COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST JOB

Counselling psychology is a branch of applied psychology concerned with the integration of psychological principles and therapeutic processes. It adopts a reflective practitioner approach combining understanding both from formal psychological enquiry and from the interpersonal relationship between practitioner and client. Counselling psychologists work therapeutically with clients that may have a variety of problems, difficulties and life issues. These may include: bereavement the effects of childhood sexual abuse relationship breakdown domestic violence.

Major trauma and/or symptoms of psychological disorder such as anxiety and depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder or psychosis. They work collaboratively with people, exploring underlying issues to empower them to consider change. There are many similarities to the work conducted by clinical psychologists. The major difference is within the training. The training required to become a chartered counselling psychologist is much more focused on personal insight and the relationship with the client. Another difference is that clinical psychologist trainees are paid while they train and counselling psychologist trainees pay their own fees and expenses and therefore have more flexibility in their training.

Counselling psychologists aim to help individuals make decisions for themselves to improve their sense of personal wellbeing and alleviate distress. The work is concerned with the application of psychological theories and techniques to help people deal with everyday problems associated with life events. Contact is mainly in a community/social, health/medical or organisational setting with the following clients. Working with individuals, groups and/or organisations, applying psychological principles and understanding, with the objective of assisting them to change, improve, understand or better manage their situation. Building relationships with clients: 'being with' rather than 'doing to' the client.

Offering advice on how best to work with a client, usually when employed on a consultancy basis. Undertaking research, either individually, or as part of a team. Performing assessments, including assessment of mental health needs, risk assessment and psychometric testing. Formulating psychological explanations of the cause and maintenance of psychological difficulties. Planning and implementing therapy, together with the evaluation of the outcome of therapy. Writing reports and record keeping. Overseeing the management of services and staff. Receiving ongoing personal therapy and supervision. The work may also involve teaching, supervising and training other counselling psychologists, applied psychologists, assistant psychologists and related professionals.