Counselors have a crucial role to play in helping families through difficult times and with unemployment on the rise as the economy declines, their skills are in increasing demand.

According to DigTriad, when someone is laid off from their job it affects their whole family - including their children.

Career counselors can assist in limiting the impact of unemployment by advising families how they can overcome the ensuing uncertainty and adversity.

They might have to provide information on anything from how to explain unemployment to children to discussing how it will affect their lifestyle and outlining how the family will get through the coming challenges.

Dr Jane Walker, a professional career counselor, said perhaps the most important thing a professional counselor can do is encourage openness and honesty from the outset.

Career counseling is just one area of the profession. According to the Department of Labor, qualified counselors can also work in schools and rehabilitation services, as well as dealing with personal and relationship issues.

In 2006, there were around 635,000 counselors working in the United States.