What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy in which therapists assist clients in dealing with emotional problems and controlling their behaviour. Counsellors provide a judgement-free zone where clients can talk about their emotions, mental issues and concerns without fear of being judged. Counselling practitioners assist and advise people struggling with the following issues:
- Bullying
- Issues with sexual identity
- Relationship problems
- Suicidal thoughts
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Infertility
- Anger management
- Family-related stress
- Low self-esteem
- Work-related stress
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Life transition
- Trauma
There are two counselling organisations in Toowoomba that therapists can join after completing their initial education:
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Should you complete a counselling course?
Do you desire to learn more about psychology and psychotherapy to assist people to overcome their emotional issues?
If this describes you, you should consider becoming a counsellor! To succeed in this profession, you'll need to possess the following interpersonal skills and traits to be a counsellor:
- Client-centric attitude: Allow clients to freely and honestly express their concerns without fear of being criticised or judged.
- Excellent listening skills: you'll have a deeper understanding of the issues, how their lifestyle or environment has affected them. This will help you build a rapport with your client and allow you to provide targeted advice and guidance.
- Good verbal communication skills: to educate your clients as to why they are feeling the way they do and what steps they can take to alter it.
- Professionalism: you must meet legal and ethical responsibilities whenever you conduct client consultations.
Keep reading to learn about Toowoomba's training and employment options if your career goals and interpersonal skills are similar to those mentioned above.
What are the course and study options for counsellors in Toowoomba?
A Bachelor of Counselling degree is required to work as a counsellor in Toowoomba. In terms of the delivery modes, you can complete this either on-campus or online depending on your preferred learning style and schedule.
During these courses, you'll learn more about psychology, mental health, counselling techniques, relationships and ethics. You'll also need to complete a clinical placement that allows you to observe and work with a highly qualified psychotherapist. This will give you insight into the job of a counsellor, as well as teach you how to deal with clients.
Are you an aspiring counsellor based in Toowoomba who is ready to commence your educational journey?
If this sounds like you, go to the top of this page to discover some of Toowoomba's counselling schools and programs. After you've chosen several options that best meet your current needs and future career goals, you can contact the institution for more information about their:
- Prerequisite requirements
- Delivery modes
- Curriculum
- Course costs
- Payment plans
- Graduate support
This will help you make a well-informed decision on the best course for you to pursue.
What happens after you complete your counselling course in Toowoomba?
It is highly regulated that you register with one of the counselling accreditation bodies before working. After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll be able to work in a variety of different workplaces such as:
- Educational facilities
- Crisis phone lines
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Aged care centres
- Community health centres
- Schools
- Mental health facilities
Furthermore, if you become an expert counsellor, you may start your own firm as a private practice that specialises in counselling. This will allow you to have more management control over your business. Natural Therapy Pages can aid with a range of issues, particularly during the early phases of establishing your business. By allowing you to list your business, Natural Therapy Pages can help you promote your services and attract new consumers by allowing you to advertise your face-to-face counselling consultations or online services via the relevant practitioner listing page.
If you want to enhance your understanding of counselling or improve your career prospects, postgraduate study is strongly advised. Firstly, you have the option of pursuing a Masters of Counselling. However, if you are looking for something short-term, you can do a course specialising in a certain area of counselling.
