Counselling Psychologists

Who are Counselling Psychologists?

Counselling psychologists employ a wide range of therapeutic methods, each of which places a significant emphasis on the quality of the relationship between the client and the psychologist. They assist individuals, families and groups in areas related to personal wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, work, recreation and health. They are also trained to assist people experiencing both acute and chronic life crises.

Counselling psychologists have completed a minimum of six years full-time university training, including two years of approved postgraduate study in counselling psychology, plus further supervised practice in the speciality.

The APS College of Counselling Psychologists

Membership of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists is restricted to psychologists who have completed specialised training and have experience in the field. To remain a member of the College, practitioners are required to undertake a program of continuing professional development, with a particular focus on counselling psychology.

All practising psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory. This is to ensure they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice.  Visit the College of Counselling Psychologists website.

How can a Counselling Psychologist help you?

Individuals may seek assistance from a counselling psychologist to help them to:

• Manage stress and conflict at home and work;
• Deal with grief, loss and trauma;
• Overcome feelings of anxiety and fear;
• Increase self-esteem and confidence;
• Enhance personal relationships;
• Cope with disabilities or health problems;
• Deal with problems related to alcohol and drug use;
• Manage chronic pain;
• Manage depression;
• Recover from eating disorders;
• Handle obsessions and compulsions;
• Deal with sexual concerns; and
• Manage anger or violence.

Couples may seek assistance from a counselling psychologist to help them to:

• Build a satisfying relationship;
• Improve their communication;
• Manage conflict or disagreement;
• Address sexual issues;
• Resolve thoughts of separation or divorce; and
• Improve parenting skills.

Families may seek assistance from a counselling psychologist to help them to:

• Improve difficult relationships;
• Handle a problematic situation;
• Work together on an issue or problem;
• Cope with separation, divorce or re-marriage; and
• Deal with problems often experienced in blended families.

Organisations may seek assistance from a counselling psychologist to:

• Select new staff;
• Conduct training programs;
• Evaluate current programs;
• Facilitate staff relationships;
• Resolve interpersonal work conflicts;
• Find an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) consultant; and
• Plan career paths.

Skills of Counselling Psychologists

Counselling and psychotherapy
Counselling psychologists use a wide variety of techniques and therapeutic approaches. These will vary and will be tailored to meet the personal needs of the client.

Health and life management
They can help people manage significant life transitions, maintain an effective and healthy lifestyle and develop skills for stress management. Training and educational programs can also be provided.

Program development and evaluation
They apply research skills to analyse problems, design intervention strategies, monitor and evaluate program outcomes.

Conflict resolution
They can train people to resolve conflict in interpersonal, work or community contexts.

Career development
They can assess a person’s ability, values and work preferences, and assist with career planning and related issues in private or organisational contexts.

Assessment and reports
They are trained to observe systematically and assess people, and can provide intellectual, personality and vocational assessments. Reports may be provided to individuals, health and legal professionals and government departments.

Consultation

People who visit a counselling psychologist can expect discussions to focus on thoughts and feelings that may be of concern, which will enable them to gain new perspectives and understanding. They may learn to think in new ways, see a wide range of alternatives, and how to explore and practise different ways of behaving. Psychological tests may be part of the counselling process. Counselling is sometimes provided on a one-to-one basis, or clients may be seen in the company of their partner, family or other significant people.

Locating a Counselling Psychologist

To find a counselling psychologist:

• Call the APS Psychologist Referral Service on 1800 333 497 or email referral@psychology.org.au
• Look for the APS listing under ‘psychologists’ in the Yellow Pages.
• Ask your doctor for a referral.
• Ask your private health insurance fund.
• Enquire through a government department or private agency concerned with health, education or social and community services.