Certificate in Psychosocial Counselling

Cullen University College

Duration: 8 Weeks | Level: Certificate | Price: ZMW 700

Course Introduction

Psychosocial counselling is one of the most needed, and most under-resourced, skill sets across Zambia’s health, education, social welfare, and NGO sectors. From HIV/AIDS support programs and gender-based violence response services, to school guidance departments and community-based child protection work, trained counsellors who can offer competent, ethical, culturally grounded psychosocial support are consistently in demand yet formal training opportunities remain limited relative to the need.

This certificate provides a solid, practical foundation in psychosocial counselling theory and skill, combining internationally recognized counselling approaches with the specific realities of practicing in Zambia extended family and community support structures, the historical and ongoing role of HIV/AIDS in counselling service demand, high rates of gender-based violence requiring specialized sensitivity, and a context where clients may hold beliefs about mental health and healing that blend traditional, religious, and biomedical frameworks. Every module combines established counselling theory with realistic, Zambian-context practical scenarios, so what you learn is something you can genuinely apply — whether in a clinical support role, a community-based organization, a school setting, or as a foundation for further professional study.

An Important Note Before You Begin

This certificate builds genuine, foundational psychosocial counselling competence and is well suited to roles such as lay counsellor, community support worker, peer counsellor, or psychosocial support officer within NGO, school, or community health settings. It does not, on its own, confer the professional licensure required to practice as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or registered clinical social worker in Zambia such practice is regulated by bodies including the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ). Throughout this course, you will learn precisely where the boundary of your competence lies and how to refer clients appropriately to licensed professionals when a situation requires it this is one of the most important skills a responsible counsellor develops, not a limitation to be worked around.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain core theoretical approaches to counselling and psychosocial support
• Apply foundational counselling microskills (active listening, empathy, reflection, questioning)
• Conduct a structured counselling session using a recognized helping model
• Apply trauma-informed principles and respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Provide culturally sensitive support for common issues in the Zambian context, including grief, HIV/AIDS-related psychosocial needs, and gender-based violence survivor support
• Apply core ethical principles, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries
• Recognize the limits of your own competence and refer appropriately to licensed professionals or specialized services
• Apply self-care and supervision practices to sustain your own wellbeing in helping work

Who this course is for: Community health workers, teachers and school counsellors, NGO psychosocial support staff, peer counsellors, HIV/AIDS program staff, church and community pastoral workers, and anyone seeking a foundation in helping skills. No prior background in psychology is required, though a genuine capacity for empathy, patience, and self-reflection is essential.