Counselling skills are more useful than you may think.

You hear the word “counselling” and you may immediately think of professionals sitting behind a desk, scribbling notes on a pad, and giving advice to help patients and clients work through a variety of situations. You may even assume their favourite thing to say is “How does that make you feel?” While those descriptions fit many counselling professionals, the skills those in the profession rely on are often useful in several different career paths. Here are just a few careers where you can use a knowledge of counselling to help you prepare to be an effective and successful employee.

What is considered counselling?

Counselling is a back and forth process. Usually, one person (the counsellor) helps another person to express thoughts and feelings in order to clear up mental or personal struggles. They’ll often also attempt to help the other person come to terms with new experiences, enabling the client to face the problems standing in their way with renewed confidence.

Many know the job positions “formal” counsellors fill – psychiatrists, marriage counsellors, and addiction counsellors. Outside of those very specific roles, workers in these four fields use counselling skills every day.

• Nursing. Nurses are the healthcare professionals most often in contact with patients in hospitals and clinics. Some patients will even confide more in nurses than their doctor, who they may view as being “too busy” to discuss their worries about an illness or treatment. Having to often help patients and their families stay calm, nursing professionals can benefit their patients and their hospitals by sharpening the listening skills that are vital to counselling.

• Teachers, Teacher Aides, and Principals. Those who work in the education field can all benefit from counselling skills, not just guidance counselors! Since students come from a variety of backgrounds and all face different challenges, educators often become a source of stability for them. Having a good understanding of counselling techniques and ideas can help those who work with students make a difference.

• Coaches and Trainers. Most sports trainers will agree that an athlete or client’s mental attitude is just as important as his/her physical ability in enabling that individual to meet their full athletic potential. As such, a good knowledge of counselling skills can help the trainee build confidence, get over mental hurdles, and overcome negative pressures.

• Team Leaders and Managers. Though workers and bosses often say to leave your personal issues at the door when you come into the office, it can be difficult to ignore the problems you may have in your personal life. Pressures at home can spill over into the workplace and vice-versa. With a good knowledge of counselling techniques, supervisors, managers, and union stewards can be better equipped to help workers when needed.

There are so many professions that could benefit from training in counselling skills it would be difficult to list them all! If you’re someone who works with people, whether they’re patients, students, or coworkers and employees, you’ll find yourself being an informal counselor. Other professionals who often find themselves in situations requiring counselling skills are police and security personnel, dentists, bartenders, hairdressers, loan officers, investment counsellors, religious leaders, and lawyers.

Counselling Skills training can help you understand others.

ICS Canada’s online Counselling Skills Career Diploma program covers theoretical and practical information that is beneficial to helping others process their emotions and the events in their lives. Students are introduced to the counselling process through a course text, specially-prepared study units, and selected readings. They learn the goals of counselling and the intricacies of the counselling process. If you’re considering a career working with people in any capacity and are considering brushing up on your counselling skills, learn more by calling 1.888.427.2400.