What is counselling?
Counselling is a dynamic, goal-oriented form of therapy that places a strong emphasis on client autonomy. It occurs when a qualified counsellor and a client meet in a safe environment where the latter can open up about whatever is bothering them. Counselling can help people of all ages, from children to adults to the elderly, and it may be used in any situation. It reduces stress, anxiety and depression, increases self-awareness and empathy towards others, resolves traumatic memories, builds confidence and resilience, and can also help individuals overcome addictions.
Counsellors with professional qualifications in Castlemanie are entitled to join one of the peak bodies listed below, which support their profession and ensure that ethical practices are observed.
- Counsellors Victoria (CV)
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
- International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)
Should you study counselling?
Counselling is a rewarding occupation that can offer great health benefits too. Formal counselling training will enable you to gain skills that will help you throughout your whole life, both inside and outside of work. A counselling course will teach you how to build a positive relationship with your clients, encouraging them to open up about their problems and challenges. Some of the admirable qualities of a successful counsellor are listed below:
- Compassionate and empathetic towards their clients, aiming to release them from their current situation that causes them pain
- Has good communication skills as counselling requires active listening to understand their clients' concerns and behaviours, as well as the ability to explain what it takes to resolve a problem
- Flexible and patient as they work on different issues every day that may not yield quick results, especially when dealing with complex issues
- Friendly and non-judgemental, which allows them to establish rapport with their clients and make them feel heard, understood and accepted
- Demonstrates expertise in a wide range of counselling topics, theories and counselling practices.
If these align with your values and career goals, and you are determined to pursue a career in the field of counselling, keep reading to find out where you can study and earn your qualification.
What are the course and study options for counselling in Castlemaine?
Counselling courses are available for those who would like to work as a professional counsellor or use counselling as a tool for personal empowerment. There are many colleges and universities in Castlemaine that offer their courses on campus, online or through blended learning. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time, with evening and weekend programs available for those who don't have the time to study during the day.
Certificate courses in counselling take a shorter amount of time to complete, perhaps between 8 to 12 months, depending on the course you choose and your preferred mode of study. It covers basic counselling skills that you can apply in your daily life or incorporate into your main practice.
A diploma qualification will help you get started on the road to a counselling career. This two-year course will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct counselling sessions.
In addition to counselling techniques, a bachelor's degree in counselling involves a comprehensive study of the inner workings of the human mind and how it influences one's speech, behaviour and emotions. Depending on how much time you devote to your studies, this course can take three to four years to complete.
If you're not sure which counselling course is right for you, check out the list of counselling courses at the top of this page. We recommend contacting the school of your choice to speak with a course adviser who can explain what your preferred program entails in greater detail.
What happens after you complete your course in Castlemaine?
Graduates of counselling courses in Castlemaine become very employable as counsellors due to the range of skills they have gained. Even if you don't pursue counselling as a career, there are plenty of other career paths that your counselling skills will help you to excel in. Among the roles that you can land include counselling assistant, community outreach officer, social worker and counselling administrative officer, just to name a few.
If you decide to set up your own private practice and offer one-on-one sessions to your clients, know that Natural Therapy Pages is here to help. Adding your services to the practitioner listing pages saves you the time and effort of manually advertising and marketing your business. It will bring potential clients to your office in the shortest amount of time. Or you can even offer online counselling and promote it.
You can also use your counselling qualification to branch out to other fields that are relevant to your core practice by taking one of these highly recommended courses:
