Insights into Counselling and Psychotherapy: A Guide for Prospective Students

Why Choose a Career in Counselling and Psychotherapy?  

Counselling and psychotherapy offer ways to support human mental well-being. Whether you're drawn by a passion for psychology, your journey through personal therapy, or experience in caring professions, this field provides meaningful tools to help others. For many, it's a pathway to give back, develop professionally, and transform others' lives and their own.  

Essential Skills & Knowledge  

Studying counselling and psychotherapy equips you with a diverse skill set that benefits both clinical work and everyday interactions:  

• Theoretical Foundations: Explore multiple models - psychodynamic, person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, and more - to understand how people think, feel, and behave.  

• Self-awareness & Personal Growth: Deepen insight into your own emotions and patterns - vital for becoming an empathetic and trustworthy practitioner.  

• Applied Clinical Practice: Receive hands-on experience through placements, sharpening your ability to support real clients.  

• Human Development Across the Lifespan: Investigate how individuals evolve from infancy to old age - and why this matters therapeutically.  

• Evidence-Based Research Skills: Learn how to critically appraise emerging findings and apply best-practice methods.  

• Key Interpersonal Competencies: Hone active listening, empathy, communication, and reflection skills - all essential for success in therapy and everyday life.  

The Challenges and Rewards  

Entering this field demands commitment: focused study, ethical integrity, community networking, and maintaining high professional standards. But for those who persevere, the rewards are deeply fulfilling. You'll engage with meaningful work, impact lives, and build a purpose-driven, sustainable career rooted in personal values and potential.  

Is a Counselling and Psychotherapy career for you? 

Anyone motivated to learn about human behaviour can excel in this field. However, the BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy at Griffith College - run in partnership with ICHAS - appreciates learners who are:  

• Committed and self-directed  

• Open to exploring new perspectives  

• Conscientious, respectful, and emotionally ready to grow  

If you're ready to invest your time, energy, and curiosity, this course offers an inclusive, academically rigorous journey.  

Choosing Your Path: Three Specialised Focus Areas  

The degree programmes delivered by ICHAS at Griffith College offer applicants a unique opportunity to consider studying in one of three domains: 

• General Counselling & Psychotherapy – A broad-based foundation in therapeutic approaches  

• Counselling & Psychotherapy with Addiction Studies – Ideal for those drawn to substance use and recovery work  

• Counselling & Psychotherapy with Youth Studies – Tailored for supporting adolescents and young adults  

Selecting your specialism depends on where your passion lies - whether it's general therapeutic work, supporting people through addiction, or working with youth.  

Discover More  

Curious to learn more about Griffith College's BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy with ICHAS? Learn more and enrol today.