What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy in which counsellors try to assist people to overcome emotional issues. They do this by providing them with guidance and advice on how to navigate and control their behaviour. Counsellors are responsible for helping clients identify strengths and innate capabilities to cope with the emotional distress linked to the problems. Counsellors assist those that are dealing with a range of psychological or emotional problems such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Bereavement
- Trauma
- Relationship problems
- Infertility
- Low self-esteem
- Bullying
The two main counselling accreditation bodies in Adelaide; the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
Should you complete a counselling course?
Do you believe that counselling is the key for an individual to overcome psychological or emotional problems and live their best life? If this sounds like one of your career goals, then you must pursue a degree in counselling. Furthermore, if you want to have a successful career as a counsellor, you must possess the following soft skills:
- Clear and articulate verbal communication skills when going through step-by-step with clients ways that they can overcome their problems.
- Patience in order for your clients to feel comfortable to be able to talk about their highly sensitive issues at their own pace, without feeling pressured.
- Strong listening skills to be able to get a comprehensive understanding of all the problems and how their lifestyle or environment has impacted them.
- Calm, positive and professional attitude.
What are the course and study options for counsellors in Adelaide?
There are many different learning pathways available for people who are interested in exploring counselling in-depth. By enrolling in a Bachelor of Counselling, you will be able to realise this goal. These can be completed on-campus or online.
These are taught by counselling professionals who have years of experience working as a counsellor. They will explore a variety of topics related to counselling such as psychology, relationships, mental health, methodologies and counselling ethics. Moreover, these courses provide value-adding practical modules letting you learn more about workplace legislation and how to deal with clients.
If you want to learn more about your course options in Adelaide, you can enquire with the counselling school directly.
What happens after you complete your counselling course?
Counselling is an unregulated industry in Adelaide. For that reason, it is vital that you register with one of the peak counselling associations in Australia. This will improve your credibility with future employers and build trust with clients. Moreover, counsellors have a range of different work settings that they can work in which include:
- Educational facilities
- Crisis phone lines
- Community health centres
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Mental health facilities
- Aged care centres
Furthermore, you are also able to start your own private practice after a couple of years of operating in the counselling sector. This would allow you to retain greater control over how you run the business and the clients that you decide to take on board. With the assistance of Natural Therapy Pages, you will be able to accelerate the process of building your client base, through listing your in-person counselling services or via an online session.
Finally, if you want to expand and update your knowledge on counselling, it would be beneficial for you to consider enrolling on an undergraduate and even postgraduate degree. There are many options available for you such as a Bachelor of Psychology or a Master of Counselling.
