Addictions Counsellor

 OFO No: 263502

Other names for Addictions Counsellor:

• Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
• Gambling Counsellor
• Social Detoxification Worker

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – A Substance Abuse Counsellor’s Career

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Addictions Counsellor?

An Addictions Counsellor provides therapy and support for those people with addictions like:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Gambling
• Sex etc

What does an Addictions Counsellor do?

• meets with client to discuss the problem
• asks questions to find out more about the person and their problem
• meets with families
• designs programmes to help the person achieve their goals
• provides counselling and support
• facilitates group sessions
• liaises with medical professionals
• keeps detailed records

Are you . . . ?

• a person who likes helping people?
• caring?
• emotionally strong?
• able to deal with crises?
• calm under pressure?
• thorough and systematic?
• a good communicator?
• a good listener?
• dedicated and responsible

How do I become an Addictions Counsellor?

There are many paths to take to become an Addictions Counsellor:

• Psychology – (with relevant workplace experience)

• Social Work – (with postgraduate certificate in Addictions Counselling)

• Medicine – (with relevant workplace experience)

• Counselling – (with internship in Addictions Counselling)

• Nursing – (with relevant workplace experience)

• Occupational Therapy – (with relevant workplace experience

PATH 1:

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in Psychology can be done at most universities in SA.
• Honours in Psychology
• Internship under registered Psychologist in Addiction Counselling
• National Examination of the Professional Board of Psychology (Counsellor)
• Registered Counsellor

PATH 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Addictions Counsellor)
• Internship under registered Psychologist in Addiction Counselling
• National Examination of the Professional Board of Psychology (Counsellor)
• Registered Counsellor

PATH 3:

• Qualification and registration in a medical or related field (medicine, nursing, occupational therapy etc)
• Internship working with people with addiction

PATH 4:

• Study to become a Social Worker

PATH 5:

• Same as Path 3 with a postgraduate qualification in Addiction Care

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Social Worker or Early Childhood Development Practitioner

Is becoming an Addictions Counsellor the right career choice for me?