What is counselling?

Counselling is a type of talk therapy that helps people overcome issues that prevent them from living a fulfilling life. Professional counsellors create a safe, supportive environment for their clients to discuss their concerns and express their feelings.

The counsellor's role is to identify the primary issue and assist their clients in discovering their innate resources and strengths to help them overcome these issues. Counselling can help with a variety of issues, such as work performance, financial problems, relationship issues, childhood trauma, low self-esteem, sports performance, academic achievement, anger management, and many more.

Membership in one of the professional counselling associations will assist Lismore counsellors in advancing their careers and staying current on industry news. They can join any of the following peak organisations:

  • Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
  • Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association (AHHCA)
  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
  • International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)

Counselling Courses in Lismore

Should you study counselling?

If you are genuinely enthusiastic about assisting people in overcoming obstacles and living fulfilling lives, then enrolling in a counselling course will lead to a rewarding career. To be a successful counsellor, you must possess the following interpersonal skills:

  • Empathy and compassion will allow you to build trust and rapport with clients.
  • Effective communication skills will enable you to explain different strategies that the client can use to solve their problems.
  • Good listening skills allow you to better understand a client's needs and point of view.
  • Patience and open-mindedness are vital as they give you the ability to explore new counselling approaches to ensure that every treatment is successful.

If you can identify with these personal attributes, continue reading to learn more about Lismore's course and study options.

What are the course and study options for counselling in Lismore?

There are numerous learning paths available to anyone interested in pursuing a counselling degree. You have the option of studying part-time or full-time, which means you get to study at your own pace and on your own timetable. In addition to face-to-face classes, many course providers offer online counselling courses or blended learning options to accommodate each student's preferred learning style.

A one-year diploma qualification is required to obtain professional accreditation in counselling. It covers subjects that will teach you how to facilitate your client's personal transformation.

Completing a bachelor's degree in counselling will not only provide you with more career opportunities for higher level positions, but it will also qualify you to join any of the top counselling bodies.

Scrolling to the top of this page, you will find a listing of counselling schools and courses in Lismore. Contact your preferred school to learn more about their curriculum, delivery options, instructors and tuition fees.

What happens after you complete your counselling course?

With a diploma or degree in counselling, you can work in a variety of professional settings, such as holistic clinics, mental health institutions, schools, corporate offices, hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation centres and aged care facilities, to name a few.

You might also consider starting your own private practice, which allows you to manage your schedule and services as you see fit. Natural Therapy Pages can help you attract new clients if you list your counselling clinic and services on the practitioner listing page, whether they are delivered in-person or online.

Taking a continuing professional education course is an excellent way to improve your skills and stay current on the latest developments in counselling. Among the relevant courses to take are: