022. A total of 53 new permits were issued in 2022, primarily for physiotherapists with a small number for occupational and speech & language therapists.
The delivery of the Sláintecare report, particularly in terms of community care and mental health services, will require additional staffing in these occupations and, while a combined total of 100 additional training places are planned for occupational, physio, and speech/language therapists in Ireland and Northern Ireland’s education system, given the duration of training programmes, recruitment difficulties for these posts are unlikely to ease in the short-to-medium term. However, as employment levels are not increasing and the data does not allow for detailed analysis, it is not possible to determine if shortages exist for this occupation at present.
Useful Contacts - Counsellor
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National Counselling and Psychotherapy Institute of Ireland
- Walton House, Lonsdale Road, Plassey Park, Castletroy, Limerick
- 061 216288
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP)
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CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals
