Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies

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.

• 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.

• 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.