Australian Counselling Association (2016). B: Standards for registered counsellors. In Scope of practice for registered counsellors, (pp. 39-41). https://www.theaca.net.au/documents/ACA%20Scope%20of%20Practice%20for%20Registered%20Counsellors%202016.pdf
These nine Standards have been developed to define how the registered counsellors undertake their practice. These Standards reflect the various settings in which a registered counsellor may, from an individual counselling practitioner to a mental health program/service.
Standard 1
Registered counsellors have the appropriate qualifications, knowledge and skills to operate within the prescribed roles defined in the Scope.
Rationale:
A registered counsellor has the qualifications, knowledge and skills appropriate to their level of attainment.
Practice outcomes:
A registered counsellor is recognised as having the required proficiency to provide therapeutic interventions to consumers with a wide range of complex mental health issues, in line with this Scope.
Standard 2
All registered counsellors are encouraged to access appropriate ongoing professional development (OPD) opportunities and supervision.
Rationale:
ACA recommends that post-qualification, counsellors will undertake the required activities each year that contribute to their professional development. The professional development will be documented with the counsellor’s supervisor.
Practice outcomes:
OPD can take a variety of forms. Counsellors will be able to discuss with their supervisor the need for appropriate further training (e.g. in specialist areas of counselling). OPD will be appropriate to the registered counsellor’s requirements and available on a pro rata basis.
Standard 3
A registered counsellor must identify time for supervision.
Rationale:
Counselling supervision is concerned with monitoring, developing and supporting individual’s in their counselling role to ensure that the needs of the consumer are being addressed. Supervision is different from personal therapy or inline management.
Practice outcomes:
A supervisor for a registered counsellor will have the knowledge base, experience and skills to support the registered counsellor in their specialist field of practice.
Standard 4
Supervision should be delivered by an ACA accredited supervisor with an understanding of the registered counsellors’ therapeutic practice. Evidence of supervision should be kept.
Rationale:
The supervision of a registered counsellor is a formalised relationship between a counsellor and their supervisor(s). Where appropriate, the supervisor will have professional experience and a knowledge base that equips the supervisor to work in the counsellor’s specialist field.
Practice outcomes:
Supervisors will have a formal contract with, and accountability for the registered counsellor. Additionally, there shall be clear procedures in place between the supervisor and the registered counsellor, should consumers be at risk.
Standard 5
Services or programs that utilise registered counsellors are to provide both an identified operational line manager and access to professional support. Counsellors are to operate within the ACA Code of Ethics and are accountable for their practice, including confidentiality.
Rationale:
Registered counsellors within a mental health program/service must have an operational line manager who is responsible for the counsellor’s usual line management functions.
Practice outcomes:
Line management procedures for engaging registered counsellors shall be consistent with those of other professional staff within mental health programs/services. A counsellor operating within a program/service will have a line manager who can facilitate professional links with other allied health professionals for all registered counsellors.
Standard 6
The Scope defines a structured professional development career progression for registered counsellors.
Rationale:
Registered counsellors have a recognised career path in line with the levels of registration as outlined by the Scope.
Practice outcomes:
Counsellors can identify a clear career path in line with the levels of registration within their chosen field of specialty.
Standard 7
A registered counsellor can maintain consumer records with associated privileges, in accordance with the program/service setting. Maintenance of and privileges for consumer records will be similar to other allied health professionals.
Rationale:
Regardless of the source of referral (including self-referral), all registered counsellors will record an assessment that:
- notes a presenting problem
- confirms the appropriateness of counselling
- ensures the consumer has been appraised of any appropriate alternatives
- confirm the consumer’s agreement to counselling; and
- records the anticipated health outcomes, including anticipated benefits to the consumer’s wellbeing.
Practice outcomes:
A registered counsellor has the relevant access to consumer records and the ability to meet the standards for record keeping.
Standard 8
Registered counsellors employed in a program /service are to have a structured and standardised approach to placements, including clear accountabilities.
Rationale:
Employers are to provide structure and standardise placements for registered counsellors within a mental health program/service.
Practice outcomes:
Responsibilities and accountabilities are standardised for counsellors placed within a mental health program/service.
Standard 9
Registered counsellors will provide consistent information about counselling competencies defined under this Scope.
Rationale:
All consumers can expect to receive a similar standard of service, regardless of the setting and the area in which they live.
Practice outcomes:
Consumers have access to consistent information about the standard of services provided by registered counsellors.
