GLWA Telephone Counsellor Training

The program from our last course in 2009 is provided below as an example. Course dates for 2010 have not been set yet. If you would like to be advised when these dates become available, please use the training e-mail link below.

Location: QAHC Brisbane, 30 Helen Street, Newstead QLD 4006  click here for directions

If you would like further information, please contact us training@glwa.org.au

Course Dates as follows:

	October		WEEK 1	WEEK 2
	Evenings		Monday 19th	Monday 26th Oct
	Evenings		Tuesday 20th	Tuesday 27th Oct
	November		WEEK 3	WEEK4
	Evenings		Monday 2nd	Monday 9th
	Evenings		Tuesday 3rd	Tuesday 10th
	Day Sessions		Saturday 7th	Saturday 14th
	Evening Sessions 6.30 - 9.30pm Day Sessions 9.30 - 5.00pm

 

GLWA provide a peer-based telephone counselling, referral and information service to people dealing with sexuality and/or gender issues and people impacted upon by those dealing with issues arising from sexuality and/or gender.

GLWA's telephone counsellor training program is open to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. GLWA receives many expressions of interest from people wanting to attend our telephone counselling training courses. Telephone counsellor training courses are conducted in Brisbane by GLWA twice a year to train our volunteers.

Am I eligible to train as a Counsellor?

Criteria for entry into the course are:

• You must reside in Brisbane. Although the service is Queensland wide, the office and counselling rooms are located in Brisbane.
• You must identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex as GLWA provides a peer telephone counselling service.
• Volunteers are required to become members of the Association.
• All counsellors must hold a blue card, or be legally able to apply for one before commencing on the phones. (Blue Cards are free for volunteers)

How much does it cost?

There is a small fee payable for participating in GLWA's training course. The training coordinator can advise you of the current fee upon inquiry (see below).

It is GLWA policy that those who enrol in the new counsellor training program must become members of GLWA. This allows trainees to fully participate in any facet of GLWA that they are interested in.

Where do I start?

Before the training starts, GLWA hosts an information night. This night typically involves trainers and other GLWA members talking about the training program, and GLWA generally. They will also be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the training or GLWA.

What will I learn?

The Training program includes a series of sessions that explore Basic Telephone Counselling, Coming Out, Gender Identity, (including Trans and Intersex), Safer Sex and Sexual Health, Homophobia and Domestic Violence in Same-sex relationships. Participants must complete 80% of the sessions to complete the course.

When does the course run?

The duration of the program is usually seven (7) weeks, consisting of one night a week and four (4) Saturdays or Sundays. The weeknight sessions start at 6:00pm, and run for four (4) hours. All day sessions that are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays cover a large amount of material in one session to assist in group discussions and workshops. Presenters and specialists are scheduled to attend many sessions to give real life examples and encourage open group discussions.

What qualification will I receive?

When the training finishes, you will receive a certificate of participation. Your Certificate enables you to apply to become a GLWA peer telephone counsellor.

Note, GLWA is NOT a registered training organisation and as such your participation in our counsellor training course is not able to be accredited under the Australian Quality Training Framework.

What commitment is expected after training?

Once you have satisfactorily completed the training course, and you are recommended as a telephone counsellor, GLWA asks for a minimum of twelve months commitment to the organisation and the counselling line (min. of 15 counselling shifts). This commitment consists of one three hour shift every three weeks. The night will be, as far as possible, the one you nominate.

How do I find out more?

If you are interested in becoming a GLWA telephone counsellor or you just want some info on our counsellor training program, you can contact the secretary by:

email secretary@glwa.org.au or
leave voice mail Message on 07 3319 0968