Kevin Fraser says the best therapists are good listeners, non-judgemental and have the ability to separate work from home. (GORDON DELANEY / Valley Bureau)

By STEVE PROCTOR
Business Editor

KEVIN FRASER has heard more than his share of heartbreaking stories.

Working as a clinical therapist with the mental health and addictions service division of the Annapolis Valley health authority, the 42 year-old med­itation and ball-hockey buff offers community counselling to individuals, couple or families who are being affected by alcohol, drugs or gambling.

"You have to be able to handle emotionally charged circumstances," he said in a recent interview. "People often come to me in a crisis situation. There's often a lot of anger and a lot of hurt."

For confidentiality reasons he won't talk about his clients' situations, but he says in the 10 years he's been in the business, he has learned to focus on the successes and not be discouraged by those who are still struggling.

"The reality is if someone is seeking help, that's a victory," he said. "The road to recovery is not linear. People go through different stages, and sometimes it's rough and sometimes there's a setback."

Although he witnesses the tragic consequences of addiction daily, he is buoyed when he sees his work help repair relationships that have been torn apart or when he hears from clients years after a counselling session and is told his efforts were an important part of their healing.

The best therapists are good listeners, non-judgmental and able to separate their personal and professional lives, he said.

Unless they learn to keep their work at work, the emotional turmoil will swallow them up.

Mr. Fraser said those interested in the field have to be willing to adapt to change to allow for the introduction of new programs and new ways of dealing with problems. For example, efforts in the addiction field over the past decade have changed from a focus on the chronic user to trying to act during early stages of the problem, when the social, financial and employment problems are just starting to show.

Interested in the profession?

Read on.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Counsellors assist individuals and groups to identify, understand and overcome personal, educational and social problems, and to achieve objectives. Activities may include interviewing and counselling clients; preparing case histories and assessing problems; developing and implementing counselling and intervention programs; and evaluating the effectiveness of counselling programs and clients. progress in solving their problems.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WORK IN THIS JOB?
To work in these fields, you should have an interest in the social welfare of others and a desire to help them. Patience, maturity, good listening skills and an understanding of human nature are important. You must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. Leadership, reasoning and decision-making skills are also necessary.

Since training requirements depend on the type of counselling being done, education levels vary. Forty-four per cent have a university degree; 45 per cent have a certificate or diploma. Seventy-two per cent are women. The average age is 38, with 37 per cent under 35.

Fourteen per cent work part time and seven per cent are self-employed.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 15% Cape Breton 19% Halifax 38% North Shore 23% Southern N.S. 5%

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
You generally need at least a master's degree in counselling, mental health or a related social science such as education, psychology or social work to gain employment as a clinical counsellor; that is, a marriage or family counsellor.

Certification is not required to practice in Nova Scotia; however, certification is available through the Canadian Counselling Association. Certain areas of counselling, such as rehabilitation or addiction counselling, may require only an undergraduate degree or diploma in a social science..

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
In order to practise, counsellors must belong to a professional organization and obtain liability insurance. At the Counsellor Training Institute in Halifax, enrolment has increased and there is a planned program expansion.

Most counsellors in the province work for agencies and organizations in the not-for-profit sector or for the federal or provincial governments.

Many counsellors, particularly in the areas of addictions, child and youth, rehabilitation and clinical counselling, are affect­ed by government programs.

Therefore, budget cuts to social services could threaten the stability of this occupation.

There is a shortage of youth, gambling and addiction counsellors in some areas. Government efforts to address the problem might help create more positions.

Outlook: Good
Employment in 2005: 1,610
Estimated average annual number of job openings for new workers: 93
Earnings in 2005: averaged $20.75 hourly with a maximum of $33

TYPICAL JOBS
Addictions counsellor, family counsellor, child and youth counsellor, marriage counsellor, rehabilitation counsellor.

For information on training paths for training paths, or to explore over 300 other careers in Nova Scotia, visit the Education Department's Career Options website: novascotiacareeroptions.ca

On the Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia. Past columns are archived at www.jobspress.com