Counsellor Training
Our Counsellor Training Program is designed for psychology graduates who find theselves stuck after completing their degree. Upon successful completion of the program you should meet the minimum requirements to register as a Specialist Wellness Counsellor with the ASCHP. You will also be able to develop a portfolio of experience to support your an application for a Masters Degree in Psychology.
How is this program structured?
Building theory and skills (in person training)
The first month of the program is dedicated to counselling training and skills building. Our courses are more than the theory, learners will participate in the learning process by means of in-depth discussion and skills practice opportunities to develop the skills required to work with clients. The first month will be dedicated to preparing the learner to enter the counselling environment, along with ongoing training as the program progresses.
Courses include:
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Self-awareness and self-care
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Counselling for Counsellors
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Counselling Skills: Setting the scene for change
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Counselling Skills: Theory and skills for working with trauma
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Counselling Skills: Assessing risk for suicide and gender-based violence
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Counselling Skills: Supporting at risk clients
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Counselling Skills: Working with bereavement and loss
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Counselling Skills: Theory and skills of working with the couple
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Understanding the Family System
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Understanding and working with group dynamics
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Ethical considerations in counselling
Courses are presented in-person at our training venue in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. These will not be facilitated online.
Outcomes of the Program:
Upon completion of the Counsellor Training Program students would have:
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Gained a theoretical understanding of the various counselling skills and issues addressed in the training courses.
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Deepened their understanding of counselling based on their learning through in depth discussions.
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Developed practical skills by means of basic as well as more advanced skills practice opportunities.
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Through discussion and professional supervision, developed an ethical compass for working in a helping profession.
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An understanding and ability to confidently work within the helping profession by means of building competency in the field.
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Compiled a portfolio of evidence (PoE) of their learning, skills and practical experience which can assist them in applications for further tertiary studies (such as Master's Programs) or employment opportunity.
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Met the minimum requirement to register with the ASCHP under the designation of Specialist Wellness Counsellor.
Requirements to apply:
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Completed Honours Level (NQF 8) degree in Psychology/Industrial Psychology, or
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Being in your final year of study (NQF 8) with completion before the intake date.
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The Counsellor Training Program is also open to Social Work Graduates wanting to develop their counselling skills and gain further counselling experience.
Duration:
This program consists of (minimum of four months):
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A training and skills development component in the first month.
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A minimum of three months practicals at an approved host organisation.
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Regular (weekly/bi-weekly) individual supervision during the practical component.
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Group supervision every second week during the practical component.
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Ongoing training/workshops throughout the practical component.
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The practical component can be extended to allow for a more flexible schedule for students upon application. Additional supervision and host organisation costs may apply where applicable.
Intake:
March 2026
Applications:
Applications open in October 2025 for the March 2026 Intake
Cost:
Training and Supervision
R 21 500.00 pp
(R 5000.00 ,non-refundable, deposit will be payable to confirm your registration should you be accepted into the program, R16 500.00 payable by 31 January 2026.)
Placement Fee:
For students who do not have their own hosting organisation for practical hours, we can arrange placements at one of the organisations we have an agreement with. A once-off fee (for a three-month practical) of R3000.00 is payable and will go to the host organisation. This will cover any cost the organisation might incur during the hosting of the student.
The placement fee is not applicable for students who have a host organisation of their own. Please note, host organisations will need to meet the minimum requirements of the program for the student to be placed.