Association for Supportive Counsellors & Holistic Practitioners
The ASCHP is the only professional body for counsellors that is recognized by SAQA. ASCHP counsellors work in holistic settings on primary health level. They are not psychotherapists, psychologist or social workers, but refer clients to these professionals should it be required.
A nationally recognized professional body ensures consistency in standards across and within provinces in South Africa, and across different counselling contexts. The ASCHP (ID 984) is a SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) recognized professional body with listed designations on the National Qualifications Framework (Act 67 of 2008). The ASCHP is affiliated to the Council for Counsellors in South Africa and the Natural Healers Association.
The ASCHP fulfils the following functions in accordance with SAQA requirements:
- Is a legally constituted entity governed by a constitution to practice according to good corporate governance principles.
- Assures protection of public interest in relation to services provided by its members and the associated risks.
- Develop, award, monitor and revoke professional designations in terms of set rules, legislation and international conventions and disciplinary measures.
- Is obliged to keep a record of members and submit a list of our members to SAQA together with the required personal information.
- Set criteria for, promote and monitor continuous professional development (CPD) for our members in order to enjoy on going professional training to stay abreast of latest research and amendments to legislation.
- Provides a code of conduct and operate a disciplinary mechanism for the reporting and investigation of members who are alleged to have contravened the code.
- Practice fair admission of membership and objective recognition of educational providers.
- Make career advice related information available to education and training authorities and providers such as the SETA’s.