Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical pathway in Canada often starts with secondary school courses in English, social sciences, psychology, and communication, plus volunteer work or part-time roles that build listening and helping skills. Many employers prefer postsecondary study in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related field, and some roles may require graduate study or specialized training, depending on the employer, province, and setting. Early experience in community agencies, helplines, youth programs, or human services can be helpful. Some counsellors also develop their practice through supervised placement, continuing education, and experience with specific client groups or issues.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Interview clients, prepare case histories and assess problems
• Conduct vocational testing and psychometric assessment
• 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 participate in fundraising activities.
• Family, marriage and other related counsellors often specialize in dealing with a specific client group such as injured workers, or with specific problems, such as drug and alcohol addiction, marital difficulties or behavioural disorders.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career