Peer support for rural counsellors

Charles Sturt University (CSU) research has shown the value of professional peer support and networking for counsellors and therapists working in rural and remote areas.

The research led by Ms Ruth Bailey, a lecturer at CSU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, has been published in an international academic journal, the Journal of Social Work Practice: Psychotheraputic Approaches in Health Welfare and the Community.

Ms Bailey said the study was based on a small professional network for therapists, facilitated by the School, since mid 2011.

“The free and voluntary peer consultation group provides the opportunity for therapists and counsellors from a number of disciplines to come together and talk about their work,” said Ms Bailey.

“This kind of networking and professional development is readily available in metropolitan areas but lacking in many regional centres.”

Ms Bailey’s own experience as a psychotherapist working in Sydney before moving to regional practice in Wagga Wagga highlighted the shortfall and prompted her to form the peer consultation group.

She said the research showed the group’s participants valued the ability to to talk about their professional life outside the workplace and to further develop their skills and knowledge.

“Many counsellors are providing wonderful care in our community but rarely get the opportunity to get support themselves,” said Ms Bailey.

“Groups such as this support the resilience of professional people, who often work in isolation. These professional counsellors are more likely to find it attractive to continue working and providing real support to people in rural areas if this sort of professional support is available.

“The study revealed high levels of devotion and commitment in these counsellors, who work hard to develop and improve their ability to be useful to people.”

Ms Bailey said participants also appreciated the support of the University for counselling practice in Wagga Wagga.

(Source: Charles Sturt University, Journal of Social Work Practice: Psychotheraputic Approaches in Health Welfare and the Community)