1. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings, a vital skill for anyone working in counselling or psychotherapy. As a counsellor, you must be able to put yourself in your client’s shoes and view their situation from their perspective. Even if you don’t agree with their viewpoint, being able to recognise and understand how it feels for them is key to building trust and effectively supporting their healing process.

2. Discretion

Confidentiality is one of the most important ethical responsibilities in counselling and psychotherapy. As a counsellor, you must be able to protect your client’s privacy and maintain strict confidentiality. This creates a safe and trusting environment, allowing clients to feel secure enough to share openly and build a strong therapeutic relationship with you.

3. Patience

As a counsellor, you need to give clients the time and space to process what is discussed in sessions. It may take them some time to accept certain insights and to move toward positive change, and it can also take time before you see significant progress. Remaining patient and supportive helps create a safe environment that encourages lasting growth.

4. Compassion

It is very important that your clients sense you truly care about them. You may not personally relate to every issue they share, but showing compassion and acknowledging what it feels like to be in their shoes helps build trust and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.

5. Encouragement

The ability to encourage and instil hope in clients is an important attribute of any counsellor. Offering reassurance and helping clients see the possibility of positive change can empower them to take meaningful steps toward growth and healing.

6. Self-Awareness

A counsellor who is self-aware and able to manage their own emotions, without reacting defensively to what a client shares, is far more effective in building a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship.

7. Open-Mindedness

Counsellors hear deeply personal information and work with people from all walks of life. It is important that the client understands that they are not being judged, but instead supported as you focus on helping them achieve better outcomes and make positive changes.

8. Flexibility

A competent counsellor understands the importance of staying flexible in their approach, adapting their communication style to suit each client’s needs. At times this might involve asking questions, while at other times it means simply holding space in silence to allow the client to reflect and process.

9. Good Listener

Counsellors spend a significant amount of time listening to their clients. It’s important to be intuitive and able to ‘read between the lines,’ understanding the deeper meaning behind what is being shared. This insight allows you to help clients turn their words into clear, achievable goals they can work toward to find resolution and create positive change.

10. Self-Care

Understanding personal limits and maintaining healthy boundaries allows counsellors to care for themselves, prevent burnout, and remain fully present and effective for their clients.

Study Pathways to becoming a Counsellor

Because counsellors and psychotherapists have such a profound impact on their clients’ lives, high-quality training and recognised qualifications are critical. There are several education pathways to become a counsellor, including Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. This provides a range of opportunities for entering the workforce and continuing to develop your skills throughout your career. Counsellors can also specialise in areas such as drug and alcohol treatment, youth work, and transpersonal approaches. Advanced training in these specialisations provides deeper knowledge and techniques to support the best possible outcomes for clients.

Many professionals choose to pursue additional training as they gain experience, transitioning from a good counsellor to a great counsellor. Education providers such as Ikon Institute offer flexible study options allowing students to continue their studies while they work. This approach allows students to apply new techniques and skills in real time, with the added benefit of direct supervision and feedback from experienced practitioners.

Challenge yourself to change lives. Immerse yourself in the study of Counselling and Psychotherapy by exploring our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Passionate in other areas? We have a range of specialised courses in the field of Arts Therapy, Early Childhood Education and Community Services.