Counselling is a relational process based upon the ethical use of specific professional competencies to facilitate human change. Counselling addresses wellness, relationships, personal growth, career development, mental health, and psychological illness or distress.
The counselling process is characterized by the application of recognized cognitive, affective, expressive, somatic, spiritual, developmental, behavioural, learning, and systemic principles.
The counselling profession:
- Is attentive to and responds to diversity and inclusiveness;
- Works in the best interest of individuals
- Works in the domains of cognition, emotion, expression, somatics, human development, behaviour, learning, and interactive systems;
- Promotes mental health by developing and enhancing:
- personal, relational, sexual, career, and spiritual growth and well-being,
- personal awareness and resources,
- decision-making and problem-solving;
- Remediates or provides treatment for disorders in cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal, and emotional functioning;
- Applies specific and recognized evaluation and assessment methods;
- May also include supervision, education, training, consultation, research, diagnosis, and referral.
