The target groups of the individual training courses and continuing education, further training in the field of counseling vary greatly depending on the focus and degree.

In addition to counselor training for those with no specific professional experience, there are also courses aimed primarily at psychologists and doctors who would like to gain in-depth training in psychotherapy, for example.

Training in existential-analytical counseling is very suitable for teachers and pastoral workers, continuing education, further training in person-centered counseling for all professionals in counseling, education, social work, health or human resources who are involved in psychosocial counseling and want to expand their knowledge.

Each school determines independently which target groups are addressed and which admission requirements apply. There may therefore be differences, which are best clarified directly with the respective school using our contact form or the "Ask a question" button. Speak to the right contact person quickly, easily and without obligation.

At the start of the examination, the following prior training is required for the Counselor in the Psychosocial Field course:

• Professional qualification at continuing education and training / tertiary level or equivalent qualification and at least 6 years of professional experience in a psychosocial context

or

• without a tertiary degree at least 8 years of professional experience in a psychosocial context

and

• Proof of at least 20 counseling processes with at least 100 sessions, of which 5 counseling processes with at least 5 hours
• Proof of 40 hours of client-related supervision
• Proof of 40 hours of psychosocial counseling as a client
• Participation in at least 8 sessions of a supervision or revision group for at least 2 years
• Accompaniment by a supervisor for at least 1 year (min. 20 hours) in a counseling competence-related supervision

After the counselor training in the psychosocial field, there are the following further development opportunities as a counselor continuing education, further training:

• Courses from professional associations and training institutions
• Certified special education teacher (EDK)
• Bachelor's or Master's degree from a University of Applied Sciences in Applied Psychology or Social Work

No specific training or continuing education in couples counseling or another specialist field is required for admission to the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) "Counselor in the psychosocial field with a federal diploma". However, with a tertiary degree you must be able to demonstrate at least six years of counseling experience in a psychosocial environment, without a tertiary degree at least eight years. In addition, you must provide proof of 30 hours as a client in a psychosocial counseling session, 30 hours as a supervisor in a client-related supervision, counseling in at least 80 sessions with at least 15 counseling processes, as well as participation in at least eight sessions of an intervision or supervision group for two or more years. In addition, you must have been supervised by an accredited teaching supervisor for at least 15 hours over a period of one year or more and have received a recommendation from him or her.

The following training consultants are frequently offered:

• Coaching and consultant training
• Psychosocial counseling training
• Systemic counseling training
• Psychological counseling training
• Life counseling training
• Family counselor training
• RAV consultant training

The following is possible after the psychosocial counseling training:

• Courses offered by professional associations and training institutions
• Degree program at a university of applied sciences, e.g. Bachelor/Master of Science (FH) in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of Arts/Science (FH) in Social Work or certified special education teacher (EDK)