Counsellor - Why it’s important to check credentials.
When seeking help for mental health issues, it can be overwhelming to choose a counsellor or therapist who is best suited to help you. With so many different types of professionals available, ranging from counsellors, coaches to psychologists, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for evidence-based care.
However, it is crucial to choose a counsellor with evidence-based credentials, such as a tertiary-trained counsellor, social worker or psychologist. In Australia, the title of Counsellor is not protected, therefore anyone can call themselves a counsellor (trained or untrained). So we suggest being mindful of this when selecting someone to talk to about your mental health.
Evidence-Based Treatment
First and foremost, it is important to understand what we mean by evidence-based treatment. This refers to the use of interventions and treatments that have been proven to be effective through scientific research, such as CBT, DBT and ACT.
The goal of evidence-based treatment is to provide patients with the most effective treatment options available, based on empirical evidence. This means that a counsellor who uses evidence-based treatments is using interventions that have been proven to be effective in clinical trials and research studies.
On the other hand, if a counsellor is not using evidence-based treatments, is untrained or has minimal credentials, they may be using interventions that are not supported by research or may even be harmful to clients. Some ‘Counsellors’ may have only completed an online course lasting a few months, with not practical components, which poses a risk to their clients as they have minimal training. Hence why it is so important to choose a counsellor who is highly skilled, tertiary trained and uses evidence-based practices.
Social Workers and Psychologists
Now that we understand the importance of evidence-based treatment, let's explore why social workers and psychologists are excellent choices when seeking a counsellor.
Social workers and psychologists are both highly trained professionals who have completed rigorous education and training programs in Australia, with a minimum of 4-years at university. Psychologists are registered via Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and it’s best practice to check that your social worker is registered with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which means they are held to strict ethical standards by their association.
Social workers are trained to provide a range of services, including individual counselling, group therapy, and community outreach. Social workers may provide an eclectic approach to therapeutic interventions by assessing the psychosocial (psychological and social) aspects of a person’s life. This could include relationships, environment, goals, income, education, family dynamics, and health (mental and physical). They are trained to help clients identify and manage their mental health concerns and to develop coping strategies to improve their overall wellbeing. Social workers who provide counselling intervention are trained in a range of modalities which could include CBT, psychodynamic, Schema, EMDR, ACT and DBT - a range of confusing acronyms, but we can explain it to you in further detail if you like.
Psychologists are also highly trained professionals who specialize in the study of human behaviour and mental processes. They are trained to diagnose (if clinically endorsed) and treat a wide range of mental health concerns, using evidence-based interventions and treatments. Mostly talking therapy such as CBT, ACT, DBT etc.
Both social workers and psychologists are well-equipped to provide evidence-based treatments to their clients. They are trained to assess clients'’ needs, develop treatment plans, and monitor progress throughout the course of treatment.
Research-Based Treatments
One of the key benefits of choosing a counsellor with evidence-based credentials is access to research-based treatments in Australia. As we mentioned earlier, evidence-based treatments are those that have been proven to be effective through scientific research. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression in Australia.
CBT, and can use this intervention to help clients overcome their mental health concerns. Other evidence-based treatments may be appropriate, such as interpersonal therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), depending on the needs of their clients in Australia.
Quality Care in Australia
Finally, choosing a counsellor with evidence-based credentials ensures that you are receiving quality care in Australia. Social workers and psychologists are held to strict ethical standards by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which means they must provide safe and effective care to their clients.
They are also required to engage in ongoing professional development and training to maintain their skills and knowledge. This means that they are constantly learning and improving their practice to ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their clients.
Choosing a counsellor with evidence-based credentials is crucial when seeking help for mental health concerns. Social workers and psychologists are highly trained professionals who are equipped to provide evidence-based treatments and personalised care to their clients.
By choosing a counsellor with evidence-based credentials, you can have confidence that you are receiving the most effective treatment possible for your mental health concerns or life challenges.
If you or a loved one needs additional support with their mental health or life challenges contact us at Wellbeing Campus today. We will match you with a clinician who is trained, qualified and the best fit for you.
If you or someone you know would like to know more or engage in counselling contact us today.
