The Masters Courses in Counselling Psychology at Rhodes University is a professional training programme that provides the foundation that will lead to registration as a Counselling Psychologist with the Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). To achieve registration you are required to complete the following components to a satisfactory standard:

• One year of academic and practical training;
• A research dissertation;
• A one year internship at an accredited training site;
• The national examination set by the Professional Board for Psychology.

Professional training at Rhodes was first offered in 1975 — to a single clinical psychology student — under the direction of Professor Dreyer Kruger. At that time, it was one of only two such programmes offered by English-medium universities. Counselling Psychology came some years later. Today we train twelve student psychologists annually, six in Clinical Psychology and six in Counselling Psychology.

Definition of Counselling Psychology

For us, counselling psychology is a progressive, value-based specialty that has a unique and invaluable role to play in the provision of mental health services to and the development of the people of South Africa and elsewhere.

The definition that we follow is the one developed by the Professional Board for Psychology that draws on some of our own research:

Counselling psychology is a specialist category within professional psychology that promotes the personal, social, educational and career functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups, organisations and communities. Counselling psychologists assist people with normal developmental issues, and also prevent and alleviate psychological and mental health disorders that range from mild to moderate severity. Psychological assessment, diagnosis, and formulation draw on a holistic appreciation of people’s lived experiences and their sociocultural contexts. Counselling psychologists deliver a range of high-intensity psychological interventions that take into account the therapeutic potential of positive relationships, and people’s strengths and resources.

The Academic Programme

The academic programme comprises case supervision with an experienced counselling psychologist, case conference presentations and 3 coursework and 1 research module which are outlined below:

1. Psychological Assessment: This module includes child and adult diagnostics, psychometric theory and measurement, intellectual and emotional assessment, and a particular focus on career assessment and intervention.
2. Psychological Therapies and Interventions: Students receive training in a range of interventions to enhance psychological functioning and well-being, and address psychological problems, which include typical life stresses and more severe issues. The focus of these interventions include developmental and adjustment problems, psychological crisis and trauma, as well as mild-to-moderate mental and behavioural disorders. Key teaching areas include Cognitive Therapy, Community Psychology, Couples and Family Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, as well as workshops in Health Psychology, Positive Psychology and Crisis Intervention work.   
3. Counselling Psychology Professional practice: This module addresses the unique history and values of Counselling Psychology and engages students in the active development of their own professional identities as future Counselling Psychologists. Particular areas of focus include lifespan development theory, critical engagement with socio-cultural factors that shape psychological intervention in the South African context, and important ethical topics necessary to practice as a Counselling Psychologist in South Africa.
4. Research in Counselling Psychology: This module includes the research workshops offered by the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, and the completion, under supervision, of a 60-credit research dissertation.  

The current course booklet is available to give you a sense of the academic programme: Masters in Counselling Psychology Booklet 2023

The course coordinator is Professor Megan Campbell

Applications for the Counselling Psychology Programme starting in 2025

Please note that the application process for the 2025 Programme in Counselling Psychology is now closed, The selection week is planned to run from 10-14 June 2024 in Makhanda

Please read the attached guidelines to assist you with your application Application MA in Counselling Psychology 2025

Good luck with your application!

CLASS OF 2024

Inge Ackerman

Britney Bengstone

Henri Cilliers

Andiswa Mgwatyu

Kgothatso Mmbodi

Naledi Tsomele

 News and special events

 27th Annual Psychological Society of South Africa Conference, Empero's Palace October 2024

https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/rhodesuniversityexcelsatpsychologyconference.html

 Celebrating Mental Health Day throught the ADC Counselling Hub, October 2042

Mental health is increasingly being recognised as an essential component of overall well-
being, deserving the same attention and resources as physical health. Regrettably,
marginalised communities such as the community of Makhanda in the Eastern Cape
continue to experience extremely limited resources that promote mental well-being. In
observance of the Mental Wellness month of October 2023, the Rhodes Counselling
Psychology Interns held a Mental Health Day with the Makhanda community, working
through the Assumption Development Centre (ADC) Counselling Hub. The event took place
on the 26 th of October 2023 at Nompumelelo Child Protection and Enrichment Centre.

Back Row L-R: Buncwanekazi Mankantshu, Rendani Mabaso, Babalwa Zokoza, Oraratile Moatshe, Adeline Kingsley,     

Front Row L-R: Palesa Monkhe and Constanze Steyn

The ADC Counselling Hub is a collaboration between the ADC, Rhodes University (RU)
Counselling Centre and RU Psychology Department. The purpose of the event was to foster
greater awareness, reduce stigma, and raise awareness of the existing psycho-social
support systems and services in Makhanda. In so doing, the vent aimed to promote the
development of comprehensive support systems and services around mental wellness
together with the Makhanda community. The Mental Health Day was a resounding success,
with many community members, RU Psychology staff members, ADC staff members, and
different stakeholder representatives in attendance. The presence of such a diverse group of
individuals was crucial in promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma
surrounding mental health issues. Participants actively engaged in discussions, activities,

and music, which helped foster a sense of community and support. The event highlighted
the importance of mental health and the need for continued, collaborative efforts to promote mental wellness in our society.

Last Modified: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:10:17 SAST