Frequently Asked Questions

 

    Can I apply for membership if I have a criminal record?

Each application is considered on a case by case basis and the nature of the criminal activity will influence the final decision.

 

What qualifications do I require to be a member of NZCCA?

At present the minimum requirement for membership is a Diploma level qualification in Counselling.  Please note that any qualification does not guarantee your application will be accepted.

 

As a student when can I apply for membership?

You may apply for Provisional membership of the Association if you are in your final year of training for a recognised counselling qualification and you have over 100 supervised client hours.  Please note: You must advise us when you receive your qualification or your membership. If you do not advise us that you have passed your membership will be cancelled.

 

I completed my training overseas or I am planning on training overseas; will my qualification count for membership with NZCCA?

To apply for membership you will need to

have your qualification evaluated by NZQA (NZ Qualifications Authority http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/international-qualifications/apply-for-an-international-qualifications-assessment/) to determine that it has New Zealand equivalency.

 

Any training must include;

  •  Counselling micro-skills
  • Knowledge of a range of theoretical models with competency in at least one model
  • Understanding and knowledge of a variety of counselling issues and situations
  •  Understanding of the principles of a Code of Ethics and the concept of client safety
  •  Knowledge around the value of supervision
  •  Self-awareness and personal development including undertaking some personal counselling during the course as required
  • Practical work with other students to practice skills and models
  •  Supervised practice as per course requirements
  •  completed Bi-Cultural/Treaty of Waitangi training in a course that offers at least 30 hours of training/experience. A Marae visit should be included; an overnight stay is preferred but not essential. Membership cannot be considered until this training has been undertaken.
  • undertaken at least 100 supervised client hours.
  • had at least monthly supervision for the past six months with a New Zealand supervisor who is trained as a clinical counsellor as well as having supervision training.  They must also be a member of a professional counselling or psychotherapy organisation (e.g. NZCCA, NZAC or NZAP), or a member of another professional body acceptable to the NZCCA Executive.

 

 How many client hours do I have to complete before I can apply for membership?

One hundred hours of supervised client hours for Provisional Membership and 200 hours post graduate supervised hours for full membership.

 

Will I have to have an interview?

You may be asked to attend an interview if the membership committee has further questions after considering your application and your supervisor's report. 

 

Is there a charge for the interview?

If you are asked to attend an interview there will be a charge of $275 (+GST).  You will also be required to cover any costs associated with you getting to the interview location.  We will do our best to offer you an interview location close to where you live.

 

What is involved in an interview?

There will be two Membership Committee members or representatives in attendance.  The interviews are usually held in the main centres. When you receive notification of the interview time and date you will also receive a list of questions that will form the basis for the interview to help you prepare for the interview.  You may choose to take a support person with you.  We anticipate that the interview will take approximately 1 - 1 ½ hours.

 

Can you clarify what is an ethical dilemma?

a)      An ethical dilemma is a conflict between two values, e.g.

 

  • a client admits to breaking the law but asks you to respect confidentiality
  • a client tells you she is giving all her money to her local church as this is a cultural norm but you are aware her children are not receiving good nutrition
  • you realise your client is having an affair with the husband of someone close to you

 

b)    To identify the conflicting values

In the examples above these might be:

 

  • Legal requirements vs counselling ethics of client confidentiality/holding the client relationship
  • A client's cultural values vs your own cultural values/child safety
  • Client confidentiality/unconditional positive regard vs your relationship with the person close to you