What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy in which counsellors provide strategies for people to overcome emotional issues and control their behaviour. Counsellors provide a safe and non-judgmental environment that allows clients to express their feelings, emotional issues and concerns. Counsellors are qualified in providing assistance and advice to people dealing with the following problems:
- Bereavement
- Anger management
- Depression
- Work-related stress
- Bullying
- Eating disorders
- Infertility
- Anxiety
- Family-related stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Life transition
- Trauma
- Low self-esteem
- Issues with sexual identity
- Relationship problems
In the Sunshine Coast, there are two counselling associations that counsellors can join once they finish their initial training:
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Should you complete a counselling course?
Are you interested in learning more about psychology and counselling so that you can help people overcome their emotional distress?
If this sounds like you, you should consider pursuing a career in counselling! Some of the interpersonal traits that you will need to possess in order to be a counsellor include:
- Strong listening skills to be able to get a comprehensive understanding of all the problems and how their lifestyle or environment has impacted them.
- Client-centric and supportive attitude that shows clients that they are able to express all of their thoughts and concerns without the fear of judgement.
- Good verbal communication skills to be able to clearly explain to the client why they are feeling the way they are and the steps they should take to overcome it.
- High levels of professionalism when upholding legal and ethical obligations to clients.
If you see a match between your qualities and professional aspirations with those mentioned above, continue reading to discover the course and career options available for you in the Sunshine Coast.
What are the course and study options for counsellors in the Sunshine Coast?
If you want to work as a counsellor in the Sunshine Coast, you will need to complete an undergraduate course, Bachelor of Counselling. You have the option to complete this either on-campus or online depending on your preferred learning style and schedule.
During these courses, you will learn more about psychology, mental health, counselling methodologies, relationships and ethics. Alongside your studies, you will need to complete a clinical placement which will allow you to shadow and work with a professionally trained counsellor.
Are you an aspiring counsellor that is ready to commence their educational journey to reach that end goal of becoming a counsellor? If so, scroll to the top of this page to discover some of the counselling courses available near you in the Sunshine Coast. Once you have shortlisted your favourite courses, you can get in touch with the course provider for more information about their curriculum, delivery options and fees you can enquire with them directly.
What happens after you complete your counselling course in the Sunshine Coast?
Even though counselling is an unregulated profession in the Sunshine Coast, some people still decide to join a professional membership association which ensures credibility to future employers and clients. After finishing your undergraduate studies, you will be able to work in a variety of work settings:
- Educational facilities
- Rehabilitation centres
- Community health centres
- Mental health facilities
- Crisis phone lines
- Hospitals
- Aged care centres
Additionally, once you gain more experience as a professional counsellor, you will be able to start your own business through a private practice specialising in counselling. This will allow you to retain a greater degree of control over your business management. Natural Therapy Pages can provide valuable assistance especially during the early stages of establishing your business. This includes helping drive traffic and subsequently clients to your business through letting you list your face-to-face counselling services or via online consultations.
If you are looking to expand your knowledge in the field of counselling it is highly recommended that you further your education by enrolling in a postgraduate course. Some of the modalities available to you, that will allow you to specialise in a particular field of counselling include:
