What is counselling?
Counselling is a type of cognitive therapy that focuses on providing emotional support to individuals in a safe, non-judgemental environment where they can talk about the things that are preventing them from living the life they really want. A counsellor assists their clients in cultivating their untapped resources and strengths in order to overcome current issues and regain control of their lives. This allows them to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Counselling helps children and adults deal with life uncertainties, relationship issues, learning disabilities, low self-esteem, bullying, grief and career transitions, among other things.
Caboolture counsellors are eligible for membership in the following professional associations:
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
- International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Should you study counselling?
If you want to work with people to help them overcome life's most difficult challenges, taking a counselling course will give you the qualifications you need to get started. To be a successful counsellor, you must develop the following qualities and interpersonal skills:
- Advanced listening skills will help you gain a better understanding of a client's perspective and concerns.
- Excellent communication skills will enable you to articulate your thoughts in an understandable, calm and professional manner.
- Empathy allows you to create a non-judgemental environment in which clients can express their concerns.
- Calm and capable of emitting positive energy that may rub off on your clients and shift their thinking and emotional patterns in a positive direction.
If this list matches your personal characteristics and career interests, continue reading to learn more about your course and study options in Caboolture.
What are the course and study options for counselling in Caboolture?
If you want to become an accredited counsellor, you must first complete a nationally recognised counselling qualification. Many colleges and universities provide flexible options that allow you to fit your studies around your daily schedule. Moreover, you can obtain your qualification on campus, online, or through blended learning. There are even night and weekend courses available if you are unable to study during the day from Monday to Friday.
If you're not too keen on diving straight into a three-year course, attending a short course or workshop that lasts a few days to a week is a good place to start.
You can then progress to a certificate program to learn the fundamentals of counselling that are required in a clinical setting.
If you want to be job-ready after graduation, a diploma qualification is the way to go. Not only will you learn how to conduct counselling sessions, but you will also learn how to make yourself appealing to potential clients and employers.
Earning a bachelor's degree will provide you with everything that any counsellor desires in their profession, including membership in a nationally recognised counselling peak body.
If you're ready to begin your career as a counsellor, look through all of the counselling course options in Caboolture at the top of this page. You can contact your preferred course provider for more information on their curricula, tuition fees and delivery methods.
What happens after you complete your counselling course?
After finishing your studies, there are numerous companies and industries where you can apply your counselling knowledge and skills. This includes schools, corporate offices, community health centres, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health institutions and aged care facilities.
If you want more control over your work and schedule, you have the option of starting your own private practice. If you choose this route, Natural Therapy Pages can help you find new clients by allowing you to list your in-person or online counselling services on the practitioner listing page.
To maintain your membership with your organisation while expanding your skills and knowledge, it is highly recommended that you pursue a continuing professional education (CPE) program in relevant fields, such as the following:
