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8 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Course in Counselling
Laying a strong foundation for a meaningful career in counselling
Embarking on the journey to become a counsellor is a significant and deeply personal decision. The course you choose won’t just equip you with knowledge — it will shape your understanding of the human experience, prepare you for the responsibility of walking alongside others in their time of need, and lay the foundation for the kind of counsellor you become.
With different training options available, it’s important to choose wisely. A counselling course is about more than simply obtaining your certificate of attendance or recognition of hours— it’s an investment in your calling.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some key questions to consider when exploring your options:
1. Who presents the course — and what is their background?
The experience, qualifications, and current involvement of the course facilitators matter greatly. It’s important to ask who will be presenting the course and whether they are actively working in the field of counselling.
If a course promises to be extensive — touching on various areas such as trauma, grief, relationships, child counselling, or addiction — then it should be delivered by lecturers who actively work in those specific fields. This ensures students receive practical, grounded insights rather than just theoretical overviews. Teaching from lived experience brings nuance, depth, and credibility to the training.
At Humanitas, each of our counselling course intakes is presented by a team of at least five experienced lecturers, carefully selected to represent a diverse range of areas within the counselling field. All are actively working in private practice, bringing current and relevant experience into every module. This enriches the learning journey and allows our students to benefit from a multidimensional, real-world education.
When you learn from professionals who live the work, you gain more than knowledge — you gain insight, authenticity, and preparation for the world you’ll step into.
2. What kind of supervision is offered — and by whom?
Supervision is a vital part of counsellor development. Ask who your supervisors will be, what their background and experience is, whether your supervision will be done by registered, experienced professionals who understand the nuances of practice, or whether it’s facilitated by peers or recent graduates.
At Humanitas, supervision is provided by highly qualified, compassionate, registered social workers who are equipped to support both your practical skills and personal growth. They guide you, step by step, on how to apply your newly acquired counselling skills.
We believe that good supervision is not just evaluative, but also nurturing and empowering.
3. Is there a structured curriculum and proper training manual?
A comprehensive, well-designed curriculum reflects careful planning and quality assurance. A detailed manual ensures consistency across training and provides you with a valuable resource to return to throughout your journey.
Humanitas provides a carefully structured, research-informed training manual that supports both your academic and practical development. It’s a reflection of our commitment to excellence and depth.
4. How are practical hours defined and structured?
Practical experience is a cornerstone of counselling training. Ask how practical hours are allocated and whether you’ll have opportunities to counsel real clients under supervision, as opposed to only engaging in theoretical or classroom-based exercises.
At Humanitas, our practical hours involve meaningful client work, both online and in person at one of over 80 partner organisations — guided and supervised — so that our students graduate with confidence and real-world experience.
5. Are there clear entry requirements?
The process by which students are selected into a programme can give insight into the integrity of the course. Entry requirements ensure that those who participate are ready — emotionally, academically, and ethically — for the journey ahead.
At Humanitas, we consider our student selection process a vital step in maintaining a safe, reflective, and growth-oriented learning environment. We believe that who is in the room matters — not just for academic success, but for the overall learning experience.
6. What kind of personal support is available during the course?
Training to be a counsellor can be personally transformative and sometimes emotionally demanding. It’s important to have support structures in place that honour your growth and help you process the challenges that may arise.
At Humanitas, we offer support through our team of campus counsellors. Their role is to hold space for you as you grow — emotionally, professionally, and personally — because we understand that the journey shapes the counsellor just as much as the destination.
7. What does life after the course look like?
A good course doesn’t just get you to the finish line at the end of the training — it supports you beyond the training as well. Ask what opportunities exist beyond the final module. Will you be part of a professional community? Are there growth pathways, continued learning, or ways to stay connected?
At Humanitas, our graduates can join our professional directory, become course reviewers or short course developers, join our dedicated graduates’ WhatsApp group, as well as supervision groups, and take part in The Healing Tribe — a graduate community designed to support you and facilitate personal and professional growth.
8. What do others say about the course — and how is it recognised in the broader professional community?
In a world full of marketing promises, it’s wise to seek out independent feedback. Look for Google reviews, testimonials, or endorsements from credible professionals. Visit the training provider’s social media. You can also ask to speak to former students to gain insight into their personal experience of the course.
At Humanitas, we’re proud of the feedback we’ve received over the years. Our Google Reviews reflect a consistent pattern of 5-star ratings, and beautiful testimonials, many of which speak to the depth of transformation and the quality of care students experienced throughout their training.
We’ve also been referenced in formal documentation by a leading tertiary institution as a recommended training provider for postgraduate students looking to expand their counselling-related training, and are invited to speak during their Life After Honours presentations. Additionally, we regularly receive referrals from psychology lecturers at leading tertiary institutions, who entrust their honours students to us when further development is needed.
These referrals and recognitions are not just accolades — they reflect years of commitment to maintaining integrity, quality, and genuine impact in the lives of our students and the communities they go on to serve.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing a counselling course is not just about ticking academic boxes — it’s about setting the tone for the professional and person you’re becoming. Counselling is sacred work. It calls for courage, compassion, and integrity, and the training you receive should nurture those qualities at every step.
The right course won’t just equip you with tools and techniques. It will stretch you, support you, and invite you to grow in ways you never imagined. It will walk alongside you as you learn to hold space for others — and just as importantly, for yourself.
So take your time. Ask the questions that matter. Look beyond the surface of marketing materials and quick promises. Seek out courses that align with your values, offer depth and structure, and are led by professionals who are truly invested in your growth.
You deserve to be trained in an environment that sees you, supports you, and prepares you with excellence. Because your journey matters — and the work you are called to do matters too.