Why is your practice named “Hell”?
Most of the people I treat are already in hell, and the rest of them have spent their lives being told that that’s where they’re going. I thought it might be nice to make that mean something a little less horrible, and also to take advantage of the free advertising.
Is counselling the same as therapy?
Simply put, counselling is talking to someone about a problem. Sometimes, counselling can have the intention of working together to find a solution that works best for you, or, sometimes, counselling can merely have the intention of venting to someone who is properly equipped to listen.
Counselling and therapy do have some overlap in that counselling can be a type of therapy, however therapy is more of an umbrella term for the various types of treatments that therapists can offer. This can be drug therapy, behavioural therapy, physical therapy etc. In regard to psychology, the type of therapy a psychologist can offer you can depend on their training and the school of thought to which they prescribe.
Counselling does fit closely to the stereotypical idea of talk therapy that is associated with “talking to a psychologist” as shown in the media to an extent but with some limitations (mentioned below in “What’s is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist”).
For more information on the types of Counselling offered here, please refer to “Services”.
What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist?
A psychologist is a person who has completed a clinical masters course in psychology through an accredited institution along with a year long practicum before registering with the HPCSA. A psychologist can make diagnoses, administer psychometric testing, and apply behavioural therapies- a counsellor may not do these things.
A counsellor has become a somewhat ambiguous term in medical circles. As such there are many different types of counsellors according to the type of training and accreditation they possess. The two main types of counsellors are registered counsellors and general counsellors.
What is the difference between a registered counsellor and a general counsellor?
A Registered counsellor is an individual with an Honours degree in psychology along with a 6 month practicum facilitated by an accredited institution. Registered counsellors are registered with the HPCSA specifically, and thus must abide by their code of ethics, and code of conduct etc.
A general counsellor is not registered with the HPCSA, but can be registered with the ASCHP, the CCSA, and/ or the NHA. However, there are many types of general counsellors, some of which are not necessarily registered with any such counselling association. Counsellors who are not associated with any such association are referred to as Lay counsellors and may or may not have any kind of training therewith.
The ASCHP and CCSA denote four different levels of counsellor:
- The supportive counsellor (NQF 4)
- The holistic counsellor (NQF 5)
- The wellness counsellor (NQF 7)
- The specialist wellness counsellor (NQF 8)
Thus, a specialist wellness counsellor will have an honours degree in psychology from an accredited institution, plus a set minimum of experience that has not been carried out through a university, but has rather been gathered independently.
So, what kind of counsellor does that make you?
I am a Specialist Wellness Counsellor. I currently have an honours degree in psychology and several years of informal counselling experience. I am also currently completing my Master’s Degree in general psychology, and plan to do even more nerd stuff after that.
Can you give me a diagnosis or prescribe medication?
No. However, if I suspect that you should be assessed for any particular disorder, illness, or disease, I can refer you to the appropriate medical professional who can diagnose you and /or prescribe the necessary medication.
My role is to coach you on how to manage your disorder, illness, or disease effectively so that you can achieve the highest quality of life possible for you despite it; and to teach you how to find strengths and positive attributes that stem from the particular way that your mind works.
For any further questions please consult the terms and conditions, or contact us.