A Counselling psychologist serves people of all ages and cultural backgrounds; as an individual, as a couple, family or organisation. They use a broad range of culturally informed and culturally sensitive practices to help people improve their well being, prevent and alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to function better in their lives.
The focus is on the strengths of their clients, environmental/contextual influences such as gender, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and socioeconomic factors that shape people’s experiences and concerns; the role of career and work in peoples’ lives; and advocacy for equity and social justice.
Counselling psychologists also intervene in organisations, workplaces and communities to enhance their effectiveness, workplace culture, and the success and well being of their members.
Interventions may be brief or long term, often problem specific and goal directed. Counselling psychologists are guided by a philosophy that values individual differences and diversity, with a focus on prevention, development and adjustment across the life span.
Counselling psychologists provide a variety of techniques and therapeutic approaches that meet specific needs and circumstances of clients, including: grief & loss, significant life transitions, developmental issues, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, trauma, maintaining healthy life styles, vocational and career development, as well as workplace conflict and workplace bullying/harassment.
