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SO, YOU WANT TO BE A COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST?

An Informative Guide to Master’s in Counselling Psychology

April 10, 2025 at 6:00 P.M.

Presented By:

Amogelang Maako &

Anesisa Dimbaza

Microsoft Teams

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Meeting ID: 377 496 649 421

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Passcode: WM9Sh6WB

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SESSION OBJECTIVES

Our agenda this evening

Help you understand the MA Counselling Psychology journey

Clarify the application & selection process

Highlight key differences between Counselling & Clinical Psychology

Share practical tips, insights, and personal reflections

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ABOUT ME

    • Counselling psychologist
    • Studied at North-West University
    • Internship - 2 years at a rehab for substance use
    • Board Exam in Feb 2025 - 86%

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ABOUT ME

    • M1 counselling psychologist
    • Undergrad and Honours: Rhodes University
    • Currently studying at NMU

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WHAT IS COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY?

NB: Scope of Practice

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Scope of Practice

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    • wellness, adjustment, life transitions, development
    • strengths-based approaches
    • preventative

Practice Settings

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    • Schools, rehab centres, private practice, NGOs, universities, correctional services, etc.

Minimum Requirements

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    • BA Honours in Psychology or BPsych Equivalent
    • 65-70% average or higher
    • Research and practical exposure preferred

COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY IS...

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focuses on development, coping, and adjustment

Counselling Psychology

focus on pathology, diagnosis, psychiatric conditions

Clinical Psychology

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APPLICATION PROCESS – STEP BY STEP

    • Research university requirements
    • Submit application forms
    • Include:
    • Autobiography
    • Motivation letter
    • Research concept paper
    • Academic transcripts
    • Referee reports
    • Shortlisting for interviews and tasks
    • Final selection

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    • Minimum 65% average (70% is competitive)
    • Honours in Psychology from any accredited university
    • BPsych Equivalent is a valid route
    • Old qualifications are accepted if accredited
    • No preference for specific institutions (but solid academic foundation matters)

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ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

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    • Start building your CV in undergrad
    • Seek volunteer opportunities
    • Keep grades up
    • Join peer support groups, campus mental health orgs
    • Start journaling life reflections – they help with autobiography

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EARLY PREPARATION TIPS!!!

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WRITING THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY

    • Structure:
    • Introduction: Who are you?
    • Life journey & pivotal moments
    • Why Psychology? Why Counselling Psych?
    • Personal growth & reflections
    • Strengths & limitations
    • Be honest, reflective, show self-awareness
    • Highlight resilience, insight, and capacity to grow

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RESEARCH CONCEPT & MOTIVATION LETTER

    • Concept Paper:
    • Identify a societal issue or interest
    • Narrow it down: feasibility, relevance, alignment with department research
    • No need for a different one for every uni—but tailor slightly

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    • Motivation Letter:
    • Why this field, this programme, this institution?
    • Link personal experience + academic passion

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What they’re assessing:

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    • Self-awareness
    • Emotional maturity
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Ethical sensitivity
    • Trainability, not perfection

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SELECTION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

Usually includes:

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    • Individual interviews
    • Role plays & group discussions
    • Reflective writing

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Tips: Be present, grounded, open, reflective

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EXPERIENCE & VOLUNTEERING

Types of valuable experience:

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    • Helplines (SADAG, Lifeline)
    • NGOs, shelters, rehab centres
    • University peer support programs

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NB: It’s not about where, but what you learned

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    • Use academic mentors or coordinators
    • Join campus mental health orgs for networking

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What to do if no referees:

REFEREES & REFERENCES

Preferable: supervisors, lecturers, registered psychs

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NB: Avoid friends or family

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    • Above-average marks
    • Clear, structured autobiography & proposal
    • Relevant experience
    • Strong interpersonal skills
    • Evidence of reflection & growth
    • Passion for community and helping others

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MAKING YOUR APPLICATION STAND OUT

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COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY AS A CAREER

Not guaranteed; you must apply

Internship after M1:

Private practice, rehab, schools, NGOs, Employee Wellness, academia

Work settings:

Full-time commitment; plan for limited income during study

Financial expectations:

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ALTERNATIVES & ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS

    • MA in Research Psychology
    • BPsych Equivalent
    • HPCSA Registered Counsellor
    • Honours + work in NGOs, mental health orgs
    • Community psychology via practice & advocacy

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FUNDING & FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Bursaries/Support:

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    • NRF
    • HWSETA
    • University-specific bursaries
    • External donors (e.g., Discovery Foundation, SAMRC)

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NB: Not ideal but, Consider part-time work or family support

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Be prepared for:

    • Facing your own trauma
    • Intense emotional work
    • Peer dynamics & group processes

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Therapy is recommended, not required—but it helps!

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Managing imposter syndrome: You're not alone. Growth comes from being teachable

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EMOTIONAL READINESS

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MY PERSONAL JOURNEY

    • Why I chose Counselling Psychology
    • What helped me get in
    • Institutions I applied to
    • Lessons I’ve learned
    • What I wish I knew earlier

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FINAL TIPS

Start early, reflect deeply, prepare practically

Ask for feedback on application materials

It’s okay if your path takes longer—don’t give up

Stay grounded in your why

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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Phapano - The difference

Psyssa

Impact Community (WhatsApp)

Cognition & Co

Collective Oak Psychology

SADAG

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THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!