What is the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor?

The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Soft Skills & Personal Dev..

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 10 Weeks and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Intermediate Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@certifications.ac, contacting us via WhatsApp at +254 722 223 084, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in South Africa

Executive Summary

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) delivers a rigorous Intermediate-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in counselling, coaching and psychological wellbeing.

This 10 Weeks programme is structured around recognised counselling, coaching and ethical practice standards, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CSAC holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Acronym

CSAC

Who Should Enrol?

Counsellors and Therapists
Coaches and Wellbeing Practitioners
Social and Community Workers
Helping-Profession Practitioners

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards senior counselling, clinical and practice-leadership roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with recognised counselling, coaching and ethical practice standards

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex counselling functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement counselling systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to counselling

Global Employability

Qualify for counselling roles across clinics, NGOs, schools, community organisations and private practice worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Counselling Theories, Models and Approaches

✦Assessment, Case Formulation and Treatment Planning

✦Therapeutic Skills, Alliance and Communication

✦Specialised Populations and Presenting Concerns

✦Coaching, Wellbeing and Positive Psychology

✦Professional Ethics and Governance

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

Click any module to explore the detailed curriculum topics included in this certification.

Foundations and Professional Context of Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor: industry context, trends and professional standards
The helping relationship and its purpose
History and scope of counselling and coaching
Professional roles, boundaries and settings
Ethical principles and codes of practice
The self of the practitioner
Cultural competence and diversity
Confidentiality, consent and safeguarding
The evidence base for talking therapies
Wellbeing and the biopsychosocial model
Career pathways and professional development

Scope, Boundary and Referral

The boundary between coaching and therapy
Ethics, supervision and reflective practice
Contracting and the three-way agreement
Risk assessment and safeguarding in practice
Trauma-informed delivery and its limits
Working with ambivalence and motivation
Group facilitation and group process
Record keeping, notes and professional documentation
Remote and telephone practice
Endings, relapse and maintaining change
Practitioner wellbeing and vicarious trauma
Outcome monitoring in therapeutic work
Referral, multi-agency work and the client pathway
The working alliance and coaching presence
Questioning, listening and the coach’s restraint

The Therapeutic Alliance

The working alliance and coaching presence
Questioning, listening and the coach’s restraint
Feedback, challenge and psychological safety in coaching
Clinical assessment and shared formulation
Therapeutic modalities and choosing an approach
Goal setting and behavioural change in coaching
Mentoring, sponsorship and developmental relationships
Evaluating coaching outcomes
Team coaching and the team as client
Cultural context and coaching across difference
Building and running a coaching practice

Contracting and Confidentiality

Contracting and the three-way agreement
Ethics, supervision and reflective practice
The boundary between coaching and therapy

Listening, Reflection and Restraint

Questioning, listening and the coach’s restraint
The working alliance and coaching presence
Cultural context and coaching across difference

Ethics, Supervision and Safety

Ethics, supervision and reflective practice
The boundary between coaching and therapy
The working alliance and coaching presence

Outcomes and Review

Evaluating coaching outcomes
Goal setting and behavioural change in coaching
Ethics, supervision and reflective practice

Wellbeing and Resilience

Managing growth, risk and resilience
Coaching for resilience and wellbeing
Operational risk and resilience
Stress testing and scenario analysis
Stress testing credit portfolios
Stress testing and scenarios
Wellbeing and personal-effectiveness learning
Workplace wellbeing strategy
Stress and psychosocial risk
Crisis, resilience and contingency planning
Wellbeing and holistic health strategy
Business continuity and resilience
Analytical techniques and bias
Organisational resilience and adaptive strategy
Resilience, wellbeing and stress management

Workplace Context

Preparing financial statements
Budget vs actual and variance
Board and investor engagement
Team and engagement metrics
Community and tenant engagement
Structuring engagements: scope, deliverables and expectations
Managing engagement risk and professional liability
Community engagement and equity
Cost and profitability analysis
Completion, engagement and impact metrics
Talent, succession and workforce learning
Data protection and employee privacy
Belonging, culture and employee resource groups
Future of work and workforce transformation
Customer (employee/manager) satisfaction

Practice and Business

Setting objectives and marketing KPIs
Marketing and sales: scope, roles and value
The marketing concept and customer orientation
The marketing mix and the 7 Ps
Aligning marketing and sales (smarketing)
Digital disruption and modern go-to-market
Sales and marketing transformation
Digital and data-driven go-to-market
Agile marketing and experimentation
Marketing and sales ethics
Brand safety and responsible marketing
Interpreting financial statements
Data visualisation for finance
Communicating financial results
Practice management systems

Digital Delivery

Ethics of technology in practice
Agile and digital transformation projects
Virtual and distributed teams
Emerging project technologies
Managing virtual and cross-cultural teams
Digital marketing strategy
Marketing technology stack
Scaling technologies and business models
Digital and market transformation
Digital advisory, e-extension and mobile services
Digital and self-service transformation
Bancassurance and digital insurance models
Telehealth and digital care delivery
Forecasting and planning
Self-service and digital support

Programme Delivery

Compliance and regulatory projects
Leading project governance
Change and adoption in projects
Innovation and continuous delivery
Scaling delivery capability
Building project management maturity
Measuring change and project impact
Sustainability and social impact in projects
Health, safety and compliance in delivery
Project KPIs and performance metrics
Quality and delivery metrics
Continuous improvement of programmes
Wellness programmes and promotion
Project management principles and lifecycle
Cost reduction and efficiency programmes

Community and Family Context

Customer and community engagement
Social performance and outreach
Corporate social responsibility communications
Decision support and insight
Community and lifelong learning
Corporate social responsibility and ESG
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Corporate responsibility and community
Social media management: platforms, communities and algorithms
Measurement and analytics for media and social campaigns
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches
Social media customer care
Corporate social responsibility and community impact
Group dynamics, facilitation and community mobilisation
Social and digital PR

Health Context

Health financing: budgets, insurance and out-of-pocket realities
Procurement and stock management for health commodities
Customer and brand health metrics
Brand health and measurement
Healthy work design
Absence and health management
Confidentiality and health data
Leadership impact and organisational health metrics
Managing boundaries and dual relationships
Health records, data and confidentiality
Public health programmes: prevention and outreach
Peer support and consultation
Healthcare quality, safety and accreditation
Absence, capability and ill-health management
Physical security design and layered defence

Standards and Quality

Continuous improvement and lessons learned
Data quality, analysis and reporting
Sustainability certification and standards
Traceability, recall and quality assurance systems
Quality management systems and audits
Roles, standards and professional conduct
Governance of service standards
Quality monitoring and coaching
Continuous improvement in service
Driving measurable service improvement
Designing a service or experience improvement
Continuous improvement and retrospectives
Driving measurable delivery improvement
Delivery, quality and stakeholder plan
Quality planning and assurance

Conflict and Resistance

Negotiation with buyers, suppliers and financiers
Conflict resolution over land, water and resources
De-escalation and difficult customers
Managing difficult stakeholders
Negotiation and influencing
Handling difficult customers and disputes
Managing resistance and reskilling
Integrity, confidentiality and conflicts
Working with conflict and change
Conflicts of interest management
Offer management, negotiation and pre-boarding
Managing risk and difficult cases
Managing difficult conversations
Managing resistance and readiness
Conflicts of interest and procurement ethics

Records and Reporting

Integrated and sustainability reporting
Reporting quality and governance
Record-keeping and data protection
Data, records and confidentiality tech
Professional writing and reports
Writing advisory reports that drive decisions
Reporting to boards and executives
Monitoring, control and reporting
Professional documentation and presentation
Reporting and dashboards
Project data, reporting and analytics
Proposal development and donor reporting
Vehicle documentation, compliance and consumer protection
Financial reporting frameworks (IFRS/GAAP)
Document and configuration management

Coaching Practice

Coaching for performance
Building a coaching culture
Measuring coaching and mentoring impact
Coaching models and frameworks (GROW)
Coaching leaders and managers
Facilitation, coaching and mentoring
Creating a coaching culture
Mentoring and sponsorship
Coaching and skill development
Solvency, capital and prudential supervision
Measuring coaching outcomes
Coaching and quality monitoring
Coaching and developing team members
Sales enablement and coaching

Ethics and Safeguarding

Data ethics and customer privacy
Ethics and independence
Ethics in communications
Ethics and suitability
Ethics and professional standards in finance
Ethics, confidentiality and professional conduct in HR
Data ethics, privacy and responsible analytics
Ethics and duty of care
Professional ethics and duty of care
Ethical decision-making under pressure
Ethical leadership and integrity
Ethics and integrity in banking
Professional ethics and banking conduct
Anti-corruption and financial-crime ethics
Professional standards and continuing development

Communication Skills

Communications strategy and planning
Influencer and partnership communications
Internal communications
Event and sponsorship communications
Communications analytics
Presentation and public speaking
Professional report and presentation
Voice, communication and delivery
Feedback and developmental conversations
Language and communication training
Continuous feedback and performance conversations
Professional and persuasive communication
Crisis communications
Stakeholder communications
Safety communication and campaigns

Development and Learning

Supplier development and improvement
Real estate development and project appraisal
Monitoring, evaluation and learning for accountability
Attachment and developmental theory
Lessons learned and development
Project management plan development
Schedule development and optimisation
Team development and effectiveness
Your one-year professional development trajectory
Sustaining ethical, effective practice
Complaint data and learning
Knowledge management and capability building
Learning technologies and the LMS
Continuous improvement and learning organisations
Delegating for development

Groups and Facilitation

Facilitation, training and public presentation skills
Team leadership in field and project settings
Ethical frameworks and codes of practice
Leading service teams
Stakeholder mapping and collaboration
Team leadership in customer service
Team leadership in banking operations
Innovation and fintech collaboration
Microfinance and group lending
Facilitation skills and presence
Virtual and hybrid facilitation
Managing team performance and dynamics
Cross-functional and matrix teams
Leading remote and hybrid teams
Team diversity and inclusion

Behaviour and Change

Habit change and behaviour design
Behavioural and process addictions
Stages of change and readiness
Change control and configuration
Organisational change management
Baseline setting and change control
Team leadership and motivation
Motivation and engagement
Complaints, accountability and fitness to practise
Behaviour change and adoption of innovations
Foreign exchange and treasury operations
Change management and adoption
Engagement, motivation and energisers
Motivation and self-directed learning
Cost concepts, classification and behaviour

Goals and Measurement

Goal setting and action planning
Outcome and process measures
Psychometric and screening tools
Managing schedule and budget performance
Agile metrics and velocity
Funnel, pipeline and conversion metrics
Capacity and performance management
Setting objectives, indicators and targets
Yield, productivity and profitability metrics
System operation and performance
Linking CX to business performance
Performance management in sales
Retail performance metrics: sales densities, conversion and basket
Goal setting and contracting
Net Promoter Score and satisfaction metrics

Leadership Context

Communication planning and management
Managing expectations and influence
Escalation and decision-making
Project management software and tools
Portfolio and resource management systems
Programme management principles
Portfolio management and prioritisation
Value management and business value
Legal responsibilities and professional bodies
Decision-making and problem solving
The two-year horizon: expertise, leadership and professional standing
Thought leadership
Category management and strategy
Cash and liquidity management
Financial risk types and management

Culture and Inclusion

Client feedback and satisfaction
Evidence-based improvement
Service culture and brand promise
Building a customer-centric culture
Building a service culture
Building a culture of compliance
Financial inclusion and agency banking
Financial inclusion strategy
Learning cultures and the learning organisation
Nomination, succession and diversity
The business case for diversity and inclusion
Diversity, inclusion and inclusive leadership
Cross-cultural communication
Driving effective, ethical outcomes
Brand strategy, identity and equity

Client Relationships

Stakeholder mapping and influencing
Designing and facilitating groups
Psychoeducation and workshops
Contractor and visitor safety
Stakeholder capitalism and ESG
Stakeholder mapping and analysis
Building strategic relationships and coalitions
Transparency and stakeholder trust
Categories of spend and stakeholders
Contract types and risk allocation
Contract administration and variation
Building project relationships
Building strategic customer relationships
Working with organisations on wellbeing
Partnership building and multi-stakeholder platforms

Risk and Compliance

Corporate governance principles and purpose
L&D operating models and governance
Technical and compliance training
Accounting concepts, principles and the regulatory landscape
Designing an intervention or programme
Corporate governance and the finance role
Ethical, risk and feasibility considerations
Governance, risk and compliance (GRC)
The regulatory and legal environment
Governance and organisational value
Public, private and non-profit governance
Working with law enforcement and regulators
Presenting risk and recommendations
Likelihood, impact and risk rating
Risk treatment and countermeasures

Evidence and Research

Web and campaign analytics
Customer data platforms and segmentation
Web, campaign and funnel analytics
Sales analytics and forecasting tools
Market research design and methods
Qualitative and quantitative research
Translating insight into strategy
Professional case study and presentation
Baseline surveys and data collection tools
Evidence-based practice
Risk assessment and safety planning
Data, analytics and customer insight
Data analytics in audit
Evidence, judgement and scepticism
Data migration and cleansing

Professional Leadership Practice

Ground control and strata management
Mine water, tailings and environmental management
Quality management on site: inspections, hold points and defects
Subcontractor and supplier management
Front office and reservations management
Treatment planning and review
Managing complexity and comorbidity
Management accounts and dashboards
Duty of care and risk management
Case management and referral
Project management standards (PMI, PRINCE2)
Situational and adaptive leadership
Values, purpose and authentic leadership
Strategic leadership at scale
Public speaking and thought leadership

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Establish a comprehensive understanding of Certified Substance Abuse Counselor principles aligned with recognised counselling, coaching and ethical practice standards
Apply evidence-based methods to improve counselling, coaching and psychological wellbeing
Master counselling theories, models and approaches and assessment, case formulation and treatment planning
Apply therapeutic skills, alliance and communication and specialised populations and presenting concerns in real-world settings
Lead risk management, quality and compliance relevant to your field
Design stakeholder engagement and professional communication strategies
Use data-driven decision-making and performance-measurement tools effectively
Apply internationally recognised best practice to advance your career in counselling

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Step 1: Choose Your Certification

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Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal

Work through 30 structured modules and 150 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

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Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified

Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CSAC certification?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with recognised counselling, coaching and ethical practice standards. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

Who should enrol in the CSAC?

This certification is ideal for Counsellors and Therapists, Coaches and Wellbeing Practitioners, Social and Community Workers and Helping-Profession Practitioners, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in counselling, coaching and psychological wellbeing with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CSAC certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 10 Weeks and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CSAC internationally recognised?

What is the cost of the CSAC certification?

The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 349 and Live Virtual at USD 549. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CSAC certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CSAC?

The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CSAC?

The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CSAC while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CSAC?

Graduates progress towards senior counselling, clinical and practice-leadership roles. The CSAC strengthens your expertise in counselling, coaching and psychological wellbeing and positions you for advancement across clinics, NGOs, schools, community organisations and private practice.

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

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