Exploring stories of registered counsellors about their relevance and future in South Africa

Abstract

The category of Registered Counsellors was created to provide psychological service at primary level to previously disadvantaged communities, yet there is lack of public and professional knowledge concerning this category. This study aimed at finding reasons why people choose to become registered counsellors and what their relevance and future is in South Africa. Social constructionism is the epistemological framework for this qualitative investigation. Three registered counsellors aged between 27 and 31 were chosen for this study using a combination of purposive and snowball sample technique. Rich data were collected through open ended interviews. This approach was chosen as the most relevant because it helped in giving a voice to the three ‘registered counsellors’ which in turn helped in getting a holistic understanding of the participants’ point of view. Thematic analysis technique was used to identify key themes. The main themes identified in comparative analysis were the following: the need to help, feeling of fulfillment, working in a multidisciplinary team, registered counsellors as first point of entry, experiencing barriers in terms of lack of recognition, confusion between registered counsellors and other healthcare professionals; and the role of HPCSA. The results showed that the participants became registered counsellors because of the need to help others. The results also showed that registered counsellors are relevant in South Africa because their services are needed for the well-being of society. There is a future for registered counsellors in South Africa to close the gap in terms of mental health workforce shortage.