Thousands of psychology students apply for masters every year in South Africa, but very few are accepted. On average, only 5 to 6 students are accepted per category per institution. By category I am referring to clinical, counselling, educational, industrial or neuropsychology. The rest don't make it into the masters program and then wonder what they can do with half a qualification, because without the masters degree and registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), one cannot be a psychologist. What few students know is that if you have an appropriate diploma or degree, you can gain membership with the Association of Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP) or Council for Counsellors in South Africa (CCSA). Once you have received your membership, you can open your own counselling practice! Because I have so many students contact me for advice on how to get started, I created an eBook with step by step guidance on how you can prepare yourself while studying, how to start your online business and then how to start face to face sessions once you can afford to rent premises. My book also contains examples of the consent forms you need to create as well as the POPIA clause that should get added to your email signature. Some suggestions on marketing and advertising are also included, because unless you advertise your business, people won't know that your business exists. I have also provided a link to the Company and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and SARS so you can register your company and remain tax compliant. I have included links on where to find resources to help your clients, plus there is a link to where you can get R100 off when you purchase your credit card machine from Yoco! It has been so rewarding to own my own business and to choose the hours I want to work, but it was difficult to get started without someone showing me the ropes. I can be contacted via email at [email protected] for private sales via EFT. Topics: HPCSA vs ASCHP/CCSA ASCHP designations Start with this Volunteer sessions Online sessions Your business assets Finding premises Building a resource library Marketing ideas Company registration