counsellor

A counsellor is a trained professional who provides guidance, support, and advice to individuals, couples, families, or groups to help address personal, social, or emotional difficulties. They use active listening, assessment, and collaborative goal setting, often drawing on multiple therapeutic approaches such as humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or systemic frameworks. The aim is to help clients understand problems, explore options, develop coping strategies, and make informed decisions.

Terminology and scope: The spelling "counsellor" is common in British English and other Commonwealth varieties, while "counselor" is the American English form. In practice, the two terms refer to similar roles, though licensure, regulation, and scope of practice vary by country.

Education and regulation: Most counsellors hold at least a bachelor's degree in counselling, psychology, social work, or a related field, with many pursuing a master's degree for professional practice. In many jurisdictions, licensure or registration with a regulatory or professional body is required to offer certain services or to practice independently. Accreditation bodies promote standards of ethical practice, ongoing professional development, and client safety.

Settings and roles: Counsellors work in schools, universities, clinics, private practice, community agencies, workplaces, and crisis hotlines. Specializations include school counsellor, career counsellor, mental health or clinical counsellor, and marriage and family counsellor, among others. They may provide short-term crisis support, ongoing counseling, career guidance, or life-skills coaching. Confidentiality, informed consent, and ethical boundaries are central considerations in practice.