Counsellor

Counsellors are trained professionals who provide guidance on personal or psychological problems.

Counsellor Job Description

Provide professional counselling and manage client cases.

Set up counselling contracts detailing goals to work towards.

Assess clients' situation and develop strategies and plans for the future.

Plan and implement interventions and developmental programmes.

Connect clients with resources and make referrals for other support services when necessary.

Note

Contrary to popular belief, Counsellors do not instruct their patients on what to do. They encourage clients to explore their options and make their own decisions.

What you should know about Counsellor jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

As Counsellors, you’ll help individuals with various struggles like mental health, emotional healing from trauma, elderly care and relationship guidance.

Key Advice

You may need to provide counselling sessions at night or on weekends when required, based on your clients’ needs.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
To be a registered Counsellor at the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC), a minimum postgraduate degree or diploma in Counselling and at least 600 postgraduate clinical hours are required.

It will be advantageous if you are bilingual or if you speak a basic dialect.

Counsellors require mandatory on-the-job training and mentorship before they can take in clients by themselves.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Counsellor career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Counselling

Skilled in diverse Counselling to assist clients with emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges.

Case Management

Skilled in case management, coordinating care, and advocating for services to meet client needs.

Note-taking

Skilled in documenting sessions and tracking progress to meet standards.

Soft Skills

Communication

Excellent communication skills for effective client interactions, conveying empathy and understanding.

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to build rapport and trust with diverse clients.

Empathy

Deep understanding and compassion for others' feelings are vital for effective Counselling.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Counsellors and Psychologists?

Psychologists tend to require a higher formal educational certification and study for a longer period of time compared to Counsellors. Additionally, Psychologists tend to specialise in specific fields (such as Education or Mental Health) and are better equipped to help individuals with more severe mental diagnoses.
Who is Counselling for?

It is a common belief that only people with severe mental health issues require counselling. In reality, many who attend counselling sessions are bright and stable individuals who are looking for solutions to everyday issues, such as stress and relationship problems.
What are the challenges and rewards of Counsellors?

Counsellors face the challenge of dealing with clients' emotional distress and may experience emotional fatigue. However, the rewarding aspect of the job lies in helping individuals overcome their struggles, witnessing personal growth, and making a positive impact on people's lives.
What ethical policies do Counsellors have to follow?

Confidentially must be maintained to protect the privacy of their clients, ensuring that any information shared during sessions remains strictly confidential, except in certain situations where there is a legal or ethical obligation to breach it.
Where can Counsellors work other than in schools?

Other places include mental health clinics, hospitals, community organisations, rehabilitation centres, and others.