Career Guidance/Counselling

boscobuffalo

Hi Folks

I am currently an IT professional (11 years) considering a career change into a more person-oriented career.

At the moment I am looking at 'career guidance/counselling' as a possibility

I find the description of the "Postgraduate Diploma In Guidance And Counselling" described at http://www.corkigc.com/
(Go to 'Memebership'->'How to become a guidance counsellor')
quite exciting

Nearly all of my reading over the last few years have been psychology/self-help/personality/social science type stuff, e.g. Seligman's books

I did an 8-week night course in CBT which I found very interesting

I have also seen a hypnotherapist myself to address a few anxiety issues so I have experience on that side of the fence

I have a good friend who is currently studying psychotherapy and while it sounds interesting I'm not sure if I want to go all the way into dealing with 'heavy' issues on day-to-day basis

My question is whether any of you guys can shed any light on what the actual practicalities of this job are ? Do you know anyone in this field and if so what are their experiences ?

Also what are the employment prospects in schools/private career advisory services - is there a shortage or a glut of candidates ?

And finally what sort of money do these jobs pay (a very general question I know)

Any and all information welcome

Cinful

Contemplating career switch? Read What Color is Your Parachutte first.