This Is Your Ideal Opportunity To Expand On Your Counselling Qualifications Or Kick Start Your Counselling Career

Become A Counsellor Or Expand
On Your Qualifications With Australia’s Most Cost Effective & Flexible
Bachelor Of Counselling

 

 

The Institute is Australia’s largest and longest established educator of Counsellors. Over the past 19-years we’ve helped over 50,000 people from 27 countries pursue their dream of becoming a professional Counsellor.

 

The Institute now brings its acclaimed high quality approach to tertiary education, with its Bachelor of Counselling.

 

Quite simply, there is no more flexible, cost effective and intimately supported Degree program in the country.

 

TAKE A QUICK LOOK for yourself. You…

 

 

There Has Never Been A Better Time For You To Gain A Counselling Qualification As The Demand For Counsellors Has Never Been Higher

An Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey in February 2006 highlighted that over the last few years the counselling profession has grown at a rate of 23.1%, outgrowing All other Occupations by more than 200%.

 

The Community Services and health industries underpin the national economy and workforce. They are the 4th largest employer group, the 2nd fastest growing industry over the last 5 years and has the fastest industry growth rate predicted in next 5 years (DEWR 2005).

 

Graph – Main employing industries

 

The changing world in which we live today has driven this demand. Qualified counsellors are needed more desperately than ever before.

 

This is your time to make a difference in this high demand profession.

 

You owe it to yourself and your future career to take a moment to discover how you can develop the skills and confidence to pursue your passion of becoming an accredited counsellor.

 

Counselling: A Personally Enriching Career

It’s rare these days to hear people talk about their work with true passion. You hear so many stories of people working to pay the bills; putting up with imperfect situations; and compromising on their true desires.

 

That’s why it’s always so refreshing to hear regular stories from graduates living their dream to be a counsellor. They’re always so full of energy, enthusiasm and passion. There’s no doubt that counselling is one of the most personally rewarding and enriching professions.

 

Just imagine someone comes to you for assistance. They’re emotionally paralysed by events in their life. They can’t even see a future for themselves. They can only focus on their pain and grief. The despair is so acute it pervades their entire life. Their relationship is breaking down and heading towards a divorce. They can’t focus on work and are getting in trouble with their boss. They feel they should be able to handle their problems alone, but know they can’t. It makes them feel helpless, worthless. Their self esteem has never been lower. They’re caught in a cycle of destruction and pain.

 

Now imagine you have the knowledge and skills to help this person overcome their challenges. You assist to relieve their intense emotional pain. You give them hope for the future. You assist to rebuild their self esteem and lead a satisfying, empowered life.

 

As a counsellor you can experience these personal victories every day. And it’s truly enriching. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping another person overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.

 

Learn About Yourself As You Help Others

Life can be challenging at times. We’re forced to confront issues we’re not prepared for. Unfortunately, we’re not born into this world with a user manual. We’re required to go through life doing the best we can. Sure we have friends and family to help us, but they’re also just doing the best they can.

 

A wonderful benefit of becoming a counsellor is the self-learning. Becoming a counsellor is an enjoyable journey of self discovery. Counselling is a science of personal effectiveness. An understanding of counselling principles provides you with a clear understanding of yourself, as well as those around you.

 

As a counsellor you’ll understand why you feel, think and behave as you do. And you’ll be able to implement strategies in your own life so that you’re happier, healthier, and more able to face life’s challenges. 

 

Learning That Fits Around Your Lifestyle

Today there are more and more demands on your time. Gaining a qualification can be difficult when you have to fit it around other commitments.

 

Most course providers still design their courses using traditional methods. That was fine 10 years ago when most students studied full time. Today we don’t have that luxury. You need to fit competing career, family and lifestyle needs into the same hours.

 

Our learning methods have evolved with the times. Our teaching methods set a precedent in flexibility and support. This means you can fit your learning around your lifestyle whilst maintaining exceptional levels of quality and support.

 

Institute courses are designed to maximise your learning from home. The specialised course material and extensive support provide you with all the expert support and advice you need.

 

Your Qualification Is Developed And Supported By The Largest Educator Of Counsellors In The Country

The Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors is the largest and longest established educator of counsellors in Australia. The Institute was Australia’s first, and still is the only exclusive, national provider of counsellor education. Our focus is the same today as it has always been – to provide you with the highest quality counsellor education with a full range of student and graduate support functions.

 

Over the past 19 years we’ve helped over 50,000 people from 27 countries pursue their goal of becoming a counsellor. Educating counsellors is our sole focus. And this focus gives us some very unique insights into the needs of the industry.

 

We have a dedicated team of psychologists, counsellors, curriculum writers, educators and industry representatives, whose sole purpose is to ensure our courses are of the highest educational value. This is a wealth of knowledge and experience AIPC brings you.

 

The standard of counsellor education set by the Institute is exceptionally high. All Institute Lecturers and academic staff for our tertiary program have their principal post graduate qualifications in Counselling, Psychology, Behavioural Science or another appropriate discipline, and all meet national registration requirements. Institute Lecturers also have several years practical counselling experience combined with recognised instructional skills.

 

Get Up To A Full Year Credit For Your Prior Qualifications And Experience

If you’ve completed other vocational studies or tertiary subjects in counselling, psychology or similar fields, or have extensive experience in a counselling role, then you are eligible to apply for recognition of your prior learning and experience towards subjects in the Bachelor of Counselling.

 

Here are a few examples…

If you have graduated from the Institute’s Diploma of Professional Counselling since 2000, then you will automatically receive recognition for 6 subjects of the Bachelor of Counselling.

 

If you have a few years experience in a counselling role, then you may also be eligible for recognition of some of the practical requirements of the Bachelor of Counselling.

 

If you have started a tertiary qualification in counselling, psychology, social work or a similar field, then you are eligible to apply for recognition for similar subjects included in the Bachelor of Counselling.

You can apply for recognition of up to 8 subjects in the Bachelor of Counselling, which means you then do not need to pay the fees for the subjects you receive credit for.

 

Don’t Pay Over $13,000.00 More For The Same Qualification!

A Bachelor Degree in Counselling at a university costs between $35,000 to $41,000 (see comparative table below). BUT, you don’t have to pay these exorbitant amounts for an equivalent high quality qualification.

 

You can do your qualification with the Institute and save up to a massive $13,200 on the cost of doing a similar course at university. Surely you have something else you’d prefer to spend your $13,200 on!

 

• You’ll gain the same level of recognised qualification for up to $13,200.00 less.
  
  
• You’ll have more personal support from our large team of counselling specialists.
  
  
• And you’ll have greater flexibility to fit your studies around your life commitments.

 

Provider	Name of Course	Full Fee	SAVE
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors	Bachelor of Counselling	$27,500	--
Sunshine Coast University	Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)	$38,400	$10,900
Australian College of Applied Psychology	Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)	$35,160	$7,660
Edith Cowan University	Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Counselling)	$39,000	$11,500
Southern Cross University	Bachelor of Social Science (Counselling)	$40,770	$13,270

 

* Comparison is made between tuition fees for full fee paying students.

 

How The Institute Delivers The Course At Such A Reasonable Rate Without Sacrificing Quality

Have you ever been to a University campus? Beautiful aren’t they. All the magnificent buildings spanning across acres of gardens. There are cafeterias, gyms, games rooms and sporting fields.

 

Yes, they’re beautiful, but they cost a FORTUNE to run.  And this contributes to how much their courses cost.  When you study at a university your course fees are contributing to the cost of running that beautiful campus.  And that’s one of the reasons why a university qualification costs up to 50% more as the same qualification through the Institute.  It has nothing whatsoever to do with quality of education.

 

If you want to gain the same qualification, but don’t want the massive surcharge that comes with studying at university, you have an alternative.

 

Take a quick look at some advantages to learning with the Institute:

 

• You just pay for your education! We don’t have massive campus’ to maintain; hence your investment is significantly less, saving you thousands.
  
  
• Because we focus solely on counselling, we have more qualified counselling lecturers than any other provider of counselling courses in Australia.  Now that’s a resource of knowledge and experience.  Is there any wonder we’re the leading provider of counsellor training in the country.
  
  
• Institute higher education staff are required to be as highly qualified and experienced as university staff.

 

YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF, if you want comparably high standard training; with more flexibility and personal support; yet don’t want to pay a massive financial surcharge for campuses… then learning with the Institute is your only logical choice.

 

The Institute’s Bachelor Of Counselling Is The Ideal Way To Gain A Tertiary Counselling Qualification

The Bachelor of Counselling is a careful blend of theory and practical application. Theory is learnt through user-friendly learning materials that have been carefully designed to make your studies as accessible and conducive to learning as possible.

 

The course and its subjects are structured to progressively develop your knowledge and skills from foundational, theoretical concepts through to more complex concepts and advanced skills and applications. 

 

First year subjects focus on building a strong foundational knowledge and skill base including an overview of the counselling industry, the role of the counselling professional, philosophical tenets, counselling micro skills and counselling perspectives.  You are encouraged to adopt an integrative approach to practice and develop your own counselling framework and helping philosophy.

 

Second Year subjects focus on broader, contextual issues such as culture, social issues and theoretical frameworks that impact the client, the counsellor and the helping relationship.  Ethical and legal issues are examined as they relate to the counselling relationship, and you start exploring the concept of your ‘self’ and reflective practice.

 

The Third Year integrates specialist knowledge and skill with focused application in areas such as Grief Counselling, Group Work, Domestic Violence, Abuse, Working With Children, and Mental Health Issues.  You will consolidate and extend your emerging practice framework and demonstrate a high degree of self-awareness and professional reflection skills.

 

On completion, you will have the capacity to apply counselling theory and skills in an intentional and mindful manner.  You will have the ability to evaluate and apply a variety of counselling models according to the needs of your client. You will also have the ability to analyse counselling issues with consideration to broader social and cultural perspectives and will be equipped to make a natural transition into the role of Counsellor.

 

The following subjects are included in the Bachelor of Counselling:

 

Bachelor of Counselling

Year 1 Semester 1 Semester 2 CO101 - Introduction to Counselling Introduction to Counselling provides a foundational framework to analyse issues in contemporary counselling practice. You are introduced to the history and philosophy of counselling theory and practice. Through critical analysis, you are encouraged to develop an awareness of the role and responsibilities of the contemporary counsellor and an understanding of client rights. You are required to reflect on the value of evidence-based practice and understand the significance of the counselling relationship, and reflect on the impact of cultural difference and diversity on the formation of a therapeutic alliance. This first year subject also provides an overview of counselling and the role of the counsellor and provides a foundation on which to build more specialised skills and knowledge in subsequent subjects. CO102 - Academic Writing and Presentation Skills Academic Writing and Presentation Skills focuses on the skills of academic writing, research and presentation. You will become familiar with research methodologies, referencing, structuring an essay, planning an argument and presenting information in an effective manner. You will also develop skills in reading and interpreting reports within the social sciences which assists in maintaining a current knowledge of key issues relevant to the counselling profession. You will also be introduced to the concept of reflective professional practice and participate in guided self-reflection. This first year subject provides the academic writing, research and reflective practice skills necessary for higher education studies. CO103 - Theoretical Foundations of Counselling Theoretical Foundations of Counselling introduces the key theoretical perspectives that underpin counselling practice. You examine each major theoretical approach in terms of its concepts and applications in counselling. An integrative framework is considered and case studies are analysed to facilitate the application of theory to practice. This first year subject provides a foundation on which to build specialised knowledge and practice through second and third year studies. CO104 - Micro Counselling Skills Micro-counselling skills are essential for many professionals, particularly those working within the human services area.  This subject explores the application of the key counselling micro-skills to therapeutic practice.  You are required to demonstrate all key skills in role-play scenarios and are assessed on your ability to integrate these skills into a counselling interview. You are encouraged to critically evaluate your use of each counselling micro-skill and assess the effectiveness of your application of the skills in facilitating client change. CO105 - Developmental Psychology Developmental Psychology introduces the cognitive, social and emotional theories of development across the lifespan. This subject delivers a comprehensive overview of the major developmental theorists such as Piaget, Erikson and Freud and prepares you for the practice of family, child and adolescent counselling in your final year of study. CO106 - Counselling and Diversity This subject facilitates a general exploration of the social divisions of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality and ability. These divisions are explored in relation to their effect on the availability and access of support and counselling services to marginalised groups in Australia. Barriers in the application of appropriate counselling interventions are considered and you are encouraged to explore your own values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to marginalised groups and their portrayal in the media. CO107 - Counselling Therapies I Counselling Therapies I introduces the practice of Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Both approaches are considered in terms of their underpinning philosophy and assumptions about human nature. You demonstrate the application of each approach in a role-play scenario. This first year subject builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects. CO108 - Social Frameworks Social Frameworks encourages students to study contemporary social issues through the application of  Functionalist, Interactionist, Marxist, Feminist and Postmodern frameworks. These frameworks are expanded and applied to the role of the State, social inequity, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on the individual and groups within society. This second year subject provides a theoretical understanding of sociological theory and builds a foundation for future studies in mental health, community counselling and working with children and adolescence. Year 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 CO201 - The Counselling Process The Counselling Process overviews the process of counselling from initial contact with the client to case closure. You explore personal fears, expectations and beliefs about what it means to be a counselling professional. The process of referral and case closure are considered along with strategies to monitor and evaluate your effectiveness as a counsellor. The requirements for completing paperwork and case documentation are also discussed. This second year subject provides a framework for practice that enables the application of more complex concepts in counselling, required in subsequent subjects. CO202 - Reflective Counselling Practice This subject encourages reflection on personal experiences, values and beliefs within the context of counselling practice. You are required to analyse the use of Self in counselling and establish strategies for effective reflective practice. This subject teaches the value of reflective practice and provides foundational reflective skills for incorporation into future learnings in the second and third years of study. CO203 - Counselling Therapies II Counselling Therapies II introduces the practice of collaborative, competency-based counselling. Students are required to develop an understanding of social constructivism as it relates to the role of the counsellor. Specific techniques from the narrative and solution-focused approaches are explored. This is a first year subject that builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects. CO204 - Ethics, Law & Counselling This subject develops a reflective and analytical understanding of the ethical, legal and practice issues emerging in, and specific to, the counselling profession. You cover the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor and analyse dilemmas from the perspective of best practice. Relevant laws and ethical codes are analysed in relation to real-life examples from practice. This second year subject provides you with the ethical and legal framework to work in community and private settings. CO205 - Relationship Counselling This subject introduces the process of couple counselling.  The dynamics of intimate relationships are examined and you reflect upon a number of key approaches to relationship counselling. Common issues in couple counselling are considered and an integrative approach is applied to a role-play scenario. This second year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client concerns. CO206 - Theories of Family Counselling This subject introduces the classic schools of family therapy. The contributions of leading family theorists are analysed and the impact of postmodern trends on the contemporary approach to practice are evaluated. Recent developments in family therapy are considered and you are required to demonstrate the application of an integrative approach to family therapy, incorporating techniques from contemporary approaches, such as solution-focused and narrative therapy. This subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific family systems. CO207 - Counselling Practicum I This subject provides the opportunity to work within the human service industry, providing invaluable experience and exposure to practical issues. You will develop assessment and intervention skills and further explore your own practice framework under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. During the placement, you attend 24 hours of supervision to further develop your skills in reflective practice and intervention. Year 3 Semester 1 Semester 2 CO301 - Research Methods This subject equips you with the skills to research counselling issues, interpret reports and research papers, and collect and analyse outcome data. The development of these skills enable you to have an informed understanding of the benefits of research for the counselling industry, as well as developing practical skills in critical evaluation of existing research. With this knowledge, you are able to source empirical evidence to support methods of practice and keep up-to-date with industry standards. CO302 - Grief Counselling This subject introduces the process of working with clients on issues of grief and loss. The major theoretical models of the grief process are examined and specific techniques and strategies for the facilitation of uncomplicated grief are applied. You learn the distinction between normal and complicated grief responses and reflect on the challenges of working with a family system in response to grief. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in a specialised treatment area. CO303 - Working with Children and Adolescents This subject provides an understanding of how to apply the strengths-based approach to facilitate change in children, adolescents and their families. This approach can harness individual and collective resources, facilitate change and empower families to shift ineffective behavioural patterns. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client groups. CO304 - Domestic Violence and Abuse Issues Domestic Violence and Abuse Issues introduces practice frameworks for domestic violence and child protection, offers an overview of relevant legislation and defines core counsellor responsibilities in working with these clients. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in a specialised treatment area. CO305 - Group Work Group Work provides a framework for facilitating a group counselling program. Aspects of group planning, development, selection and facilitation are explored to equip you with the requisite skills for establishing effective group process. Advanced concepts of sub-cultures, transference and problematic members are addressed. You will demonstrate the ability to conduct group work and evaluate your performance on the basis of outcomes. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client groups and group dynamics. CO306 - Counselling and Mental Health This subject provides an insight into mental health conditions and their presentation in counselling. You will develop an introductory knowledge of indicators and support options for people with a variety of mental health issues. A variety of case studies will be considered from the perspective of support options and appropriate referral pathways. CO307 - Counselling Practicum II This subject builds on the introduction and experience of practical issues offered in Counselling Practicum I.  You will further develop your counselling skills in a relevant human service environment under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Individual and group supervision via teleconference is also included to continue development of skills in reflective practice and intervention.

 

The Institute is approved to offer higher education courses. The Bachelor of Counselling is accredited by the Minister for Education and Training, the accrediting authority under the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2003. 

 

The Bachelor of Counselling has also received Course Recognition Status from the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australia’s largest counselling representative body.

 

The Bachelor of Counselling is structured to ensure you graduate with a high level of practical skill so you can apply your counselling knowledge with confidence. Some subjects of the course require attendance at compulsory Residential Schools covering a range of topics including Micro Counselling Skills, Counselling Therapies, The Counselling Process, Reflective Practice, Relationship Counselling, Family Counselling, Grief Counselling, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Working with Children and Adolescents, and Group Work.

 

Residential Schools are a great opportunity to get together with fellow students and participate in casework sessions under the guidance of your Lecturer. To help facilitate your learning, our Residential Schools use case scenarios relating to everyday, contemporary issues and provide a wonderful, supportive forum for group discussion, interaction and reflection.

Click to learn more (it will open a new window).

Click to learn more (it will open a new window).

 

The Bachelor of Counselling includes two counselling practicum subjects where you undertake clinical practice in a work setting.  Work placements are essential in assisting the transition from application in a simulated setting to real practice.

 

Each Practicum involves the completion of 14 hours work each week for 12 weeks along with 24 hours to attend individual counselling supervision with the workplace supervisor and group supervision by teleconference with the Lecturer.  The Institute has a network of community organisations and counselling practices to approach to set up the placement for you.  The Institute facilitates initial contact between you and the placement organisation, and follows up with you and the workplace supervisor regularly during the placement to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.

 

We Make No Compromise On Quality

Our teaching strategies have evolved over 19 years. We’ve developed a uniquely successful external study program. Students studying by distance education have unique needs and study requirements. By listening to, and continuously applying feedback from our students, we’ve been able to implement many pioneering strategies that make our Bachelor of Counselling flexible, supportive, enjoyable and high value.

 

Some of these benefits include:

 

• Specifically written and easy to understand study material, including study guides and readings, all purposefully designed to make your external studies as conducive to learning as possible.  
  
  
• You have unlimited use of the Toll Free 1300 Study Assistance Line, which puts you in contact with your Lecturer who will answer all your study and assessment queries.
  
  
• A Virtual Campus website where you can obtain study assistance, access the Institute’s Online Library, submit assessment and review interesting links. 

 

The Online Library has been specially developed to provide you with easy access to counselling texts and resources to support your external counselling studies.  You can search the catalogue of the Institute’s counselling texts and resources, and submit your borrowing requests online.  Once availability has been confirmed, our library staff will post the text or resource to you within one working day of receiving your borrowing request.  The Online Library also provides complimentary access to Proquest Psychology Journals, a database of electronic journals that gives you access to full text articles from 425 current journals in the field of counselling, psychology and related areas. 

 

You Are Much Better Off Learning From A
Specialist Than A Generalist

Many universities and private providers deliver many courses in a variety of different areas. This may work for them commercially, but it can also jeopardise the quality of education.

 

The Institute specialises in educating counsellors. It’s all we’ve done for over 19 years.  And it translates into highly applicable education.   

 

The Institute’s tertiary course has been developed by a team of highly qualified and experienced counselling academics and professionals. We’ve invested significant time in developing a Bachelor of Counselling that intricately and progressively teaches key counselling theory and applications to provide graduates with a strong, thorough knowledge and skill base.

 

Enrol In Your Degree With NO MONEY DOWN

The Institute’s Bachelor of Counselling is the most cost effective way to get a graduate counselling qualification. The Bachelor of Counselling has 22 subjects and the investment per subject is just $1250. Plus, you do not pay the subject cost for subjects in which you receive credit.

 

The Institute is also approved as a Higher Education Provider by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) so you can choose to pay your subject fees via the Fee Help system. Fee Help is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition fees.

 

If you choose to pay your subject fees using Fee Help, the Australian Government pays the amount of the tuition (subject) fee to the Institute and you then repay the loan through the Australian taxation system once your annual income is at a minimum amount (currently $41,595 per annum).

 

You can find out more about Fee Help from the following DEEWR publication: Fee Help Information – 2010.

 

You also have the option of paying your subject fees directly to the Institute each semester for the subjects in which you are enrolled. Or alternatively, you may choose a combination of funding part of your subject fees through Fee Help and paying the remainder yourself. As you can see, the choice is yours.

 

But Places Are STRICTLY Limited…

The Institute prides itself on setting the highest standards of support in the industry. One way we achieve this is by having high lecturer to student ratios.

 

To ensure we maintain our benchmark of quality support, we allocate a strictly limited number of placements based on our lecturer and support team capabilities.

 

The only fair way to manage the intake process for the high demand Bachelor of Counselling is on a first-in basis.

 

Once the intake quota has been filled we won’t be enrolling more students. To do so would reduce our lecturer to student ratio and could jeopardise the level of support we provide. And that’s not something we’re willing to do. Our reputation for quality support is extremely important to us.

 

You Must Take Action Now By:

 

1. Submitting your online enrolment.
   
   
2. Submit a request for an Institute team member to call you to discuss the degree.

 

 

 

All That's Left To Do Now Is Act

 

 

 

We look forward to helping you pursue your counselling aspirations.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Sandra Poletto
Chief Executive Officer,
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.

PS If you’re interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Counselling, it’s very important you take this opportunity to register your interest. Failing to do so may jeopardise losing one of the restricted placements.