Are you fascinated by the human mind and how people interact with one another? Perhaps you’re good at listening to your friends’ problems and offering them sound advice? Maybe you fancy your chances as an agony aunt? If so, then why not put your gift to good use by taking up a course in counselling? You will more than likely have a natural flair for the subject and be ideally suited to a career in counselling and it’s easier to get into than you might think! Personal qualities such as being a good listener or having a warm and inviting nature stand you in good stead for a career in counselling. Indeed, counselling is often taken up as a second career and for this reason most courses are part-time, usually in the evenings.

There are many reasons for embarking on a career in counselling, but often people who work in an area of work where they are concerned with the welfare of others – such as teaching, social work, childcare and nursing – have a natural inclination to move towards a career in counselling. Counsellors work in a variety of different work environments which include schools, universities, youth organisations, organisations for people with disabilities, crisis centres, general practice as well as several others. The work is diverse and rewarding and offers the opportunity for you to work in specific areas of counselling – such as bereavement or relationship counselling.

Those who aspire to a career in counselling tend to be fascinated by the human psyche and the way in which people behave. They usually possess excellent communication skills that enable them to respond sensitively and astutely to the personal and professional lives of others. A great first step for those considering a career in counselling is to gain an academic qualification in the subject, such as a certificate covering a range of theoretical approaches to counselling. Topics usually studied include the psychology of others and their personal and professional development; counselling theory and practice; human development; ethics; counselling therapies and skills.

Tullamore College and Adult Education Centre offers a 8-week course that grants the student a Diploma in Counselling. Classes are undertaken on Saturdays.

Dublin Business School offers an IACP accredited part-time BA (Hons) degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy that can be completed in either 4 or 8 years. Classes take place two evenings per week and applicants must be over the age of 23. All applicants are viewed as mature students and are assessed on the basis of past education and work experience. On completion of this BA (Hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy degree students will be eligible to pursue a career in Counselling or Psychotherapy.

To find courses in your area and to explore the range of distance learning options go to the National Education Database section of our website.