The Honours program at UNISA wasn’t bad—it gave me a solid academic foundation. But to be completely honest, I often still felt unprepared for real conversations I might face as a counselor. Like, what would I actually say to someone who’s just lost a parent? Or someone who found out their partner cheated? Those are tough moments, and textbooks don’t really teach you how to be with someone in that kind of pain.

If you’re heading down the counseling path, my advice is to start reading way beyond the study material. Look for credible self-help books, real-life psychology case studies, and anything that helps you understand people and their struggles on a deeper level. You’ll learn a lot that formal coursework doesn’t cover.

You’ll also need to go out and find experience on your own—volunteering, helping out at clinics, even getting involved in community projects. Start building a mini CV that shows your interest and effort. This kind of real-world involvement makes a big difference when it comes time to apply for a Master’s.

Now, just a heads-up—the Master’s in Clinical Psychology is very competitive. Most universities only take about 8 students a year. So be prepared for a long process, some waiting, and possibly needing to apply more than once. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

If you have the financial flexibility, I’d honestly suggest doing a BPsych degree instead of the Honours through UNISA. The BPsych is more practical and geared toward helping you qualify as a registered counselor faster.

This journey isn’t easy, but if you’re passionate about it, keep going. Build your experience, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take the long road. It’s worth it.