Counsellor
What is a Counsellor and what do they do?
Counsellors meet with people to explore any difficulties they have or distress they may be experiencing. Counsellors listen to the difficulties from the person’s point of view and can help them to see things more clearly. Counsellors may also help people to look at challenging situations, and assist with understanding what the issues are and possible changes that may help them feel better.
For more information on what a counsellor does check out the following website link:
What do Child and Adolescent Mental Health and AOD Counsellors do?
- listen, talk about and explore issues with children and young people
- encourage children and young people to express their feelings and talk about what is happening in their lives
- help children and young people understand what is going on in their lives, their needs and how to meet them
- support children and young people in making positive decisions
- run workshops and courses for children and young people
What's great about this job?
- helping children and young people live their life and develop skills
- seeing people make improvements in a short period of time
- finding out about the issues children and young people are faced with
"The fact that every day is going to be different. Being able to engage with young people and see them make remarkable changes." Supriya Maharaj, Odyssey House Youth Community Services, Auckland
"Being able to make an honest difference in young people's lives, really empowering them and helping them to get through any of the things they're going through." Nathan Nee, Odyssey House Youth Community Services, Auckland
What personal qualities do you need?
A Counsellor needs to be:
- accepting and respectful of people
- a good communicator and listener
Who could you work with?
Depending on where they work, Child and Adolescent Counsellors can work with all ages of children and young people. An important part of being a Counsellor in this field is also working with families/whānau.
What kinds of places can they work in?
Counsellors often work in mental health services, but may also visit schools, marae and the child or young person’s home. Counsellors can also work in private practice.
How much could you expect to earn?
Salaries vary, but Counsellors usually earn between $30,000 and $50,000+ per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Counsellors working in private practice may earn more than this.
Are there any scholarships I can apply for to help with the cost of studying?
Yes! There are a number of scholarships that you may be able to apply for. Click here for details.
For information on where you can study to become a Counsellor, how long it takes and what you should study at school click here for the Counsellor page on the Career Services website.
