Rethinking Counselling Professional Services as Business: A Paradigm Shift

Authors

  • Shuaib Abolakale MUHAMMED Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
  • Barakat Bukola ALEGE Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Keywords:

Business, Counselling, Professional services, Rethinking, Paradigm shift

Abstract

The counselling profession has traditionally been viewed through the lens of a helping, altruistic service, with the primary focus on the well-being of clients. However, this perspective often overlooks the business aspects of running a successful counselling practice. In today's competitive landscape, it is crucial to adopt a paradigm shift that recognizes counselling services as a professional business venture. This presentation argues for the reframing of counselling services as a business model, where the principles of entrepreneurship, marketing, and strategic planning are embraced. By adopting a business-centric approach, counsellors can enhance their visibility, reach a wider client base, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their practices. Effective branding, strategic marketing campaigns, and leveraging digital platforms are key components of this paradigm shift. Additionally, counsellors need to develop business acumen, including financial management, legal compliance, and operational efficiency. This all-inclusive approach will not only empower counsellors to thrive professionally but also enables them to deliver high-quality services to a broader range of clients. Furthermore, the paper advocates for the integration of entrepreneurial and business education into counselling curricula, equipping future professionals with the essential skills to navigate the complexities of running a successful practice. By embracing this model, counsellors can reconcile their commitment to client welfare with the realities of operating a viable and sustainable professional business enterprise.

Author Biographies

Shuaib Abolakale MUHAMMED, Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Barakat Bukola ALEGE, Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Department of Educational Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

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Published

2025-01-30

How to Cite

MUHAMMED, S. A., & ALEGE, B. B. (2025). Rethinking Counselling Professional Services as Business: A Paradigm Shift. Ilorin Journal of Education, 45(2), 512–524. Retrieved from https://ije.unilorinedu.sch.ng/index.php/ije/article/view/272