Navigating Counselling in South Africa

Apr 30, 2025

Understanding Different Types of Counsellors

Introduction

In South Africa, the need for mental health and wellness support has never been greater. However, with different types of counsellors offering various services, it can be confusing to understand who to approach for what kind of support. To clear up misconceptions and provide clarity, let’s break down the different types of counsellors, their qualifications, regulatory or professional bodies, and their scope of practice

Types of Counsellors

Registered Counsellors (HPCSA)

Counsellors registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) are the only ones legally permitted to use the title “registered counsellor” in South Africa. They practice under the HPCSA, a statutory body that regulates professionals in the health sector according to the South African Health Act of 2003.

Minimum qualification: BPsych equivalent with supervised practical training.

Pathology-based approach: Focuses on identifying and addressing mental health challenges using primarily psychological approaches.

Scope of practice: Registered counsellors assess, support, and refer cases related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and other psychological conditions. 

Work settings: Schools, hospitals, corporate environments, clinics, and private practices.

Regulating body: The HPCSA is a statutory body ensuring strict adherence to ethical standards and laws.

Key consideration: The title of registered counsellor is protected by law and can only be used by those registered with the HPCSA. 

ASCHP Counsellors (Salutogenic, wellness-focused approach)

Counsellors registered with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP) adopt a salutogenic approach, focusing on building health and resilience instead of diagnosing pathology. 

Regulating professional body: The ASCHP is a SAQA-recognised professional body and is gazetted by the government as a regulating professional body in the non-statutory domain. This means that it plays an essential role in ensuring the competence and professional development of its members, but it does not hold statutory authority like the HPCSA.

Salutogenic approach: Focuses on building health and holistic wellness.

Scope of practice: Provides proactive mental well-being support, including during life transitions, facilitating emotional resilience and coaching clients in wellness strategies.

Training requirement: A minimum of 100 supervised training hours and ongoing continuing professional development (CPD).

Work settings: Schools, corporate environments, wellness centres and private practices.

Key consideration: ASCHP counsellors focus on holistic well-being and have varied designations based on their qualifications and experience.

ASCHP offers various designations based on qualifications:
🔹 Wellness Support Counsellor (NQF 4) – Foundational guidance on general well-being and lifestyle support.
🔹 Holistic Counsellor (NQF 5) – Integrative wellness counselling, incorporating holistic techniques.
🔹 Wellness Counsellor (NQF 6) – Emotional and cognitive support, personal growth, and mental wellness strategies.
🔹 Specialist Wellness Counsellor (NQF 8, Honours Degree minimum) – Advanced counselling, integrating a variety of strategies and techniques to assist individuals with the management and intervention of various challenges from a non-diagnostic and non-clinical approach.

General Counsellors (Other counselling organisations)

General counsellors may have varied qualifications and training backgrounds, depending on the organisation they are affiliated with. These counsellors may not always be regulated by a specific regulatory body, but can still offer valuable support in different settings.

Training and scope: This can vary widely, from short courses to diploma programs in life coaching, pastoral care, or wellness. Some professional counsellors hold degrees.

Work settings: Churches, lifestyle centres, NGOs or private businesses.

General counsellors may be registered with:

Key Consideration: Not all general counsellors are regulated by professional regulatory bodies, meaning ethical and professional standards may vary. Review their qualifications and registration status to understand their role, specifically when seeking support.

Understanding professional, regulatory, and statutory bodies

In South Africa, the regulation of counsellors is guided by different bodies, each playing a unique role:

  • Statutory bodies: These are government-recognized organizations that regulate and enforce standards within a specific field. For example, the HPCSA is a statutory body that regulates registered counsellors and other health professionals.
  • Regulatory bodies: These bodies may not always be government-backed but still maintain oversight and set standards for specific professional groups. The ASCHP, for example, is a regulatory body for wellness and holistic practitioners, but is not a statutory body like the HPCSA.
  • Professional bodies: These organisations, such as the C4CSA and the SAAC, support the development of professionals in the field through networking, training, and resources. They may not have legal regulatory power but are important for professional development.

Collaboration or Duplication?

While there may be some overlap in the work of different counsellors, each plays a critical role in addressing South Africa’s growing mental health and wellness needs. The key is to choose the right professional based on your specific needs:

✔ Need psychological assessment and structured intervention? Registered counsellors (HPCSA) are best suited for this.
✔ Need proactive, holistic wellness support? ASCHP wellness counsellors offer a salutogenic approach.
✔ Looking for lifestyle, stress management, or faith-based guidance? General counsellors from alternative associations may provide support.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the differences between counsellors and the roles of professional bodies helps individuals find the right support. As demand for mental health services increases, collaboration between professionals, regardless of their specific titles, remains essential. The more qualified professionals we have in the field, the better.

Official websites for regulatory and/or professional bodies

References

This article also appears on our partner site, Eduhelp, as part of our ongoing collaboration.