Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors
NOC 4153
Description
Family, marriage and other related counsellors assist individuals and groups of clients to identify, understand and overcome personal problems and achieve personal objectives. They are employed by counselling centres, social service agencies, group homes, government agencies, family therapy centres, and health care and rehabilitation facilities, or they may work in private practice.
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.
Other Titles
- addictions counsellor
- grief counsellor
- rehabilitation counsellor
- registered marriage and family therapist
- sex therapist
- bereavement counsellor
- vocational rehabilitation counsellor
- child and youth counsellor
- registered clinical counsellor
(Government of Canada National Occupation Classification)
Skills
- Active listening
- Empathy
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Mental stamina
- Patience
- Communication
Education/Training Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Most college/university programs in Ontario require an OSSD or Mature Student Status
Post-secondary diploma/degree
- A master’s degree in the field of counselling, mental health or a related social service discipline is usually required
- An undergraduate degree or college diploma in a social science is required for certain areas of counselling
Certification
- Registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario is required
Potential Earnings in Durham Region
The average and median wages and salaries for individuals employed as family, marriage and other counsellors are as follows. Place of Residence (POR) is defined as individuals who reside within the Durham Region. Place of Work (POW) is defined as individuals who are employed within the Durham Region.
| Median Wages and Salaries (POW) | Average Wages and Salaries (POW) | Median Wages and Salaries (POR) | Average Wages and Salaries (POR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $42,400 | $44,861 | $47,169 | $50,004 |
Employment Prospects
| Industry (NAICS) | Jobs in Durham Region (POW) | Durham Region Residents Employed (POR) |
|---|---|---|
| 6230 Nursing and residential care facilities | 85 | 75 |
(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2016 data in Durham Workforce Authority’s 2017 Sector Report)
Additional Resources
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario: https://www.crpo.ca/
- Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association: https://www.ccpa-accp.ca/
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