Counsellor

Tasks & duties

Counsellors may do some or all of the following:

• talk about and explore issues with clients
• listen, respond to, and reflect with clients
• encourage clients to express their feelings and talk about what is happening in their lives
• help clients understand themselves, their needs and how to meet them
• discuss changes that clients could make, and the consequences of those changes
• support clients in making decisions
• refer clients to specialists
• research and read about areas of interest or concern
• run workshops and courses for clients

Specialisations

Counsellors may specialise in areas such as grief and loss, alcohol or drug dependency, relationship problems or children’s counselling.

Skills & knowledge

Counsellors need to have:

• counselling skills and up-to-date knowledge of different counselling theories and techniques
• communication and listening skills
• skill in analysing and evaluating human behaviour
• an understanding of human development
• an understanding of relationships
• knowledge of social and cultural issues
• research skills
• knowledge of self-care strategies

Entry Requirements

To become a counsellor you need to have counselling training through a recognised programme. The minimum requirement is the two-year National Diploma in Social Services (Counselling). This training includes bicultural studies, counselling theory, self-awareness and supervised practical work.

Secondary Education

At least four years of secondary education is preferred, although a tertiary entrance qualification may be needed to enter some courses. Useful subjects include English and languages.

Registration

In March 2009 The New Zealand Association of Counselling (NZAC) and the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association Inc. (NZCCA) made an application to the Ministry of Health for counselling to become a recognised health profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. This will mean that to practice in New Zealand counsellors will have to meet approved qualifications, and a new registration board will be set up to approve applications. A decision on the application will be reached by the end of 2009/beginning of 2010 and in the meantime candidates from New Zealand Training Insitutions can apply for Provisional Membership from NZAC. 

Useful experience

Useful experience for counsellors includes social work or community work. Life experience and any work that involves helping or caring for people is an advantage, as is any research in related fields.

Related courses

Counselling
Social Work
Youth Work

 For more information, please refer to Career Services.