1. How do I get started?
Simply click on the “Registration” tab and fill out the registration form. Following that go to the “Pay Here” tab and enter the course name and make payment. Your course material will be emailed to you within 24 hours upon confirmation of payment received.
2. Why choose to study with OCC?
Developing your counselling skills is unique when compared to
other types of training. It aims to assist with personal growth, as well helping you acquire and develop a range of essential interpersonal skills. These are transferable across a number of careers. OCC online courses achieve these goals through indepth instruction and specific assignments designed around these objectives.
3. Who is a typical student?
Our students are diverse, and come from all walks of life. Many are employed in the human services or use counselling skills as part of their job. However, many are people who have discovered that their friends, family members, colleagues, neighbours and others they meet feel comfortable approaching, and opening up to, them.
Also, we have students of all ages, from many different countries, and from various cultures and ethnic groups.
4. Who might benefit from studying our courses?
OCC courses have been designed by experienced professionals in education, counselling and pastoral care. Hence, they delicately balance theory, knowledge and skills in a way that is appealing and accessible to a broad spectrum of students. The result is a set of practical courses that are suited to beginners and experienced practitioners.
Thus, some of those who study with the OCC may have no background knowledge of counselling theory; some may be seeking a career transition and using our courses as a stepping stone; others may be working in the helping professions and wanting to undergo more formal training; and some may be interested in personal growth, or wish to enhance their interpersonal skills.
5. Why is personal growth an essential component in counselling skills
training?
We’re all affected by our life experiences, and have unresolved issues and areas of pain. But by studying counselling theory and working on your skills, you gain important insights into how these different issues are impacting your life and relationships today.
Also, to in order to be there for, and support your clients well, you must have first acknowledged, and confronted, your own issues. Thus, a growing self-awareness and a personal understanding of your own conflicts, losses, belief systems and patterns – as well as recognising and drawing on your strengths – is a prerequisite for effective counselling. This process helps you separate your own personal concerns from the issues of the client you are seeking to support.
6. What is distinctive about professional counselling?
Professional counselling is very different from simply listening to others or communicating well. It has a therapeutic goal and seeks to help the client explore the problems and concerns that are impacting their life, and preventing them from setting and reaching personal goals.
Also, the counselling profession requires practitioners to work within an ethical framework of standards and practice, which are designed to protect both the counsellor and client.
7. Can I practice as a counsellor after studying a course with you?
The majority of our students work in the helping professions and study with us to gain additional knowledge in a specific field of interest. However, if you want to become a registered or accredited counsellor, then it is important that you contact the relevant accrediting association in your province, state or country. These organizations can provide more information on the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. They can also provide you with a list of approved programmes. Although requirements vary from place to place, typically you will be required to obtain a Master’s degree (often in Psychology or Counselling Psychology.) You will also be required to complete practicums, and supervised counselling practice.