Membership
Aims & Objectives of Membership
The membership structure of ICN aims:
>> To recognize and accommodate the aspirations, professional needs and challenges of her members and offer better platforms that can help advance their objectives.
>> To promote the training and development of counseling skills of members.
>> To provide and promote opportunities for continuing professional development.
>> To achieve access to quality psychotherapy services for Nigerians across cultures at all stages of the life span.
>> To build a strong quest for healthy competitive growth and professionalism in Counseling.
>> To provide a badge of recognition for members as competent and dependable helpers.
>> To uphold the mission and vision of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria.
ICN Membership Categories
We understand the importance of continuous professional development, and therefore, becoming a member of the institute gives you the benefit of becoming part of a growing network of professional counselors who through the institute has acquired knowledge and materials that have helped them to climb to the peak of the ladder in their career. You will also have access to mentoring and up-to-date materials in the field of counseling and psychotherapy skills and practices.
Currently, there are four categories of membership.
- Student Membership
- Associate Membership
- Fellow Membership
- Faculty Membership
Student Membership
1. Being enrolled as a student at The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria.
2. Must have met all the requirements for admission and submitted all the necessary documents.
3. Being able to provide proof of enrolment, such as a student ID or transcript.
4. Must be 20 years old and above.
5. Having an interest in the Institute, vision, mission, or activities.
6. Must have paid the registration fee of ten thousand naira ($20/N10K) which doubles as the student membership fees.
7. Being in good academic standing with the Institute as well as commitment to academic works.
There are many benefits to becoming a Student member of The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, these includes:
1. Networking opportunities: Joining ICN Student membership allows you to connect with other students, professionals, and experts in your field of interest. This can lead to valuable connections and opportunities for internships, jobs, and mentorship.
2. Skill-building: ICN offers training programs, workshops, and seminars to help students develop their skills and gain practical experience in their field of interest.
3. Leadership opportunities: Joining ICN Student membership can give you the chance to take on leadership roles, such as serving being a course representative or leading a committee. This can help you develop important leadership skills that will be valuable in your future career.
4. Access to resources: ICN offers resources such as research materials, membership newsletter, job postings, seminars, conferences and scholarships that are only available to the members.
5. Community involvement: Joining ICN Student membership allows you to get involved in your community and make a positive impact through service projects and volunteer work.
6. Resume-building: Membership in an organization like ICN is a great addition to your resume, as it shows that you are committed to your field of interest and are actively seeking opportunities to develop your skills and network with others. Overall, becoming a student member of The Institute of Counseling In Nigeria is a great way to enhance your professional experience and prepare for your future counseling career.
Associate Membership
Associate membership is open to individuals who do not meet the criteria for Fellow membership but have an interest in the Organization’s mission and activities. Some common eligibility criteria for Associate membership may include:
1. Must have completed studies and met all the criteria for certification. These include submission of all case studies and exercises, CFER, CSPR, two video assignments and any other requirement for certification.
2. Having a professional or personal interest in the Organization’s mission and activities.
3. Must be 20 years old and above.
4. Having a willingness to support the Organization’s goals and objectives.
5. Being able to provide proof of identity or professional credentials, if required.
6. Must be actively practicing and are guided by the ethical guidelines of professional counseling practice.
7. Having a minimum of three supervision sessions yearly and must provide evidence of such upon yearly membership renewal application request.
8. Must have paid all the required fees including registration, tuition and graduation fees.
9. Must have been a student member for a continuous period of at least one year.
10. Having obtained not less than a Diploma courses at the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, and completed the CSPR and at least 100 hours CFER.
11. Must have paid the yearly Associate membership fee of thirty thousand Naira ($60/N30K) to ICN.
12. Having provided one reference for Associate membership application.
Associate membership of The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria can provide several benefits, including:
1. Access to resources: Being an Associate member of ICN gives you access to resources, such as research materials, membership newsletter, job postings, networking opportunities, seminars, conferences and scholarships that are only available to members.
2. Networking opportunities: Being an Associate member of ICN can provide valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and experts in your field of interest, which can lead to new job opportunities and collaborations.
3. Professional development: ICN offers training programs, workshops, and seminars to help members develop their skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
4. Advocacy and support: Being an Associate member of ICN provides you a voice in advocating for issues that are important to you or your profession. You may also receive support and guidance from the Organization on professional or personal issues.
5. Community involvement: Being an Associate member of ICN allows you to get involved in your community and make a positive impact through service projects and volunteer work.
6. Brand recognition: Being a well-known and respected Organization in the field of counseling and psychotherapy, Associate membership in ICN adds credibility and value to your professional profile or business.
7. Post-Nominal Initials: As an Associate member, you can add the appellation ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF COUNSELING IN NIGERIA “AICN” to your name, business cards, and resume to show your professional status in the field.
8. Overall, becoming an Associate member of ICN will provide valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking and community involvement and participation in various programs and events.
Fellow Membership
There are many benefits to becoming a Fellow of The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria. Being a fellow is open to individuals who have met the criteria for Associate membership for 5 consecutive years, having an interest in the Organization’s mission and activities. Some common eligibility criteria for Fellow may include:
1. Must have being in active continuous practice in the field for not less than 5 years and be able to provide evidence of such.
2. Must have been an Associate member for a continuous period of 5 years.
3. Having obtained not less than two Diploma courses at the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria, and completed the CSPR and at least 150 hours CFER.
3. Must be a registered member of one statutory Organization.
4. Must have a professional or personal interest in the Organization’s mission and activities.
5. Must be 20 years old and above.
6. Having a willingness to support the Organization’s goals and objectives.
7. Being able to provide proof of identity or professional credentials, if required.
8. Must be actively practicing and are guided by the ethical guidelines of professional counseling practice.
9. Must have a record of a minimum of five supervision sessions yearly continuously for period of 5 years and must provide evidence of such upon membership application request as a Fellow.
10. Must have an active counseling office or at least a working website
11. Having paid the yearly Fellow membership fee of fifty thousand naira ($100/N50K) to ICN.
12. Having provided two references for Fellow membership application.
Fellow membership of The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria can provide several benefits, including:
1. Access to resources: Being a Fellow of ICN gives you firsthand access to resources, such as research materials, membership newsletter, job postings, and networking opportunities, seminars, conferences and scholarships that are only available to members.
2. Networking opportunities: Being a Fellow of ICN can provide valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and experts in your field of interest, which can lead to new roles and collaborations.
3. Professional development: ICN offers training programs, workshops, and seminars to help members develop their skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
4. Opportunity to become a Faculty member: Being a member of the Faculty is an opportunity exclusively for one honored professional in a year which is attainable by being a Fellow member of the Institute.
5. Mentorship & Supervision: A fellow membership of the Institute also gives you the opportunity to mentor upcoming professionals in the field and be selected to supervise upcoming professional counselors.
6. Leadership opportunities: Joining ICN Fellow membership can give you the chance to take on leadership roles, such as serving at the board, or leading a committee, representing the Organization at press conferences which will be invaluable to your career.
7. Advocacy and support: Being a Fellow of ICN provides you a voice in advocating for issues that are important to you or your profession. You may also receive support and guidance from the organization on professional or personal issues.
8. Community involvement: Being a Fellow of ICN allows you to get involved in your community and make a positive impact through service projects and volunteer work.
9. Brand recognition: Being a well-known and respected Organization in the field of counseling and psychotherapy, Fellow membership in ICN adds credibility and value to your professional profile or business.
10. Post-Nominal Initials: As a Fellow, you can add appellations as FELLOW MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF COUNSELING IN NIGERIA “FeICN” to your name, business cards, and resume to show your professional status in the field.
11. Overall, becoming a Fellow member of ICN will provide valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking and community involvement.
12. Partnership: Being a Fellow affords you the right to partner with the Institute of Counseling at your professional functions and events using the appellation on your banner and website.
Faculty Membership
Faculty membership is open to individuals who have some common eligibility criteria for Faculty membership may include:
1. A minimum of a doctoral degree in any of the helping profession or related field.
2. A strong track record of conducting and publishing research in relevant mental health fields.
3. Demonstrated teaching excellence/ training capability in the relevant field is a must.
4. The ability to communicate complex information to students, faculty, and the public.
5. A track record of leadership in academic and professional settings.
6. Demonstrated creativity in developing and implementing new programs and initiatives.
7. A willingness to work collaboratively with the Institute and other faculty members to achieve the Institute’s goals.
8. A history of service to the profession, institution, and community.
9. A commitment to professional ethics, integrity, and the highest standards of conduct.
10. Having paid the yearly Faculty membership fee of hundred thousand naira ($200/N100K) to ICN.
11. The ability to adapt to changing academic and organizational environments.
12. Having provided a written application and three references for Faculty membership.
Faculty membership of The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria can provide several benefits, including:
1. Exclusive opportunity: Being a Faculty member of ICN is an exclusive opportunity given to one professional throughout the academic year. This is an honor!
2. Access to resources: Being a Faculty member of ICN gives you access to the resources, such as research materials, membership newsletter, job postings, and networking opportunities, seminars, conferences and scholarships.
3. Networking opportunities: Being a Faculty member of ICN can provide valuable opportunities to connect with professionals and experts in your field of interest, which can lead to new roles and collaborations.
4. Professional development: ICN offers training programs, workshops, and seminars to help members develop their skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
5. Advocacy and support: Being a Faculty member of ICN provides you a voice in advocating for issues that are important to you or your profession. You may also receive support and guidance from the organization on professional or personal issues.
6. Community involvement: Being an Associate member of ICN allows you to get involved in your community and make a positive impact through service projects and volunteer work.
7. Brand recognition: Being a well-known and respected Organization in the field of counseling and psychotherapy, Faculty membership in ICN adds credibility and value to your professional profile or business.
8. Post-Nominal Initials: As a Faculty member, you can add appellations as “FaICN” to your name, business cards, and resume to show your professional status in the field.
9. Overall, becoming a Faculty member of ICN will provide valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking and community involvement.
10. Partnership: Being a Faculty member affords you the right to partner with the Institute of Counseling at your professional functions and events using the appellation on your banner and website.
NOTE: THERE SHALL BE ONLY ONE FACULTY MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY YEARLY
Alumni Association - ICNAA
The Institute of Counseling in Nigeria Alumni Association (ICNAA) is an independent constituent of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (ICN) and shall at all times operate within the framework of ICN which includes all ethical guidelines and core values as initiated and upheld by the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria .
The name of the Association shall be “Institute of Counseling in Nigeria Alumni Association” (ICNAA)
The purpose of the Alumni body is to act as a support group for graduates of ICN to foster togetherness majorly for social networking and building a sense of community.
All Associate and Fellow members of the Institute shall be members of the Alumni.
The ICNAA shall be in charge of membership.
>> Interested alumni shall contact the Zonal Coordinator of the Association for the desired zone.
>> The Coordinator confirms from the Student Affairs Executive, the eligibility of such prospect.
>> Coordinator adds alumni to the appropriate zone.
Please note that zoning is dependent on Alumni presence in states not necessarily according to the Nigerian system on zoning.
>> Eastern Region: Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Edo.
>> Southern Region: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Abia.
>> Western Region: Ekiti, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States.
>> Northern Region: Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kebbi and Sokoto.
>> International Zone: All other Countries aside from Nigeria.
