Who is a Counselling Psychologist?
A Psychologist is an allied health professional trained in understanding how people think, feel and behave. Counselling Psychology is one of the many specialisations in Psychology focusing on the diagnosis, assessment, prevention and treatment of clients.
Counselling Psychologists are trained in evidence-based practices to provide treatment across the lifespan to children, adolescents, adults and families presenting with a wide range of psychological problems. They do not prescribe medication. Their training is focused on building a collaborative, therapeutic relationship with clients and using evidence-based practices to bring about meaningful change.
In Australia, Psychology is a regulated profession, and all Psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Psychologists require a minimum of six years (three years undergraduate degree, followed by a fourth-year of psychology studies and finally two years Masters) of education and supervised training in psychology to become a general psychologist. Their training involves being placed in different areas of work, such as schools, universities, community mental health services, and hospitals.
Psychologists who have completed a Master’s or Doctorate degree in an area of practice such as Masters of Counselling Psychology can then apply to the registrar program for an endorsement in their area of practice. The title “Counselling Psychologist” is protected and used by Psychologists who have demonstrated their competence in providing complex psychological counselling under supervision. On completion of the endorsement program in Counselling Psychology they apply to be registered with AHPRA and receive the title Counselling Psychologist.
Reference: