Meeting with a Counsellor

I had a meeting with a counsellor at college today to talk about their job, since I am investigating psychology related careers.
Counselling is a form of psychotherapy - it is not about labelling or diagnosis, rather about the person's inner experience. Different counsellors work by different theories/techniques. This includes humanistic, person centered therapy which involves empowerment and breaking down 'life scripts' in order to see situations differently. It can often be a slow process but can be very effective since it places the person in control. This is the technique the counsellor I talked to uses and is trained in. She told me that it involves 3 main concepts; empathy, congruence/being open and honest, and positive regard/acceptance i.e. being non judgmental. These basic principles are applied to every person - the way of working is standard but is applied to the situation so can seem changeable.
Other theories/techniques in counselling include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) which involves thinking and behaving differently, rather than finding out the cause of what is wrong with the person, and more 'aggressive' theories such as psychoanalysis. Different counsellors will train in different theories, depending on their own personal views.
At the beginning of the academic year a counsellor at a college will aim to make themselves visible and known, putting a face to their service, in order to make it more 'human'. They will accept referrals of students, whether they are from the students themselves, teachers, parents etc. An initial meeting will be held in which background information and the format of counselling is discussed and it is decided whether the counselling will go ahead. If it is to go ahead, initially the person will have 6 sessions, then another 6 if necessary. In some circumstances, a further 6 will be held. There are four counsellors in the team here.
A lot of counsellors go in to the job as a 'wounded healer' i.e. they have had personal issues and been through similar processes themselves. The training is intense, involving a degree and masters in the area of counselling that they wish to be trained in. Most people enter counselling later in life, often as a result of their own experiences.
When asked what the best thing about the job is, the response was: being with people and seeing that you're making a difference to them. Sharing someone's life is honoring and a real buzz. The job is extremely rewarding.
And the worst thing: personal gremlins, questions such as 'am I doing the right thing?' and wanting the best for someone where this may not happen i.e. if they do not want to complete the counselling. Also the wages do not reflect the qualifications needed and the responsibility held - real passion is needed because the pay is not brilliant.
Personality traits/skills/qualities needed to be a successful counsellor: naturally a people person, good listener, empathetic (this can't be trained, it needs to be natural), passionate, willing and open about self (own strengths/weaknesses), and must know self well.
Advice for anyone wanting to get into the profession: Just go for it!