glwa | volunteer telephone counsellor training
GLWA provides extensive training to its telephone counsellors who are not eligible to volunteer until they have completed the training and have applied successfully to commence as a telephone counsellor.
To find out more about volunteering as a GLWA telephone counsellor, click on the options below! You can return to top of page by clicking in the bottom right hand corner of the window.
training faq
- what are the basics?
- am I eligible to train as a counsellor?
- how much does it cost?
- where do I start?
- what will I learn?
- when does the course run?
- what qualification will I receive?
- what committment is expected after training?
- how do I find out more?
GLWA Telephone Counsellor Training
what are the basics?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. This includes, for example, family members who may not identify as LGBT or intersex themselves. 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 each year to train our volunteers.
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am I eligible to train as a counsellor?Criteria for entry into the course are:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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when does the course run?The duration of the program is usually three (3) weeks, consisting of one night a week two Saturdays and a Sunday. 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.
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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.
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what committment 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 six months commitment to the organisation and the counselling line (min. of 10 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.
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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 training coordinators by:
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