A Wellness Counsellor
The ASCHP offers registration to a variety of levels of counsellors - different counsellor designations. These designations are differentiated by qualification levels. Qualifying counsellors can apply to the ASCHP, be vetted according to your qualifications and experience; and from acceptance, register as a counsellor with the managing body. This affords counsellors legitimacy and gives clients security in the vetting and accountability process completed by the ASCHP.
To see more on the ASCHP, see the blog post on the ASCHP
The ASCHP requires candidates at the level of Wellness Counsellor to have achieved an NQF level 7 qualification in relevant studies related to therapeutic engagements as well as at least 100 hours of practical experience in such engagements. A Specialist Wellness Counsellor is required to have achieved an NQF level 8 qualification with 100 hours of experience.
While the level of study and so the theoretical depth differs, both are expected to work at a primary health care level aimed at promoting a holistically thriving life. Both are also required to refer clients for further specialised or necessary treatment from medical or psychological professionals if considered beneficial.
Wellness counsellors make use of a systems approach to counselling, appreciating the client in their entirety (facets of themselves and their world), alongside other personally applicable psychological theory, to navigate a client through difficulties or unsuccessful areas in their life.
The systems approach to counselling recognises that a person’s inner self is affected by a multitude of systems both within and around the person. Discord within a person’s own spiritual, emotional and physical facets can create a sense of stress or dissatisfaction. Difficulties in any relationships or area of life can create discord with the person and within areas of their life. The systems approach recognises that working with difficulties in “broken” areas can positively impact their entire life, their entire system.
Client’s who step into counselling with a Wellness Counsellor, do so because something in life feels unsettled, stuck, difficult to deal with or even numb. It may even be at the point where something feels broken.
Using psychological theory and taking into account all aspects of a client’s life and person, Wellness Counsellors aim to work with clients through difficulties towards a fruitful life. The aim is for a client to have a safe, non-judgemental space to be open and honest about the tough parts of life, and then to build the skills to come out stronger and able to tackle struggles later in life.
A Wellness Counsellor is expected to be ethical in their nature, being a reliable person within client meetings and in keeping client confidence outside of these meetings. Counsellors are expected to:
among other characteristics.
Registration of a counsellor with the ASCHP, allows the client to hold a counsellor accountable if they do not meet these expectations.
At the end of the day, the Wellness Counsellor exists to give clients a chance at a better, more fruitful life.
To read more about the process of counselling, see my full site
