Overview
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They can be specialized to work on specific problems and they may practice psychotherapy. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and educational, health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
Develop and implement counselling and intervention programs to assist clients in determining goals and means of attaining them
Counsel clients, provide therapy and mediation services, and facilitate group sessions
Liaise with community agencies or partners, and identify additional or alternative services and provide referrals
Evaluate the effectiveness of counselling programs and interventions, and clients' progress in resolving identified problems and movement toward defined objectives
Follow up on results of counselling programs and clients' adjustments
Prepare assessment, progress, follow-up and court reports
May supervise other counsellors, social service staff and assistants
May provide public education and consultation to other professionals or groups regarding counselling services, issues and methods
May provide witness testimony in court proceedings
May conduct research, publish research papers, educational texts and articles and deliver presentations at conferences
May collaborate with employee assistance programs or with government organizations in health and safety or with victims of crime
May participate in fundraising activities.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$47,969
$68,825
$96,522
Job openings
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Strong job outlook
British Columbia
1,879expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's or master's degree in the field of counselling, therapy, mental health, psychology or a related social service discipline is required and a period of supervised clinical work with clients may be required.
A master's degree in the field of therapy is required for art therapist, music therapist, and dance therapists.
Membership with a provincial or federal association is usually required by employers.
Additional information
Counselling therapists usually become specialized in a particular area through continual training and experience.
Progression to social service management positions is possible with additional training and experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies in B.C.
- Registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
To work as a therapist in B.C., you may choose to register with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Eligibility is achieved by providing evidence of your academic credentials and work experience, as well as references.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.