What Is A Counselling Psychologist?

The Association of Counselling Psychologists in Australia provides a thorough summary of what a Counselling psychologist is. Here are some of the key points:

• Counselling Psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups, across a wide range of psychological issues, problems, and mental health disorders”
• “They use evidence-based therapies and evidence-based therapy relationships to help people resolve mental health disorders or psychological problems and move toward greater psychological health”
• “Counselling Psychologists have a distinct philosophical stance, recognising the strengths and resources of people at all levels of psychological functioning. They collaborate with people in a therapeutic relationship to bring about meaningful change”
• “The current minimum standard of training for a Counselling Psychologist is 8 years, including accredited post-graduate training through a Masters, Doctorate, or PhD in Counselling Psychology followed by supervised placement in the field”
• “Counselling Psychologists are rigorously assessed for their competency with a particular focus on managing complex and challenging cases in the general community setting. Expertise in both counselling and psychotherapy are the central domain of focus”
• “In addition to providing individual therapy, Counselling Psychologists are also trained to deliver couple therapy, family therapy, and group therapy”
• “Amongst the various speciality areas, Counselling Psychologists train in the most diverse range of psychotherapy techniques. This includes a wide range of evidence-based therapies and common treatment factors”
• “They frequently provide eclectic or integrative treatment approaches inclusive of cognitive-behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, brief dynamic therapy, and existential psychotherapy”
• “Counselling Psychologists are focused on tailoring their therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of individual client cases, paying close attention to aligning treatment with the context of a specific case and the personal values and meaning system of the individual receiving care”
• “Counselling psychologists also receive specific training in the delivery of group-based psychotherapies. They are skilled in the design and facilitation of groups for both therapeutic and psycho-educative purposes. Across a range of settings and client populations, Counselling Psychologists develop and apply group interventions tailored to the specific needs of agencies, programs, and individuals seeking support”