Counsellor Job - Interview Questions??

minddoodle

Hi there,
I am a qualified and accredited psychotherapist, going for my first job interview in the field. I am normally fairly good at interviews but this is a change of career for me and so I am feeling a little unprepared. I would be grateful if anyone out there could give me an idea of the kinds of questions that would be asked.
Its for a helpline position.
many thanks for reading

Kooli

I used to work on a helpline, so maybe I can help.
Is it voluntary or paid? Is it a 'listening service' or is it actually therapy provided over the phone?

I think you should probably prepare answers on standard interview-type questions like your skills and qualities, why you want the position, what you would bring to it etc.

Then look at the job description in the ad. Look at the criteria/skills they are looking for and prepare concrete examples of how you have demonstrated each one in a previous position.

There might be some 'what would you do if..' type questions, possibly around maintenance of boundaries and risk assessment, so give them some thought. Also about how you might transfer your skills to working on the phone, what would the challenges be, how you might overcome them etc.

Hope that's helpful.

Odysseus

In my experience they will discuss a few areas with you apart from the clinical side. On the clinical side topics I have encountered are self-care, the difference between working in private practice and working with that organisation, supervision, etc.

Other topics would include admin experience/duties, what you can bring to the service or team, in some cases leadership.management experience and of course the usual of what you brought to your last job and how you can help the new organisation or team in it's development.

Out of interest can I ask how come it is a new career but you are fully qualified; has all your work been in private practice?

minddoodle

Kooli, thanks for your reply. its a crisis counselling helpline. All your suggestions make perfect sense. I appreciate it.
Odysseus, thanks also to you for your helpful reply. I have been working away in various placements (some paid, most voluntary) and in private practice at a reputable counselling centre and that is how i got my hours for accreditation. This is the first time I have applied for a an advertised job vacancy.

Odysseus

minddoodle wrote: »

Kooli, thanks for your reply. its a crisis counselling helpline. All your suggestions make perfect sense. I appreciate it.
Odysseus, thanks also to you for your helpful reply. I have been working away in various placements (some paid, most voluntary) and in private practice at a reputable counselling centre and that is how i got my hours for accreditation. This is the first time I have applied for a an advertised job vacancy.

Sound, good luck with the interview.

MollyM

I have looked at the MA in DBS also. This course is not on the list of any of the Counselling bodies either in fact there are NO Masters courses accredited. Can this be right?