Julie Matthews I am writing to thank you for all the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors has to offer. As a recent graduate, I am very impressed! The level of professionalism and efficiency has been excellent.   Having been in many unofficial counselling roles through my twenty six years in education and my years as a Pastoral Leader of Catholic Sole Parents, it is good to now have a recognised, professional role.   The course has helped to consolidate and give me the confidence to begin my own couselling practice. My particular thanks must go to Muriel Cooper, who has brought knowledge, experience, humour, good sense and compassion to each of the seminars I attended. She is the most effective teacher I have met. Please pass on this acknowledgment to her.   I am sure that many years experience in education, Student Welfare qualifications and a great love of children have motivated me to work specifically in counselling young people.   I have always been very interested in our symbolic life and helping children articulate through this medium is a very rewarding experience. Of course I have had to build up a supply of all kinds of symbols, toys and activities to help children express their joy and pain. My involvement in sole parent families has helped me discover the niche market of children struggling with seperation and bereavment. So, this is where I focus.   Thank you for the opportunities the Institute provides. I wish all well as you continue doing good work in enabling others to become qualified for new and important work.