NQF Level: 5, Credits: 25, Duration: 4 Months, Delivery Mode: Online
South Africa is facing an escalating mental health and psychosocial support challenge. Communities, schools, workplaces, and families are increasingly affected by stress, trauma, grief, violence, substance abuse, and emotional distress, often without sufficient access to structured support services. There is a growing need for trained, ethical, and community-based counsellors who can provide frontline emotional support and facilitate appropriate referrals.
The Community Counsellor programme responds to this need by equipping learners with practical, supportive counselling skills suitable for community, organisational, and faith-based environments. The programme emphasises ethical practice, trauma-informed support, early intervention, and responsible referral, while maintaining clear non-clinical boundaries. Succeffull learners may register with the relevant professional body, recomended by CGTS.
To enrol in the Community Counsellor programme, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Be 18 years or older
Have a minimum of Grade 11 or an equivalent qualification, or a minimum of three (3) years’ relevant counselling or community support experience
Be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
Have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer for online learning
Required Documentation
Applicants will be required to submit the following documents as part of the registration and verification process:
A certified copy of a South African ID or valid passport (for international applicants)
Certified copies of minimum qualification(s) or proof of relevant experience
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A reference or experience letter confirming counselling, community, or support-related experience (where applicable)
Please note:
A Police Clearance Certificate may be required prior to or during practical assessments, depending on placement requirements and assessment context.
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
Apply structured supportive counselling approaches in community-based, organisational, and educational settings
Provide trauma-informed emotional support for common psychosocial challenges
Communicate professionally, empathetically, and ethically with individuals and groups
Respond appropriately to emotional distress and crisis situations
Facilitate basic support groups and healing conversations
Work responsibly within ethical boundaries and referral frameworks
The programme consists of the following knowledge modules and practical modules:
Knowledge Modules
Principles of Structured Supportive Community Counselling
Methods of Supportive Counselling for Specific Community Challenges
Addressing Depression
Grief and Bereavement – Understanding and Addressing Loss
Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (DGBV)
Counselling Skills for Stress and Anxiety
Counselling Skills for Substance Abuse
Practical Modules
Establishing the Counselling Relationship and Identifying Client Challenges
Assessing, Planning, and Supporting Client Growth
Ethical Practice and Multidisciplinary Referral in Counselling
Graduates of the Community Counsellor programme may access supportive, non-clinical roles in a variety of people-centred environments, including:
Supportive Counsellor in schools, NGOs, churches, and community organisations
Employee Wellness or HR Support roles within workplaces
Youth and Adolescent Support roles in educational or community programmes
Trauma and Crisis Support roles within community initiatives
Substance Abuse Support roles in NPO and rehabilitation settings
Chaplain or Peer Counsellor roles in faith-based environments
The programme provides recognised learning that may support Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or admission into further counselling-related studies, subject to the entry requirements and assessment criteria of the relevant institution or professional body.
Learners are assessed through applied assignments and practical evaluations aligned with the programme outcomes. Successful completion of all assessment requirements leads to the awarding of 25 credit certificate on NQF Level 5 and formal recognition of the learning achieved through this programme.
2026 Course Fees
Fee Type
Amount (ZAR)
Notes
Full Programme Value
R10,000
Market-aligned value
Subsidised Programme Fee
R5,000
50% subsidised by Custom Group NPC
Part-Time / Per Month Option
R1,250 × 4
Flexible payment structure
Application Fee
R 250
Non-Refundable
Fee Notes
All fees are inclusive of VAT
Fees are non-refundable
Continued access to the programme is subject to fee compliance
Professor Vic Herbst serves as the lead Lecturer for the Community Counselor Course, bringing nearly four decades of expertise in human support and spiritual guidance. Since 1986, he has dedicated his life to understanding the complexities of the human heart and the practical challenges people face daily. His mission is to empower individuals to move beyond mediocre support, providing them with the professional foundation and cognitive "brain power" necessary to help others navigate life’s most difficult trials with confidence.
His academic credentials include a PhD in Counseling Management , supported by extensive research in crisis intervention and holistic wellness. As a veteran educator, and ordained pastor, Professor Herbst has shared his knowledge as a lecturer at Northwest University and remains actively connected to several higher learning institutions today. Beyond his academic work, he serves as an advisor to Association for Supportive Counselors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP), a professional body that ensures training meets high ethical and legal standards for holistic counselling practice and he is also Chairman of ACSA Wellness and Trauma Support Committee of Airport Company South Africa (ACSA). Through this course, he is helping students to become registered supportive counselors who are equipped to make a lasting, professional impact in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this course accredited? Yes. It is a credit-bearing Occupational Skill Course (NQF Level 5, 25 Credits) and can form part of broader qualifications in counselling or human development.
Q: Will I become a licensed therapist? No — this course certifies you as a Supportive Counsellor, not a clinical psychologist. However, it enables real counselling work in schools, HR, NGOs, and community settings — and can lead to further study.
Q: Can I do this course while working full-time? Yes! The course is 100% online and designed for flexible, part-time learning. Q: What tools will I need? You’ll need a phone, tablet, or laptop with stable internet for video lessons, group activities, and assessments.
Q: Do I get certified? Yes. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of competence with NQF-aligned credits and access to professional registration as a Supportive Counsellor.