A counsellor is a professional who provides guidance and assistance to individuals or groups. They help clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. This is done in order to achieve personal growth, improve relationships and make informed decisions.
To become a counsellor, certain qualifications are typically required. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in psychology or counselling is necessary. However, many counsellors pursue a master's or doctoral degree to enhance their knowledge and skills. Additionally, acquiring relevant certifications and licenses specific to the counselling field may be necessary depending on the country or state. Read: Types of Counsellors
The duration to become a counsellor can vary depending on the educational path chosen. A bachelor's degree typically takes around four years. While a master's program can range from one to three years. Further specialization or pursuing a doctoral degree can add several more years of study.
Becoming a counsellor requires a combination of academic study and practical training along with personal development. Counsellors need to possess strong interpersonal skills, empathy, active listening abilities, and the capacity to maintain professional boundaries. The average salary of a Counsellor is INR 8.90 LPA, while the highest counsellor salary in India can range from INR 15 LPA - 23 LPA, while the starting salary can range from INR 3.66 LPA - 7 LPA.
Table of Content
- How to Become a Counsellor After 12th: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Become Counsellor After 12th
- Steps to Become a Counsellor After 12th
- Courses to Become Counsellor After 12th
- Top Counsellor Colleges
- Skills Required to Become a Counsellor After 12th
- Benefits of Becoming a Counsellor After 12th
- Counsellor Salary
- How to Become a Counsellor After 12th: FAQs
How to Become a Counsellor after 12th: Quick Facts
| Eligibility Criteria | Completion of 12th grade or equivalent education. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, counselling, or a related field is recommended but not always mandatory. |
| Skills Required | Empathy and active listening skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Non-judgmental and unbiased approach. Emotional intelligence and empathy. Patience and understanding. |
| Starting Salary (INR) | 3.50 LPA - 7 LPA |
| Average Salary (INR) | 8.90 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | 15 LPA - 23 LPA |
Eligibility to Become Counsellor after 12th
The eligibility criteria to become a Counsellor typically include,
- Completion of 12th grade or equivalent education.
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology is recommended.
- Some institutions may require a master's degree in counselling or psychology for advanced counselling positions.
- Additional certifications or training programs in counselling may be beneficial for career advancement.
- Strong interest and passion for helping others and supporting their mental well-being.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect ethical guidelines in counselling practices.
Steps to Become a Counsellor after 12th
The steps to become a Counsellor are as follows:
- Pursue a bachelor's degree in a psychology-related field. This provides a solid foundation in the principles and theories of counselling.
- Seek opportunities to gain practical experience in the field of counselling.
- Consider pursuing a master's degree in counselling or a specialized counselling field. This advanced degree provides in-depth knowledge and specialized training required for professional counselling practice.
- To work as a professional Counsellor, licensure or certification may be required. Research the requirements and complete the necessary steps to obtain licensure or certification in your area.
- Many counselling programs require supervised clinical experience. This involves working under the supervision of a licensed Counsellor to gain practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world counselling situations.
- Consider specializing in specific areas of counselling. These areas include marriage and family therapy, substance abuse or mental health counselling. Additional training and certifications may be required for specialization.
- Stay updated with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in the counselling field through continuing education and professional development activities.
- Attend workshops and seminars to enhance your knowledge.
- Connect with other professionals in the counselling field through professional organizations, conferences, and online communities. Networking can provide opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and career advancement.
- Apply for counselling positions in schools, colleges, or nonprofit organizations. Gain experience and continue to refine your counselling skills.
- Counselling can be emotionally demanding, so it is essential to prioritize self-care. Practice self-care strategies to maintain your own mental well-being.
Courses to Become a Counsellor after 12th
After completing 12th grade, you can pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field to start your journey towards becoming a Counsellor. Specialized courses in counselling are also available at the postgraduate level for further specialization.
| Parameters | Bachelor's Degree in Psychology | Bachelor's Degree in Counseling or Applied Psychology | Bachelor's Degree in Social Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years | 3 to 4 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 60% | Completed 12th grade or its equivalent in any stream | Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50 to 60% |
| Top Colleges | University of Delhi, Delhi Christ University, Bangalore Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi Loyola College, Chennai St. Xavier's College, Mumbai |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi Christ University, Bangalore Loyola College, Chennai St. Xavier's College, Mumbai Delhi University, Delhi |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Delhi School of Social Work, University of Delhi Loyola College, Chennai Christ University, Bangalore Madras School of Social Work, Chennai |
| Entrance Exams | Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET) Christ University Entrance Test Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET) St. Xavier's College Entrance Exam Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam Amity University Entrance Exam Manipal Academy of Higher Education Online Entrance Test (MAHE-OET) Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET) Lovely Professional University National Eligibility and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST) |
Christ University Entrance Exam Loyola College Entrance Exam St. Xavier's College Entrance Exam Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET) Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam |
Loyola College Social Work Entrance Exam Madras School of Social Work Entrance Exam Banaras Hindu University Social Work Entrance Exam Aligarh Muslim University Social Work Entrance Exam University of Calcutta Social Work Entrance Exam |
| Average Course Fees (INR) | INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 per year | INR 30,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year | INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary (INR) | 2.50 LPA | 7 LPA | 2 LPA - 8 LPA |
Top Counselling Colleges
Some top colleges known for offering programs in banking and finance are:
| College Name | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Approximately â?¹23,00,000 |
| Indian School of Business (ISB) | Hyderabad, Telangana | â?¹37,00,000 |
| Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi | Delhi | â?¹25,000 (for the entire program) |
| XLRI - Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand | Approximately â?¹23,60,000 |
| Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) | Delhi and Kolkata | Approximately â?¹8,85,000 |
| National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM) | Pune, Maharashtra | â?¹7,20,000 |
| Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Approximately â?¹9,25,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Counsellor after 12th
The essential skills required to become a Counsellor after Class 12th are as follows -
| Financial Literacy | Numerical Skills | Communication Skills |
| Customer Service Orientation | Analytical Thinking | Attention to Detail |
| Technology Proficiency | Teamwork and Collaboration | Adaptability |
| Integrity and Ethical Conduct | Problem-Solving | Time Management |
Benefits of Becoming a Counsellor after 12th
Some of the key benefits that are associated with becoming a Counsellor are listed below.
- As a Counsellor, you can make a positive impact on the lives of individuals.
- One can help them navigate through challenging situations and achieve personal growth.
- The role of a Counsellor can be deeply rewarding, as they witness the progress and transformation of their clients.
- Counselling offers a wide range of career paths. This allows candidates to specialize in mental health, education, career counselling, addiction counselling, and more.
- Counselling is a field that requires ongoing learning and professional development. This provides you with opportunities to enhance your knowledge. This can be done through workshops, seminars, and advanced certifications.
- With an increasing demand for mental health services, there is a sense of job security and stability in the counselling profession.
- Counselling careers often provide flexibility in terms of work hours and settings. You may have the option to work in private practice, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, or even as a freelance Counsellor.
- Being a Counsellor requires self-reflection and self-awareness. This can contribute to your personal growth and understanding of human behaviour and relationships.
- Counselling careers can offer competitive salaries, especially as you gain experience and specialize in a particular counselling area.
- One can help in promoting mental health and well-being for a better society.
Counsellor Salary
Counsellors generally have competitive salaries such as.
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| 0 - 1 year | 2 LPA - 3.50 LPA |
| 2 - 5 years | 5 LPA - 7 LPA |
| 6 - 10 years | 10 LPA & above |
| 10 - 15 years | 15 LPA & above |
| 15 - 20 years | 20 LPA & above |
| 20 years and above | 27 LPA & above |
How to Become a Counsellor After 12th: FAQs
Ques. What are the different types of counselling?
Ans. There are various types of counselling. Each counselling type address the specific needs and concerns of individuals. Some common types of counselling are as follows:
- Mental Health Counseling: Mental health Counsellors work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Marriage and Family Counseling: Marriage and family Counsellors specialize in working with couples and families. They address relationship issues, communication problems, marital conflicts, and family dynamics.
- School Counseling: School Counsellors work in educational settings to support students' academic and emotional development.
- Substance Abuse Counseling: Substance abuse Counsellors assist individuals struggling with substance addiction.
- Career Counseling: Career Counsellors help individuals explore and make informed decisions about their career paths.
- Rehabilitation Counseling: Rehabilitation Counsellors work with individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life.
- Geriatric Counseling: Geriatric Counsellors specialize in working with older adults, addressing their unique mental health, emotional, and social needs.
- Grief Counseling: Grief Counsellors support individuals who are experiencing loss and grieving.
Ques. What qualifications do I need to become a Counsellor?
Ans. To become a Counsellor, you typically need the following qualifications:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
- Pursue a master's degree in counseling or a related field.
- Ensure that your degree program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
- Gain supervised clinical experience through internships or practicum placements.
- Research the licensure requirements in your country or state.
- Stay updated with current research and trends in counseling by participating in continuing education and professional development activities.
- Consider specializing in a specific area of counseling by obtaining additional training or certifications.
- Join professional counseling associations or organizations relevant to your area of interest.
- Familiarize yourself with ethical guidelines and codes of conduct specific to the counseling profession.
Ques. Which subjects should I study in 12th grade to become a Counsellor ?
Ans. To prepare for a career in counseling, it is beneficial to take a combination of subjects in 12th grade that provide a strong foundation.
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English
- Biology
- Humanities
- Foreign Languages (optional)
Ques. What are the skills required to become a Counsellor?
Ans. The skills required to become a Counsellor include:
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Non-judgmental attitude
- Emotional intelligence
- Compassion
- Patience
- Cultural sensitivity
- Self-awareness
- Ethics and professionalism
- Boundaries and Confidentiality
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Resilience and self-care.
Ques. How long does it take to become a Counsellor?
Ans. The time it takes to become a Counsellor can vary depending on the educational path chosen. Generally, it takes around 6-8 years to complete a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in counselling. This is followed by supervised clinical experience and licensure requirements.
Ques. Do I need a license to work as a Counsellor?
Ans. Yes, in most countries, a license is needed to work as a Counsellor. Licensure requirements generally include completing a master's degree in counselling or a related field. The candidates need to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours and pass a licensing exam.
Ques. What are the job prospects for Counsellors?
Ans. The job prospects for counsellors include -
- Mental Health Counsellor
- School Counsellor
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
- Career Counsellor
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Geriatric Counsellor
- Child and Adolescent Counsellor
- Crisis Counsellor
- Grief Counsellor
Ques. What are some common counselling specializations?
Ans. Some common areas in which counsellors can specialize are -
- Mental Health Counseling
- School Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Career Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
Ques. Are there opportunities for counselling jobs in non-profit organizations?
Ans. Yes, there are opportunities for counselling jobs in non-profit organizations. Non-profit organizations often provide support and services to individuals and communities in need. Counselling is an essential component of their programs. Non-profit organizations may have counselling positions in mental health, domestic violence, and refugee support. These roles allow Counsellors to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.
Ques. Can I work as a Counsellor internationally?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to work as a Counsellor internationally. Many countries have a demand for qualified Counsellors to address mental health issues and provide support to individuals and communities. However, the requirements and regulations for practising counselling may vary from country to country. Additionally, having cross-cultural competence, adaptability, and knowledge of different counselling approaches can be beneficial for working effectively as a Counsellor in an international setting.
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