What is counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy that allows clients to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Counsellors are trained in providing a non-judgemental and safe environment where clients can talk about their feelings, emotional issues and concerns. This allows counsellors to better determine the factors leading to this emotional distress. Subsequently, they provide them with strategies to help them navigate and overcome their behavioural issues. Counsellors are qualified in giving counselling sessions to individuals dealing with a wide range of problems:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Work-related stress
- Bullying
- Trauma
- Bereavement
- Anger management
- Low self-esteem
- Issues with sexual identity
- Relationship problems
- Eating disorders
- Infertility
- Family-related stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Life transition
There are two main counselling accreditation bodies in Hobart are:
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Should you complete a counselling course?
Do you want a career where you get to help people by providing them with guidance to overcome their emotional distress? For you to work as a counsellor, it is vital that you possess the following skills:
- A positive and calm demeanour when communicating with clients to build trust with clients.
- High levels of professionalism when upholding legal and ethical obligations to clients.
- Empathetic and supportive attitude to help foster a non-judgemental environment where clients feel comfortable in expressing their concerns.
- Clear verbal communication skills to be able to articulate your words in an easy to understand manner while maintaining a calm and professional tone.
If you see an alignment between your career ambitions and soft skills, continue reading to learn about your course and the career options available for you in Hobart.
What are the course and study options for counsellors in Hobart?
For you to become a counsellor in Hobart, it is necessary that you complete an undergraduate degree specialising in counselling. Most aspiring counsellors opt to enrol in a Bachelor of Counselling. In Hobart, course providers offer a variety of delivery options to suit your preferred learning style and schedule. This includes on-campus or online options.
The theoretical aspects of this undergraduate course are taught by professors who have extensive experience working either in the counselling field as a practitioner or researcher. Some of the lessons will cover a vast range of topics such as psychology, mental health, counselling methodologies, relationships and ethics. Additionally, most course providers require their students to complete a clinical placement where they work with a professionally trained counsellor. This will help boost your confidence and employability as a counselling graduate.
If you are ready to commence your journey as a counsellor in Hobart, the first step you will need to take is to find the best counselling institution near you. To make this process easier, Natural Therapy Pages has provided you with a list of course options in Hobart. If you have any information about their curriculum, delivery options and fees you can enquire with them directly.
What happens after you complete your counselling course in Hobart?
Counselling is an unregulated industry in Australia including Hobart. However, some people decide to opt to join a professional membership association which ensures credibility to future employers and clients. Counselling graduates have a vast range of workplace options available to them such as:
- Educational facilities
- Community health centres
- Rehabilitation centres
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
- Crisis phone lines
- Aged care centres
Additionally, some counsellors may decide to start their own business or private practice. This is an option they pursue when they have gained an abundant amount of experience as a counsellor. This allows these counsellors to have a greater degree of control over their business especially their management. Natural Therapy Pages can provide valuable assistance especially during the early stages of the establishment of your private practice if this is an option you decide to pursue. This includes helping drive traffic and subsequently clients to your business through letting you list your in-person counselling services or via an online session on the relevant practitioner listing page.
If you are looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of counselling, it is recommended that you complete a Master of Counselling. Sometimes counsellors may choose to pursue a speciality within the field of counselling, with some of the options available including:
