After years studying in and teaching in the Counselling Industry, I have listed my top 5 crucial reasons I believe someone should choose to become a Counsellor. 1. You Have a Passion for Making a Difference Everyday I speak with people who are considering a career in counselling, and when I ask them why they want to pursue this career path the number one  answer is passion....To make a positive difference in the lives of others. However, sometimes fear is expressed with comments like "what if I fail?" When you seek your passion there will always be an element of fear, however  if you let the fear rule, then your passion will lie dormant and you will never know. Speak to anyone who is in a career they love and they will more than likely tell you they were scared at the beginning. Remember that skills can be learnt however your passion is part of who you were born to be. If you don't try you will always be left wondering "what if I could of succeeded?" 2. A Sense of Meaning Those who are interested in becoming a counsellor often express to me and our team that they are looking for a sense of fulfilment in their career. They have a strong desire to be part of meaningful work that they don't find in their current roles. More and more people as changing careers and seeking out roles where they know they are going to be able to make a difference. Helping others through tough times often provides a sense of purpose and makes work and your career path so much more rewarding. Gone are the days of staying in a job you don't enjoy, there are too many options in the modern world to pursue new studies e.g. a Diploma in Counselling course, new career paths and take the path you have a passion for. 3. Previous Positive Experience with a Counsellor Often people who have experienced the benefit of positive change in their own life through counselling are motivated to be able to offer the same help to others. This was one of the reasons I became a Counsellor and it increased my determination to succeed because I learnt that there is no shame in seeking counselling and in fact it can completely turn around ones life. As a result of my positive experience I have been able to go on and support many others through positive change. My experience enabled me to pursue my true passion and gave my career a sense on meaning. 4. Opportunity to Work With New People Every Day As a Counsellor you get to work people from all walks of life every day. You will help many people overcome obstacles and emotional challenges, and whilst there are times when you will inevitably face challenges in this career the positives will far outweigh the negatives, and no two days are ever the same. 5. Make a Positive Impact on Society It is a sad fact that mental health issues are on  the rise. Whilst counsellors do not deal with mental health issues they do have the opportunity to identify and refer early on, ensuring the client receives appropriate treatment. That being said mental health is about being socially, cognitively and emotionally  healthy; the way we think; feel and develop relationships and this is where a counsellor can play a huge role in facilitating change.  Every client you help will make a difference globally. Jigsaw has recently introduced a mental health first aid course to help adults how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. "If you make a difference to just one persons life you will create a domino effect that will in turn help many others". Sally Healey CEO Jigsaw Training Group