How to Become A School Counselor In South Africa

A school counselor is a professional who works in primary (elementary and middle) schools or secondary schools to provide academic, career, college access/affordability/admission, and social-emotional competencies to all students through a school counseling program.

What do school counselors focus on?

School counselors offer individual counseling to help students resolve personal or interpersonal problems. They may also offer small group counseling to help students enhance listening and social skills, learn to empathize with others, and find social support through healthy peer relationships.

What is the role of counselor?

The primary role of a counselor is to assist clients in reaching their optimal level of psychosocial functioning through resolving negative patterns, prevention, rehabilitation, and improving quality of life.

What is the role and function of a school counselor?

Guidance counselors are certified professionals employed by schools or academic institutions to assist and advise students about academic and personal decisions. They provide private counseling to students, assess the ability and potential in students, and coordinate with fellow professionals on student matters.

Below are steps to Become A School Counselor In South Africa

Here are some commons steps people can take to become a school or guidance counselor.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral, social science, or education field.

Earning your bachelor’s degree in counseling, education, or psychology related field creates a primer that allows you to explore the dynamics of helping professions and working with students with a focus on mental health foundations, educational systems, learning theories, and student services.

2. Earn a master’s degree in school counseling

As a requirement for any school counselor career, you must pursue a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited university. Typical coursework for these programs include counseling theories External link , learning and behavior disorders, human development, and counseling ethics.

Some school counseling degrees offer unique programs, such as Counseling @NYU’s concentration on bilingual school counseling with coursework focused on language development and the adaptation of immigrant origin youth. Take the next step and request information from Counseling @NYU External link .

Sponsored Online Counseling Program

3. Complete graduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements.

During your master’s degree in school counseling program, you will need to complete graduate supervised internship experience in schools under a certified/licensed school counselor. This experience prepares you best for postgraduate employment as it allows you to dive deep into your work with students.

4. Pass any required exams for certification/licensure.

Some states and/or school counseling programs require the passing of a recognized examination for gradation or certification/licensure. Review your state’s requirements External link  for more information.

5. Apply for and earn additional certifications.

After you have passed the required exams, you are ready to apply for licensure and/or certification. Make sure to review your state’s application requirements before applying.

6.Continue your education and stay up to date on school counseling trends and changes.

The American School Counselor Association External link  (ASCA) and other professional organizations offer additional certifications on a wide range of subjects to prepare you with additional education and specialization in your work with students.

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What does a School Counselor do?

School counseling professionals provide direct and indirect services to students. They also develop and implement comprehensive counseling programs that focus on student outcomes. Through direct student services, school counseling programs and their counselors provide:

Core School Counseling Curriculum: Lessons that are designed to help students achieve competencies, knowledge, attitudes, and skills appropriate to their level of development

Individual Student Planning: Activities designed to assist students in establishing goals and developing their future plans.

Responsive Services: Meeting the immediate needs and concerns of students in both individual and small-group settings or crisis counseling.

Indirect services for students involve any activity that is completed on behalf of students. These include referrals, consultation, and collaboration with stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, parents, and community organizations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, school counseling professionals are also involved in student evaluation of abilities, the identification of issues that impact school participation, and prepare and present workshops on certain topics such as bullying and drug abuse.

Elementary School Counselors

Ensure students are getting appropriate academic, emotional, behavioral, and physical assistance

Collaborate with teachers and other staff to make sure students are being adequately challenged academically

Engage with students in emotional development, behavior management, and social skills learning

Look for signs of learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and behavioral concerns that impact learning

Middle School Counselors

Assist students experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and social growing pains due to early adolescent growth

Collaborate with students to connect academic and behavioral learnings to real world experiences

Encourage individual identity development, exploration and peer mediation

Address physical and social conflicts through mediation management

High School Counselors

Help students define their independence in their transition into adulthood

Engage students and teachers in academic and career planning activities

Conduct crisis counseling and management to assist students in pressures of adolescent trials

Assist with student post-graduate plans such as college, military, trade school, workforce

What is the qualification for school counselor In South Africa?

To become a school guidance counsellor, aspirants must have a master’s degree in the related field. Typically, a candidate must have studied such as child development theory, learning theory, career development, individual counselling and others.

Can you be a counselor without a degree In South Africa?

Certain positions, including mental health counselors, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists, require at least some education in psychology or a related field. Other positions can be entered into without holding a degree. These may include: Peer support counselors.

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

The time to get qualified as a Counsellor depends on the qualification you choose to study. Some qualifications may be completed in as little as 12 months, while a degree may take 3 years of full-time study.

What is the difference between therapist and a counselor In South Africa?

For example, a marriage counselor can help couples work toward resolving disruptive short-term problems for a healthier relationship. A therapist, on the other hand, may offer treatments that delve into deeper mental health concerns, including: long-term behavioral issues. anger issues.

How much do Counsellors earn in South Africa?

Registered Counselor Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRangeAverage
Job Title:Mental Health CounselorRange:R48k – R274kAverage:R192,000
School CounselorRange:R0 – R0 (Estimated *)Average:R250,000
Project FacilitatorRange:R0 – R0 (Estimated *)Average:R373,000
Outreach and Education ManagerRange:R0 – R0 (Estimated *)Average:R204,000

How do I become a Counselling psychologist in South Africa?

A four-year bachelor of psychology professional degree approved by the HPCSA. An approved six-month/720-hour face-to-face practicum, or an equivalent of not more than 12 months part-time practicum. Successful completion of the National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology.

Can I be a Counsellor with a psychology degree?

A degree in a related subject, such as nursing, psychology, social work or education, might help you to get onto a counselling course. However, previous counselling experience and evidence that you have the necessary personal qualities, commitment and self-awareness can be just as important.