Within the field of social care and guidance, a counsellor works with clients to discuss their problem in a positive and unbiased way, help them explore their thoughts and feelings about certain experiences they may not normally share with others, steer them towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their concerns, and make choices for changes.

Counselling is a specialized field which involves building a therapeutic relationship with clients in difficulties and using specialized skills and strategies to help them. A counsellor does not give advice, but instead help clients to make their own choices. This could be done in different settings, to help different groups or individuals, such as in schools to help youths, and in rehabilitation centres to help people overcoming addiction problems. In order to cover the spectrum of clients’ needs, a counsellor have to be aware of other types of support and if necessary, liaise with other agencies and individuals, and refer clients to them, so as to help make changes based on the issues raised by clients.

In an increasingly fast-paced and competitive society in Singapore, more people are seeking professional assistance in the form of counselling. If you are sensitive towards people, have good listening and interpersonal skills and a high degree of self-awareness, do consider lending an ear to those in need.

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