How to Become A counsellor South Africa

A counsellor is a person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.

Qualifications to Become A counsellor South Africa

Although there’s no compulsory training required to become a counsellor, most employers will expect you to have undertaken professional training and be registered with a relevant professional body.

Registration shows that you meet certain educational standards and abide by a code of ethics.

The South Africa Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (SACP) recommends a three-stage training route, comprising the following:

Introduction to counselling

provides basic counselling skills and an overview of training before committing to a full counselling course. Courses typically last 8 to 12 weeks and are available at further education (FE) colleges or adult education centres.

Certificate in counselling skills

a deeper theoretical understanding of counselling, develops your counselling skills and prepares you for the core training at the next stage. Courses typically last one year part time at FE colleges.

Core practitioner training

Equips you with the skills, knowledge and competence to work as a counsellor. The minimum level of training at this stage should be a Level 4 Diploma, but can also be a foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Below are Responsibilities to Become A counsellor South Africa

establish a relationship of trust and respect with clients

agree a counselling contract to determine what will be covered in sessions (including confidentiality issues)

encourage clients to talk about issues they feel they cannot normally share with others

actively listen to client concerns and empathise with their position

accept without bias the issues raised by clients

help clients towards a deeper understanding of their concerns

How long does it take to become a counselor in South Africa?

You will be looking at a minimum of five years’ full-time formal education in psychology. Before you can enter a directed Master’s degree programme,

you will need a three-year Bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology (or the equivalent thereof), as well as an Honours degree in psychology.

How much do Counsellors charge per hour in South Africa?

According to SADAG 81.2% of South Africans cannot afford health care. “Psychologists fees do vary from province and different region, but they generally range from R600-R1200 per session,” says Da Costa.

Some psychologist’s sessions, which can last between 60 to 70 minutes, can cost you R800 to R900 per session


How can I get free Counselling in South Africa?

Here are seven free counselling centres you can choose from.

LifeLine Johannesburg.

LifeLine Western Cape.

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)

Grace Counselling.

Revive Counselling Centre.

Hope House Counselling Centre.

How much does Counselling cost in South Africa?

According to SADAG 81.2% of South Africans cannot afford health care. “Psychologists fees do vary from province and different region, but they generally range from R600-R1200 per session,” says Da Costa. Some psychologist’s sessions, which can last between 60 to 70 minutes, can cost you R800 to R900 per session.

How much can a Counsellor charge?

The cost of private counselling can vary depending on where you live, with a session costing anywhere between £10 and £70. Many private therapists offer an initial free session and lower rates for students, job seekers and those on low wages.

Does counselling really help?

Mounting evidence

In 2003, a review of clinical trials showed that counselling provides short-term, modest improvements in reducing anxiety and depression, compared with “usual care” (routine visits to a GP, CBT and antidepressant drugs), but no long-term improvements.

What are the disadvantages of Counselling?

Disadvantages of Counselling or Therapy by Email

Communication and the Counselling Relationship. Lack of Visual and Verbal Cues. Lack of Physical Presence.

Computer Concerns. Equipment and Internet Service Failures. Confidentiality and Privacy in Shared Environments.

Overcoming Some of These Difficulties.

Can Counselling be harmful?

People seeking therapy should always talk to a practitioner who provides good quality treatment that’s appropriate to their needs.

Because research shows that even the innocuous-sounding “talking therapies” (essentially counselling and psychotherapy) can be harmful for some when they’re unsuitable.