STUDY NOTE 9 for PYC3705
Theme: Networking and referral in counselling and competency of a registered counsellor
Networking and referral in counselling:
Networking is a way to expand connections in order to increase allies. Networking is also about optimally
and efficiently utilising, co-ordinating or linking different services, resources or information in a formal and/or
informal manner, with a common goal – to serve as a safety net for the client.
Adopting a holistic view of clients in treatment is especially important for any counsellor making referrals to
other providers or agencies. At the point of referral, there is both an opportunity to address a client’s unmet
needs and a potential danger of losing the client. Collaboration is crucial for preventing clients from “falling
through the cracks” among independent and autonomous agencies. Effective collaboration is also the key
to serving the client in the broadest possible context, beyond the boundaries of the counsellor and service
providers.
For a network to be effective, partners in the network must have clarity on:
• In what contexts are networks required (national, provincial and local contexts – incorporating
both urban and rural settings).
• Why networks do exists (necessity for establishing networks within the programme).
• The target group(s) (Who and what constitute these networks).
• The activities of the established networks.
• Where it operates, for example locally, regionally or internationally.
• How it works in terms of structures, procedures, participation and accountability mechanisms and
relationships with stakeholders.
• The desire results of the networks and how results will be visible.
Overview of the continued competency of a registered counsellor as indicated by the practice
framework of psychology:
1. Psychological assessment
- General screening, requiring interpretation of psychological functions (e.g. intellectual/scholastic abilities,
aptitude, interests, career placement, personality profiling)
- Identification of symptoms for referral (e.g. psychopathology, organisational dysfunction)
2. Psychological intervention
- Basic, short term, supportive counseling
- Basic psycho-education and training
- Promotion of primary psychosocial well-being (additional mark)
3. Referral practices
- Ability to refer to equivalent professional peer within primary healthcare or educational systems (e.g.
nurse, social workers, human resources practitioners)
- Ability to refer to psychologists and others with specialized expertise
4. Research
- Ability to conduct research project and implement its findings
5. Other competencies
- Policy and standards implementation
- Project implementation and management
Theme: Networking and referral in counselling and competency of a registered counsellor
Networking and referral in counselling:
Networking is a way to expand connections in order to increase allies. Networking is also about optimally
and efficiently utilising, co-ordinating or linking different services, resources or information in a formal and/or
informal manner, with a common goal – to serve as a safety net for the client.
Adopting a holistic view of clients in treatment is especially important for any counsellor making referrals to
other providers or agencies. At the point of referral, there is both an opportunity to address a client’s unmet
needs and a potential danger of losing the client. Collaboration is crucial for preventing clients from “falling
through the cracks” among independent and autonomous agencies. Effective collaboration is also the key
to serving the client in the broadest possible context, beyond the boundaries of the counsellor and service
providers.
For a network to be effective, partners in the network must have clarity on:
• In what contexts are networks required (national, provincial and local contexts – incorporating
both urban and rural settings).
• Why networks do exists (necessity for establishing networks within the programme).
• The target group(s) (Who and what constitute these networks).
• The activities of the established networks.
• Where it operates, for example locally, regionally or internationally.
• How it works in terms of structures, procedures, participation and accountability mechanisms and
relationships with stakeholders.
• The desire results of the networks and how results will be visible.
Overview of the continued competency of a registered counsellor as indicated by the practice
framework of psychology:
1. Psychological assessment
- General screening, requiring interpretation of psychological functions (e.g. intellectual/scholastic abilities,
aptitude, interests, career placement, personality profiling)
- Identification of symptoms for referral (e.g. psychopathology, organisational dysfunction)
2. Psychological intervention
- Basic, short term, supportive counseling
- Basic psycho-education and training
- Promotion of primary psychosocial well-being (additional mark)
3. Referral practices
- Ability to refer to equivalent professional peer within primary healthcare or educational systems (e.g.
nurse, social workers, human resources practitioners)
- Ability to refer to psychologists and others with specialized expertise
4. Research
- Ability to conduct research project and implement its findings
5. Other competencies
- Policy and standards implementation
- Project implementation and management
