How to Become a Counselling Psychologist | Step to become a Counsellor in India
The process of becoming a Clinical Psychologist is very popular and commonly available but, are you searching for how to become a counsellor or a counselling psychologist? Here you’ll get all you need to know about becoming a counsellor.
In today’s fast-paced world, the mental health support is even more important. The Counsellors and Counselling Psychologists play a vital role in improving emotional well-being, helping people manage stress, deal with relationship issues, and navigate life challenges. If you’re passionate about helping others and want to build a career in mental health, becoming a Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist could be the one of the good options for you.
Note: The Clinical Psychologists are often the most recognized professionals in the field of mental.
Also Read: How to become a Clinical Psychologist?
Who is a Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist?
A Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist is a trained professional who helps individuals deal with everyday emotional and psychological issues. Unlike Clinical Psychologists, who often work with severe mental disorders and conduct psychological assessments, Counsellors focus more on providing talk therapies and emotional support for stress, anxiety, relationship problems, career confusion, grief, and more.
A counselling psychologist or counsellor also work with children as school counsellor or child psychologist.
Steps to Become a Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist in India
Step 1: Complete Your Schooling (10+2)
Choose any stream in class 12th, but having Psychology (as a subject) can be helpful. Focus on building communication and listening skills from an early stage.
Step 2: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree
Student should complete a BA or B.Sc. in Psychology degree (preferable) or any related field like Social Work, or Human Development. Having a prior psychology background gives you a basic understanding of psychological principles, theories, and human behavior.
Click here for a strong foundation course in Psychology
Step 3: A Master’s Degree in Psychology is required.
A Master’s in Psychology (MA or MSc) is the minimum qualification needed to become a Psychological counsellor or counselling psychologist in India.
You can do MA or MSc in any of the following specialization:
- Counselling Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- General MA/Msc Psychology (depending on the university)
Also Read: RCI recognized MA Clinical Psychology
Step 4: Gain Practical Experience
- Once you complete your master’s degree, go for some good internships and supervised training under an expert clinical or counselling psychologist.
- Practical exposure helps build counselling skills, ethical awareness, and real-world confidence.
- Many NGOs, schools, hospitals, and private clinics offer jobs or internship opportunities.
Step 5: Pursue Additional Diplomas / Certifications (Optional)
Additional certifications can help you build your skills even better and also make your CV stronger. Some diploma courses such as Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling (RCI Recognized) and PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling are very much beneficial for a counsellor.
- Certifications in specific areas such as:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy)
- Child and Adolescent Counselling
- Psychological Testing’s
- These short-term courses enhance your counselling toolkit and make you more employable.
Step 6: Start Practising
- After postgraduation and gaining experiences, you can start working as a counsellor in:
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals and clinics
- NGOs and community organizations
- Corporate wellness centres
- Private practice
Is RCI License Needed for Counsellors?
No. A license from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)is not mandatory to work as a Counsellor or Counselling Psychologist. However, if you aim to practice as a Clinical Psychologist or want to work in certain government roles, you must complete an RCI license.
Skills Required to Be a Good Counsellor
Being a good counsellor isn’t just based on your degrees. The following soft skills are equally important to become a good counsellor or counselling psychologist:
- Empathy and non-judgmental attitude
- Active listening
- Strong communication skills
- Ethical understanding
- Patience and emotional intelligence
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Countinue Reading: M.Phil Clinical Psychology Exam Dates 2025
