What is a Counselling Psychologist?
Counselling psychology is one of a number of specialisations in professional psychology. Similar to psychologists who practice in other specialist areas such as organisational psychology, clinical psychology and forensic psychology, counselling psychologists hold a Masters or PhD degree from a specialised programme accredited by the Australian Psychological Society. At Curtin University, Counselling Psychology is offered as a specific major stream within the Master of Psychology program, and as a full PhD program. Graduates are eligible to register with the Psychology Board Australia and commence supervision for the purpose of gaining the specialist title/endorsement as a Counselling Psychologist.
Counselling psychologists provide assessment, counselling and psychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, children and groups. Counselling psychologists are trained to work with a wide range of psychological difficulties and disorders. This includes work with complex psychological problems and disorders such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and personality disorders. Psychopathology is a significant aspect of the training and the professional work. Counselling psychologists also assist clients with challenging or prolonged difficulties encountered in the usual course of living. Such difficulties might include bereavement, intimacy issues, relationship breakdown, transition to parenthood, attachment issues, adjustment to step-parenting, involuntary redundancy, sexual assault or abuse, or release from prison. The central focus is the specialised applied training in psychotherapy process and interventions relevant to individuals, couples, families, parent-infant relationships, children and groups.
Where do they work?
Counselling psychologists enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities. Some are to be found in academic and research settings, although most are employed as practitioners in community and government agencies. A growing number are involved in private practice. Private practitioners who have met specialist title/endorsement requirements offer rebates from most leading health insurers and Medicare. Counselling psychologists work almost anywhere there are people. For instance counselling psychologists are currently employed in industry, commerce, the prison service, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals and in all layers of education from primary school to university. They may work directly with individuals, couples, families and groups, or act as consultants.