Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors

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Real Graduates

Australia's Only National Counsellor Education Specialist

Learn to be a qualified Counsellor
with Australia’s only national counselling
education specialist

 

 

Dear Counselling Enthusiast,

 

Have you ever imagined what your life would be like if you had a professional, recognised counselling qualification… and what that qualification would mean for your future?

With your recognized counselling qualification you’ll be ready to take on exciting new job opportunities (increased government funding is creating many new opportunities) or enhance your current role to take advantage of future promotions. Or maybe you’d like to set up your own private counselling practice and experience the many personal and financial rewards that working for yourself provides.

Whatever you’re imagining, it’s all possible with a qualification from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) - the largest, longest established, and most trusted counselling education specialist in the country.

 

 

Like so many of our graduates, you will be able to create lasting change and have a major positive influence on the wellbeing of people in your community

 

By working with major welfare, support or government agencies in areas such as child protection, youth counselling, family welfare, Court Support, Telephone Counselling, Corrective Services, career guidance and much more.

Or you can establish your own Private Practice which will give you the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours and fees and enjoy the many exciting benefits of owning your own business…


 

There Has Never Been A Better Time For You To Gain A Counselling Qualification Because 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).

 

 

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Graph 3 – Main employing industries

(Source: http://www.jobsearch.gov.au/joboutlook/default.aspx?PageId=SpecOccCat&CatCode=108)

 

 

Take At Look At These Staggering Statistics...

 

The demand for Counsellors has never been higher. Look at these highlights from the Australia Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey:

  1. The Counselling profession had grown at a rate of 23.1% in the 2 preceding years.

  2. The Counselling profession outgrew all other Occupations by more than 200%.

  3. The Community Services and Health Sector employ almost 1.1 million workers or 10.4% of the workforce; and in 2007 replaced manufacturing as the fourth largest Australian employer.

  4. The Community Services and Health Sector has been the 2nd Fastest Growing Industry since 2001.

  5. For the last two years the Community Services and Health industries have been identified as requiring the fastest rate of workforce growth in the following five years.

  6. This industry sector has the fastest growth rate predicted for the next 5 years.

  7. 24% of all new workforce growth will be from community services and health to 2012, growing at a rate of 3% per year or 170,000 jobs.

 

 

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

 

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

 

Please take a moment to discover how you can develop the skills and confidence to pursue your passion of becoming an accredited Counsellor.


Imagine Being Passionate About Your Work

And Assisting People Every Day Lead Better Lives

 

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.

 

 

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Here's Sandra Poletto our CEO with some background on why the Institute is the leading provider of Counselling...
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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.

 

That’s why the Institute focuses on external, flexible training. Our learning methods have evolved with the times. Our training 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. You can progress at your own pace, and assessment is progressive.

 

The specialised course material and extensive support provide you with all the expert support and advice you need. Because you are in total control of your study time, you can complete your course several times faster than by other means.

 

AIPC Is Determined To Make Counselling An Attainable Career For You, Just Like Over 55,000 Other
Students In The Past 19 Years

 

We have helped over 55,000 people from 27 countries pursue their dream of assisting others with a recognised Counselling qualification.

 

It’s been a wonderful journey over the last 19 years (the Institute was first established in 1990). And it’s been a pleasure to assist so many people realise their counselling aspirations in that time.

 

Why are so many people delighted with their studies? Our research over the years highlights three keys points…

 

  1. Our courses and personnel have just ONE specific focus… Excellence in Counselling Education. We live and breathe counselling education! Nothing else gets in the way.

  2. Exceptional value in your education investment. Our courses are always (always) much less than other providers that deliver counselling education. Our unique focus on counselling education, the large number of students undertaking our programs, and the creative way we deliver our courses provide us with cost savings that we pass on to you. Providing exceptional value in counselling education has been a cornerstone mission of the Institute from the very day we began some 19-years ago.

  3. The flexibility to study where, when and how you want to. You can study Externally, In-Class, On-Line or any combination. And you can undertake your studies at a pace that suits you... 12 to 18 months or over 2, 3 even 4 years or more. You decide because you are in charge.

 

We understand that no two people have the same circumstances. You no doubt have issues affecting your life that are unique to you and affect the speed and manner you’d like to study. You may be working full or part-time, undertaking other studies, or may not have studied for a long time. Let’s face it, life is not predictable and in today’s fast paced society it’s important that your education is flexible enough to fit in with your other obligations.

 


AIPC provides you with flexible course delivery modes

so YOU set the rules for how and when you learn

 

AIPC’s accredited and nationally recognised Diploma of Professional Counselling is designed so that you determine the manner and pace you study. You study entirely at your own pace (except of course if you’re receiving a government benefit such as Austudy) and you can start at any time, graduating in only 18-months (even less if you fast track).

Not only can you set the pace you study, you also determine the mode you want to study. You can study Externally (at home with phone and email access to our counselling tutors), In-Class, Online or any combination… all the time fully supported by our huge national team throughout our 8 Student Support Centres.

 

  • External learning means you can complete your entire course from the comfort of your home (or office, or overseas, or virtually anywhere!). Your course comes complete with fully self-contained, referenced and professionally presented learning materials including 22 individual workbooks, readings and audio CD’s. It really is as simple as working through the material and contacting us for support along the way. If you live locally to one of our support centres you can also attend tutorials to provide you with face to face contact if you wish. (This option is ideal if you enjoy working more independently or have a busy schedule).

  • In-Class learning is a classroom forum where you learn with other students from a qualified lecturer. Classes are available in most main cities, at flexible times. In-Class is a great way for you to accelerate your learning, interact with other students and stay highly motivated. (This option is particularly suitable if you enjoy learning in the classroom environment with other students).

  • Online learning allows you to complete your learning entirely via your PC. You still receive all the high quality hardcopy resources (so you don’t miss out on anything!), but you’ll access all your learning materials and complete assessments online.

  • Any Combination. Of course you don’t have to stick with one learning method throughout your studies. You’re welcome to use whichever method suits your needs and desires at the time. You may choose to complete one unit In-Class, another Online, then Externally. Whatever is most convenient!

 

 

We’ve invested literally hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last 19 years refining and developing our industry leading course materials and resources in close consultation with many of the industries most highly respected professionals…

 

…All to DRAMATICALLY improve your comprehension and learning speed so that achieving your qualifications is something you’ll gain immense joy and satisfaction from

 

No other training organisation provides its students with such high quality, user friendly and well researched learning resources. All the learning material you require to complete your studies is provided to you. You don’t have to purchase any other textbooks or search for other resources.

 

Our dedicated Course Development Team have worked tirelessly to cleverly design your course resources. They are entirely self-contained so you can progress seamlessly through the Diploma.

 

Your course includes 22 Workbooks that contain all the activities that’ll assist you master your skills as a professional counsellor. Each workbook as been specifically designed to maximize your learning and assist you develop your skills at your own pace.

 

Your Books of Readings contain all the underpinning theories and information necessary to build your knowledge. The Readings contain the teachings and methodology used by 56 of the worlds leading and most respected counsellors and psychologists.

Each study pack also includes an audio CD that assists you get the most from every unit. Each CD discusses specific topics in the units, walks you through where to start reading, and teaches you how to set up an effect study pattern.

 

 

 

You’ll graduate with a qualification that is of the HIGHEST standard of any accredited Diploma in Counselling available in Australia today

 

AIPC’s Diploma of Professional Counselling is a qualification that’s extremely well regarded in counselling circles across the country. Our graduates are highly sought after and earn the respect of their peers for their skills and problem solving abilities.

 

The Diploma is a Nationally Recognised Training Program under the Australian Qualifications Framework (Australia’s government body responsible for accrediting training courses). Upon graduation you’ll be qualified to immediately register with Australia’s leading member Association (Australian Counselling Association) as a registered and qualified counsellor.

The 22 Unit course has been painstakingly developed and refined over 19 years in close consultation with industry leading professionals and employers of counsellors. Together with completing written units, you also complete 10 practical days. This is where you’ll demonstrate your skills and apply what you’ve learnt in ‘real life’ counselling scenarios. You’ll find the experience extremely empowering and rewarding. Of course, if you’re studying externally and can’t physically attend the practical days there are several alternate means to learn and apply these skills.

 

Here is the course outline of the Diploma of Professional Counselling: -

 

Click on the Subject Title for more information.

 

Unit 1 - Introduction to the Counselling Industry

 

The first unit of the Diploma of Professional Counselling introduces the ethical and legal framework a counsellor should work within. The unit also identifies issues that may impact on the client-counsellor relationship and will allow the student to:

 

  • Reflect upon counsellor challenges that may impact on the counselling process
  • Identify rights and responsibilities of the counsellor
  • Identify rights and responsibilities of the client
  • Analyse issues involved in counselling practice
  • Counselling roles
  • Analyse issues within the client-counsellor relationship, and
  • Identify areas of personal and professional growth.

 

Unit 2 - Specialist Interpersonal Communication

 

This unit involves the exploration and application of basic interpersonal communication skills to facilitate the client-counsellor relationship within a counselling practice. The unit covers the application of:

 

  • Counsellor observation skills
  • Counsellor questioning skills
  • Counsellor feedback skills
  • Noting and reflecting
  • The variables in communication, and
  • The impact of communication.

 

Unit 3 - Counselling Interview Skills

 

Unit 3 builds on the basic skills of Unit 2 and covers advanced interpersonal communication skills. There is a particular emphasis on facilitating the client-counsellor relationship within a counselling practice. At its completion, students will be able to apply:

 

  • Advanced counselling skills
  • Micro-skills for influence
  • Focusing skills, and
  • Confrontation skills.

 

Unit 4 - The Counselling Process

 

This unit focuses on the application of the knowledge and skills required to facilitate the counselling process to encourage and enhance client growth. The following areas are covered in the unit:

 

  • Beginning the counselling process
  • Facilitating the identification of client concerns
  • Exploring client concerns
  • Reviewing the counselling process, and
  • Negotiating the termination of the client-counsellor relationship.

 

Unit 5 - Personality and Human Development

 

Unit 5 provides an introduction to key concepts and constructs underlying theories of personality and human development. The unit explores the development of theories of behaviour and their application in the client-counsellor relationship and the counselling process. Students will also apply and analyse the Humanistic Theory and Behaviourism Theory in counselling practice.

 

Unit 6 - Foundations of Behaviourism

 

Unit 6 focuses on the theory of behaviourism and the application and impact of stimulus/response theory on behaviour. The unit allows students to apply the theory of stimulus and response in counselling practice, along with analysing and applying negative and positive reinforcement.

 

Unit 7 - Social Learning

 

This unit focuses on the application of social learning (modelling) theory in counselling practice addressing the application and impact of social learning on behaviour. In this unit, students will:

 

  • Analyse environmental modelling influences in counselling practice
  • Analyse possible behavioural outcomes of different modelling and reinforcement influences, and
  • Formulate a program for client change.

 

Unit 8 - Behaviour Therapy

 

This unit builds on the skills learned in Unit 6 and focuses on theoretical concepts, processes, knowledge and skills for the analysis and practical application of Behaviour Therapy within counselling practice. The unit covers:

 

  • Analysis of client needs using behaviour therapy in counselling practice
  • Evaluation of limitations of behaviour therapy, and
  • Application of behaviour therapy techniques in counselling practice.

 

Unit 9 - Person Centred Therapy

 

Unit 9 focuses on theoretical concepts, processes, knowledge and skills for the analysis and practical application of Person-Centred Therapy within counselling practice. Students will:

 

  • Apply the key concepts of Person Centred Therapy
  • Analyse Roger's contribution
  • Analyse Maslow's contribution
  • Analyse the contributions of the counsellor and the client in the therapeutic process, and
  • Learn the limitations of Person Centred Therapy.

 

Unit 10 - Gestalt Therapy

 

This unit provides an introduction to the key theoretical concepts and techniques of Gestalt Therapy within a counselling practice. Students will:

 

  • Apply the key concepts of Gestalt Therapy
  • Analyse Perl's contribution
  • Gestalt terms, key concepts and techniques
  • Overview the therapeutic process, and
  • Learn the limitations of Gestalt Therapy.

 

Unit 11 - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

 

This unit focuses on the application of theoretical concepts, processes, knowledge and skills for the analysis and practical application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy within counselling practice. Students will:

 

  • Apply the key concepts of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Analyse both Beck's and Ellis' contributions
  • Overview and apply the therapeutic process, and
  • Learn the limitations of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

 

Unit 12 - Apply Solution Focused Therapy in Counselling

 

Unit 12 focuses on theoretical concepts, processes, knowledge and skills for the analysis and practical application of Solution Focused Therapy within counselling practice. Along with applying the therapeutic process, students will:

 

  • Apply the key concepts of Solution Focused Therapy
  • Learn the exponents of Solution Focused Therapy, and
  • Learn the limitations of Solution Focussed Therapy.

 

Unit 13 - Case Work

 

Counsellors are often required to deliver specialised client services based on individual case assessment and intervention. In Unit 13, students learn about:

 

  • The phases of the counselling process (assessment, intervention and termination)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Client's ethical rights
  • Counsellor's ethical and legal responsibilities
  • Transition processes
  • Day to day management in the case work role
  • Review and evaluation of case work and programs, and
  • Application of the various therapeutic approaches to the counselling process.

 

Unit 14 - Case Management

 

Unit 14 provides students with information on all aspects of case management and encourages consideration of 'best practice'. The unit covers:

 

  • Roles of the case manager
  • Process of case management
  • Conducting case management meetings
  • Working with other professionals
  • Organisational contexts
  • The client's ethical rights
  • The counsellor's ethical and legal responsibilities, and
  • Applicable documentation.

 

Unit 15 - Stress Management

 

This unit covers the knowledge and skills necessary for identifying, analysing and evaluating stress and providing remediation programs and/or recommendations to clients exhibiting stress. Students study:

 

  • The potential effects of stress upon cognition, behaviour and physiology
  • Internal and external stressors
  • The effects of acute and chronic stress
  • Elicit causal factors and corresponding effects in counselling interviews
  • Evaluation of case information for remediation or referral, and
  • Application of functional concepts in formulation of appropriate remediation strategies for the client.

 

Unit 16 - Family Therapy

 

This unit focuses on providing an introduction to family therapy processes within counselling practice, including:

 

  • The origins of Family Therapy
  • Leading therapists
  • Phases of 'treatment'
  • Assessment of families
  • Family Therapy concepts and approaches including systems, experiential, cognitive-behavioural and strategic approaches, and
  • Issues of difference in working with families.

 

Unit 17 - Working with Difference

 

The knowledge base of this unit increases the counsellor's insight and sensitivity to the special needs of clients and whose gender, culture, ethnicity, subculture, sexuality and ability is to be recognised in the interaction. Students learn about:

 

  • Issues of difference
  • Social themes on difference
  • Support for difference, and
  • Documentation, storage and retrieval of specialist services.

 

Unit 18 - Apply issues relating to abuse

 

Unit 18 provides an introduction to a conceptual framework for responsible counselling practice with victims of abuse including statutory requirements and referral to specialist agencies/personnel. The unit covers:

 

  • Abuse recognition
  • Causal theories of abuse
  • Effects of abuse
  • Statutory requirements
  • Implications for counsellors
  • Support networks, and
  • Referral processes.

 

Unit 19 - Relationship Issues

 

This unit allows the opportunity to analyse relationship functions and dysfunctions and includes techniques for developing healthy relationships. Students examine:

 

  • Types of relationships
  • Dynamics in relationships
  • Qualities of dysfunctional and healthy relationships
  • Conflict resolution strategies, and
  • Referral processes.

 

Unit 20 - Group Counselling Processes

 

Unit 20 provides the theoretical basis and practical skills necessary for conducting group counselling sessions. The unit covers:

 

  • Theory of group membership
  • Group structure, process and programming
  • Planning group counselling sessions
  • Skills of group facilitation (including dealing with conflict), and
  • Ethical considerations.

 

Unit 21 - Ethics and Referral

 

This unit builds on Unit 1 and provides the opportunity to apply ethical and legal requirements to counselling practice. Students will learn about:

 

  • The need for ethical standards
  • A counsellor's ethical and legal responsibilities
  • Ethics of dual-role relationships
  • Ethical problem solving
  • Referral procedures, and
  • The need for professional development.

 

Unit 22 - Contemporary Counselling Issues

 

The unit provides the opportunity to understand the process of research and undertake a substantial, complex analysis and presentation of a contemporary issue in counselling (as a research project). The unit covers a variety of areas including:

 

  • Types of research methods
  • How to plan, conduct and write up research
  • Evaluating a contemporary counselling issue
  • Presentation of an argument that encompasses theory/ models/ principles/ assumptions/ practice in counselling, and
  • Preparation for employment as a counsellor.

 

As well as the accredited Diploma, you can specialize in 6 popular areas of counselling by undertaking Advanced Study Majors. Advanced Study Majors include: -

 

Abuse Counselling

 

Unfortunately, in today's society there is an increasing need for counsellor support for individuals and families who are victims of different forms of abuse. The Abuse Counselling Advanced Study Major provides a comprehensive insight into the subject of abuse and teaches the counsellor to deal with sensitive Abuse issues in a professional and practical manner.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • Defining different types of abuse and exploring the societal myths about abuse and abuse survivors
  • Exploring partner abuse and domestic violence along with common intervention methods and programs
  • The ethical and legal challenges and stresses of the role of abuse counsellor and how to address these challenges
  • How to develop a trusting relationship with clients who have been abused
  • Therapeutic techniques and approaches are explored
  • Recognising when to refer clients who have suffered abuse to another professional, and
  • Working with perpetrators of abuse.

 

Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution

 

The Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution Advanced Study Major presents you with a thorough exploration of the complexities of human relationships in such a way that appropriate counselling solutions can be directly related to relationship problems. The Major includes popular therapeutic approaches and counselling techniques, along with application to current significant relationship trends to give this Major a contemporary, hands-on and solution orientated approach.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, and recognising indications and contraindications for relationship counselling
  • types of problems presented at relationship counselling
  • the differences between men and women’s styles of communication
  • key principles for effective work with couples and ways of solving relationship problems
  • the process of relationship counselling including understanding client needs and concerns, applying the CUDSAIR Seven Step Model for Solving Relationship Problems and effectively terminating sessions with couples; divorce counselling and mediation
  • exploring the dynamics of same-sex relationships and guidelines for appropriate counselling practice
  • and professional and ethical challenges of being a Relationship Counsellor.

 

Career Counselling

 

Career Counselling is a specialised field of counselling which focuses on working with clients who are starting their careers or making a significant change in career. The Advanced Study Major progresses through the stages of career counselling: understanding the career needs of the client, the connection between values and attitudes and preferred career choice, and facilitating a client to make a successful career change. Several useful practical resources that Career Counsellors can apply in their work are also included.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • the importance of work and career in people's lives and factors that influence and impact on a person's choice of career
  • identifying and clarifying a client's values and attitudes and their congruence with career choice
  • gaining knowledge of the key theoretical perspectives and models of career counselling
  • using appropriate tests in the assessment phase of career counselling
  • career decision making and goal setting
  • assisting clients to gain employment in their chosen career including searching for a job, developing a resume and application letters and preparing for an employment interview
  • appreciating the issues of minority groups in relation to careers and employment.

 

Grief and Loss Counselling

 

The Grief and Loss Counselling Major is a very popular course that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for counselling clients who have experienced a significant loss and grief. All types of losses are considered along with the subsequent grief that occurs. The issues that accompany the loss of health, a loved one or a job must be confronted by all of us at some time or another.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • the types of loss that can result in a grief reaction
  • exploring reactions to loss and grief within the definitions of ‘normal’ and ‘complicated’ grieving; the similarities and differences between men and women’s grieving behaviour
  • key models to explain responses to a significant loss
  • principles for assessment and intervention in working with people who experience loss and grief
  • practical application of skills in working with grief and loss clients, including self-evaluation
  • identifying and arranging effective referral for clients to another professional
  • and challenges and stresses in the role of Grief and Loss Counsellor.

 

Child Development & Effective Parenting

 

Parents perform one of society's most important functions - they raise the next generation. Unfortunately, however, we are rarely taught the skills required for effective parenting. The Child Development and Effective Parenting Major is based upon behavioural principles which when applied are highly effective in bringing about positive and healthy behaviours for both the parent and the child. The program includes an easy to follow, step-by-step approach to effective parenting which can be readily applied or taught to parents by the counsellor.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • what behaviours to expect from children at different stages and ages
  • effective methods for communicating with children
  • resolving conflict between parents and children
  • helping children to understand and deal with their feelings
  • anger management in children
  • the role of self, etc.

 

Workplace Counselling

 

The Workplace Counselling Advanced Study Major brings the specialised skills of counselling to the workplace. Its focus is upon workplace issues that adversely impact an employee's motivation, productivity and satisfaction with their job. Workplace issues are explored from two perspectives.

 

  1. When life interferes with work such as bereavement, relationship problems, depression, alcohol and drug dependence, and life stage crises, and
  2. When work interferes with life such as occupational stress, harassment, workplace violence, job loss, and survivor syndrome.

 

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

 

  • the direct connections between job stress, motivation, productivity and job satisfaction
  • common causes of stress for employees
  • a variety of models used by Workplace Counsellors
  • intervention techniques applied by Workplace Counsellors with their clients
  • unique ethical and legal challenges in the role of Workplace Counsellor and ways to address these challenges.

 

Each major has been developed to provide you with a greater depth of skill and understanding in a particular field of counselling. The Advanced Study Majors will enhance your specialised skills, broaden your knowledge and accelerate your career development.

 

The Diploma Of Professional Counselling Is An Industry Recognised Qualification, Allowing You To Practice As A Qualified Counsellor

 

The nationally accredited Diploma of Professional Counselling is recognized by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), Australia’s largest Member Association for Counsellors.

 

ACA

 

As part of its charter, ACA recognises courses that meet its training standards. These standards cover a broad range of areas, encompassing 11 core educational competencies, as well as ensuring AIPC as a training body maintains an exceptionally high professional standard.

 

When you graduate, you are automatically eligible to become a Qualified Member of the Australian Counselling Association. You will be able to get professional indemnity insurance (preferred rates), and your qualification and Membership will be accepted and regarded in the industry.

 

Many opportunities exist for qualified counsellors in an Industry that has grown by over 573% in the last 12 years. Today there are 15,600 more registered counsellors working in Australia than in 1997 and the industry is tipped to grow at a rate of 127% over the next 5 years. Now is the ideal time for you to secure your future and take advantage of the increased awareness and popularity of counselling

 

Australia’s largest, most highly qualified and dedicated team of Counselling and education professionals are by your side to help you develop your skills, to coach you and assist you achieve your aspirations

 

Simply put, AIPC sets the benchmark in education support. Even if you decide to study entirely at home or online, you’ll never be alone in your studies. We have specialised in external education for over 19 years and have the most highly qualified, professional support team in the industry. Help is only ever a phone call or email away. Our enormous pool of educational resources means you have access to:

 

  • An Education team of over 65 degree qualified counselling professionals, all with extensive industry experience and teaching and assessing qualifications.

  • You’ll have access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the online Knowledge Base that contains over 4,000 specific questions and answers relating to your course.

  • You’ll have unlimted FREE access 9am to 5pm (EST) to the 1300 Study Assistance Line where you can discuss any study questions you may have with qualified team members.

  • You’ll have unlimited email support. Send a question any time and have your enquiry replied to within 12 hours.

  • And you’ll have the support of your local Student Support Centre who will link you into a local student support network (if you wish to stay in touch with other students); help you prepare for your practical assessments; co-ordinate your In-Class or tutorial activities; and set you up in a number of volunteer opportunities if you wish to practice your skills in the field.

 

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Here's Rob Carrigan with some insights into how you'll be coached, supported and assisted throughout your studies and beyond...
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In a recently survey of several thousand students (Yes, we regularly ask students and graduates how we are performing so we can continually improve our level of service!), 86% of responders indicated that our level of student support was “Beyond their expectation.”

 

 

You’ll Be Supported By The Largest, Most Highly Qualified Team Of Professionals In The Country

 

The Institute is the largest and longest established trainer 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.

 

We have a dedicated team of over 80 psychologists, Counsellors, curriculum writers, educators and industry representatives, whose sole purpose is to ensure our courses are of the highest educational value. This is the largest team of counselling academics in the country, larger than ALL universities in the country combined.

 

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Our Education Manager, Dr Clive Jones, explains what makes our curriculum profoundly useful and flexible...
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Your most cost effective path to a recognised Counselling qualification

 

Considering everything you’ve read about our nationally accredited course, the support systems and our personnel, you may find it difficult to understand how it’s also the most competitively priced course of its kind in the country.

 

We’d like to quickly explain.

 

If you’re comparing other education opportunities you’ll very quickly find that AIPC’s Diploma of Professional Counselling is the most competitively priced qualification of its kind in Australia.

It seems ironic, but so many people enquiring about our programs ask, “How can you offer all this and be the most competitively priced course of its kind?”

It’s a valid and logical question. Naturally people tend to associate quality with price.

However, when you have VOLUME you can have the best of Price and Quality.

Just think about this for a moment. Other training providers also have premises and staff, and advertise their programs (the main costs for an education company). But they need to fund those costs with 5% to 10% of the number of students AIPC has. So how do they manage to offset those costs? Well, they have to charge significantly more for their programs! And that also doesn’t leave them with much to invest back into course development to maintain quality and applicability.

So, although initially it seems a little strange at first, now you can see how it makes sense that we can (and do!) offer the highest quality programs, with the best support services and graduate outcomes, for the most competitive investment!

 

 

Achieve your aspirations in counselling for only 20% to 50% of the investment of other providers…

 

That’s right! Other counselling training providers charge 2 to 5 times more for their programs because they don’t have the volume cost efficiencies. (And in most instances can’t provide you with anywhere near the same level of support!).

 

And you can receive even greater savings by making your investment upfront (we pass our administration cost savings back to you), or take advantage of regular monthly payments over 21 or 24 months.


Course* Reduced Upfront Payment Option Reduced Monthly Credit Card Option Monthly Cheque or Money Order Option
Diploma of Professional Counselling $2950 $159 x 21 mths $175 x 21 mths

+1 Advanced Study Major

(+ 1 Free ASM)

$3525 $169 x 24 mths $185 x 24 mths

+2 Advanced Study Majors

(+ 2 Free ASM)

$4100 $195 x 24 mths $210 x 24 mths

+3 Advanced Study Majors

(+ 3 Free ASM)

$4675 $225 x 24 mths $240 x 24 mths

 

* Investment indicated for Advanced Study Majors includes GST.

 

** The Diploma of Professional Counselling includes 7 compulsory practical course elements which can be completed by attending seven seminar topics (four 1 day and three 2 day seminars). Each day is just $80. If you are unable to attend the seminars in person, these practical components can be completed by demonstrating your skills on DVD/video (cost as per seminar attendance), or having a private assessor assess your skills ($10, plus assessor fee).

 

And it’s an investment that’s easy to make with our unique “Guarantee of Education Excellence”

 

We’ve been at the forefront of the counselling industry for over 19-years! We now that we have the highest quality, most applicable and practical course available – with the best support services. So, if for any reason whatsoever you decide you do not want to proceed with your course within 30-days, we will give you a 100% no questions asked money back guarantee! It’s a guarantee no other provider can match, and totally relieves you of any risk!

 

A special BONUS OFFER to encourage you to pursue your counselling aspirations NOW…

 

When you enrol online TODAY, you will receive a FREE Advanced Study Major for every Advanced Study Major you include with your enrolment!


  • Enrol in one Advanced Study Major and we'll give you one for free - save up to $624!
  • Enrol in two Advanced Study Majors and we'll give you two for free - save up to $1320!
  • Enrol in three Advanced Study Majors and we'll give you three for free - save up to $1800!

What great value!

 

 
 


ACT NOW and start pursuing your dream of becoming a qualified Professional Counsellor. Simply fill out the enrolment form and you’ll be underway in the next 72 hours. Your first step begins HERE.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Sandra Poletto Chief Executive Officer,

Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.

 

*The practical course elements can be completed by attending seven practical seminar topics (four 1 day and three 2 day seminars). Each day is just $80. If you are unable to attend the seminars in person these practical components can be completed by demonstrating your skills on videotape (cost as per attendance), or having a private assessor assess your skills ($10, plus assessor fee).

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Testamonials

 

I was recently retrenched from my job and decided to look for Community Work, which I felt would take me closer to my ultimate goal of Counselling.

In one week I went to four interviews and I was surprised, feeling I must write and let you know. AIPC is well known and respected in the industry. All of the Potential Employers could finish the AIPC letters: Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and felt that the Diploma had value. They felt it helps develop empathy, client responsibility, with our support and to never sit in judgement of our clients, all essential ingredients in this industry. They all mentioned that AIPC was therefore worthwhile and relevant in Social & Community Work, with both Carers and Clients.

 

The range of positions I was interviewed for was in the areas of: Disability, Aged, Rehabilitation and Youth Work.

 

I would like to say that this has really made me feel that we are studying for a very worthwhile item of learning, an important factor to remember when the going gets tough!

 

Thank you too for all the support you have given me in the last year, as I have had to ride a roller coaster, but it felt so good being offered two jobs in the Disability Industry with all employers recognising and being impressed by my AIPC studies. This makes it all seem worthwhile. I have taken one of the jobs in the Disability Industry, a One-on-One client relationship and feel as if AIPC is even more precious to me now than it ever was.

Noeleen Hankinson

 

Pathways merged on the day I applied to begin the Diploma of Professional Counselling – my innate sensitivity and melancholy; my need to ‘work through’ personal issues in self-acceptance; emotional over-eating; moderate depression and anxiety in earlier years; my need to ‘work through’ relationship tension in marriage; supporting teens through difficult times; experience in emotionally supporting others in my roles as the wife of a Christian minister/chaplain and as a school teacher; a developing compassion and empathy with the ‘hurting’; and a keen desire to effectively ‘make a difference’ in the lives of others who struggled. These were the pathways. The merger transpired in February 2001: my application was the beginning of the fulfilling of a life goal – to become a professional counsellor.

 

After careful consideration, the Diploma with AIPC seemed the better choice when considering my options. Initially, I was excited by the Course Prospectus and attracted by the flexibility of a self-paced, home study course which would fit with family and teaching commitments. The course outline appeared comprehensive. As well, the cost was affordable in monthly instalments. For me, the Diploma offered the best value in terms of money, time and equipping me for the counselling role.

 

At 49 years of age, I sensed an urgency to complete the course. At my age, however, it was not always easy to absorb the learning, despite the clarity of the Books of Reading and the corresponding Workbooks. For me, the Diploma was challenging, but thankfully, the telephone was always handy. In moments of struggle, I had ready access to Education Advisers who skilfully guided my thinking.

 

The practical seminars were times of further learning. I recall very nervously anticipating my first seminar, only to find it was conducted in a relaxed fashion, with skilful direction to nurture my ‘weak spots’ and friendly encouragement in my strengths. The Presenter, Carol Moore, was a real person – warm, motivating, interesting and relevant.

 

After 20 months, the 22 units were completed, with great relief and sense of achievement. Graduation Day was meaningful. Then came the really scary part! I needed courage to step out and begin practising counselling formally. Initially I conducted Grief sessions and later a workshop on Personality Needs. With encouragement from my husband, I began leasing a room within a complex, receiving wonderful support from staff and members. Since beginning to practise, a steady growing stream of clients have come through, with a variety of personal issues. For me, the experience has been humbling.

 

From here on, I will work to grow in effectiveness through further professional development and experience, seeking to be a counsellor who respects and cares for those who struggle as I also have done.

 

Rosalie Follett

 

As far back as I can remember I have always enjoyed listening to people discuss issues they have in their lives and now I am qualified to do this and get paid for it!

I decided to undertake the Diploma of Professional Counselling to add a specific skill to my existing Bachelor of Arts Degree, while I waited for my youngest son to reach school age. I knew I wanted to return to work when he started school so I aimed to complete my studies by that date. I thoroughly enjoyed the content of the course and this factor, combined with my ultimate career goal, motivated me to continue.

 

Upon completion of my studies I spent one month applying for positions when I gained employment as a Vocational Consultant with an Occupational Rehabilitation Provider for three days per week. My counselling skills were well regarded and are, in fact, recognised by the Victorian Workcover Authority as an Allied Health Qualification. My role involves providing vocational and rehabilitation counselling to clients who are unable to return to their employer due to their physical or physiological injury, or clients who require assistance in returning to their pre-injury role on modified/alternative duties.

 

I enjoy my work immensely and I am gaining valuable experience in the counselling field. I have an excellent work/life balance and I am pleased to be able to utilise my Diploma of Professional Counselling and work in the area I have always had an interest in.

 

Nicole Witham

 

Since graduating as a Professional Counsellor, I commenced a home-based business and have been fortunate to have been faced with such a diversity of presenting problems and be able to help people with my counselling skills.

I’m pleased with my success and I thank the staff of AIPC for their caring and wonderful support!

 

Cleide Texeira

 

If you are a naturally caring person and love to help others in need, this course is a must! Not only will you be helping others, you will be helping yourself too. This course will help you communicate better, know yourself better and ultimately to become a better person.

The course material is packaged in neat A4 booklets which contain excerpts from a range of counselling text books which means you have what you need at your fingertips, without having to search out reference material.

 

The questions in the student workbooks will help you to explore your understanding of the subjects. Much emphasis is placed upon reflection.

 

Studying from home is an exercise in discipline, but you will never feel along with all the assistance that the Institute provides. Whenever I have needed assistance, there is always a friendly voice at the end of the phone on the Institute’s Study Assistance Line. I also receive regular mail with encouraging bookmarks, and supportive comments in my workbooks. And, for those who love the internet, AIPC have a great website too!

 

I have always helped others and people have naturally come to me for assistance within life’s multiple coloured dramas. This course is fine-tuning my natural skills and providing me with a qualification to enable me to get paid for what I love to do!

 

If you are caring and want a professional qualification without leaving your home, then this is the course for you!

 

Bridget Cameron

 

I completed the Diploma of Professional Counselling in 16 months.

I have always enjoyed working with people and counselling just became a natural progression as well as providing me with a rewarding career option. I was initially concerned as I had not studied for some 30 years, but the staff at my Student Support Centre and the Education Advisers and everyone associated with AIPC were always supportive and helped in any way they could. It only took a few weeks before I gained confidence and momentum to begin enjoying studying and the challenge it provided.

 

I loved every moment of being a student and the knowledge I was accumulating. I found the course materials provided were comprehensive and easy to understand, and being able to submit my work via the Internet was terrific. I also liked the fact I could undertake Advanced Study Majors in the areas I found more interesting such as Grief and Loss, and Relationship Counselling. As I was still working, being able to set my own pace was also a huge bonus. It really did take the stress out of studying.

 

I now have a small counselling practice which I operate from home and I am extremely happy that I took the step and gained my Diploma with AIPC. I would suggest anyone thinking about doing the same get in touch with their nearest Centre.

 

Susanne Kessel

 

My motivation to commence studies with AIPC came from the rewarding volunteer work I did as a telephone counsellor.

I commenced study with AIPC in March 2002 and graduated in December 2003. I found the self- paced study better suited my busy lifestyle which consisted of family, part time work, my continued voluntary work and a social life. Time management, balance and self confidence were key life lessons gained during my studies.

 

I’m proud to say that I am now employed as a Telephone Counsellor Support Officer with a self funded organisation whose work in the community I greatly admire and respect. I also work as a volunteer face to face counsellor within this same organisation. The rewards I gain from this work both intrinsically and from practical experience are priceless.

 

At this stage in my professional development I am feeling very fulfilled and the skills and knowledge I gained through the AIPC Diploma, greatly assisted me in making my dreams a reality.

 

Caron Scard

 

For many years I had an interest in counselling, so I sent off for some information from the AIPC. There were challenges as I live in Alice Springs with no next door neighbour doing the same course. I found the AIPC’s study support team a huge asset to me and they were all very patient with my phone calls for HELP!

I was determined to finish the course in one year. I remember setting myself a target each week of what I wanted to finish and much to my surprise, I managed to hold my target. This was a huge success for me as I hadn’t studied for over 29 years and then I hated it all those

years ago.

 

Not only did I finish the Diploma of Professional Counselling but I also completed two advanced study majors in Grief and Loss and Relationships and Conflict Resolution. I have just started up my own business from home and in the first week of operating I have had doctors referring patients onto me. It is a great feeling to have those professionals believe, not just in me, but in the AIPC Diploma.

 

For the clients that I have already seen I can see an improvement in them, this is after all a wish of mine come true: to help someone in need. There is no greater satisfaction in life than to see a sad face turn to a smile.

 

Here I would like to thank each and everyone at AIPC for assisting me through this personal journey. I made it because you genuinely cared, it showed that what you teach you also preach.

 

Jane Oakley-Lohm

 

After many years in the hairdressing and hospitality industry, I started to think about a change in my career direction. Secretly I dreamt of working within the social or community services sector because I loved working with people, but the thought of going to University was daunting to say the least.

Glancing through the paper I came across the advertisement for AIPC. As I researched AIPC, I realised this self-paced study system could be a stepping stone for me, so I commenced studies with AIPC - I was on my way.

 

I continued working part time in hospitality while studying, I found the self paced structure was perfect and the Study Assistance Line so helpful, especially at times when I found I was ‘stuck’. Attending the seminars was a wonderful opportunity to meet other students and helped me to realise the ups and downs I was going through were ‘normal’, we were all balancing home life, work and study: ‘not an easy task’. Gaining practical experience and building friendships along the way helped to bring it all together.

 

I volunteered with the Senior Citizens respite group in my local area and enjoyed the work and the people. So I decided to start applying for positions in the industry a few months before I expected to complete the Diploma. Initially I was unsuccessful in gaining employment, however I managed to secure a full time position as a Family Support Worker with Lifeline Community Care. The position was in my local area and despite the fact that I had yet to complete my last unit, Lifeline recognised that I had the right qualifications for the job!

 

I graduated from the Diploma and am currently working with women and children escaping Domestic Violence, while this area may sound extremely difficult I find it rewarding. I have to say that I could not wish for a better foundation than the AIPC Diploma. Dealing with a diverse range of people, ages, and pretty startling situations, I am learning every day and it’s a thrill seeing what I have studied being put into practice.

 

I think I may have caught the study bug as I am now completing two advanced study majors, Abuse and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Grief and Loss. I feel these two majors will compliment my position as a Family Support Worker and University does not appear quite so daunting.

 

Many thanks to the team at AIPC for their support and guidance throughout my studies. I encourage others who are thinking of exploring a new road, but are concerned about their age or academic abilities, to just go for it.

 

Joy Kite

 

When I lost my brother I started to reflect on where my life was heading, working for a large corporation whose focus was on shareholder return rather than adding value to the people who enabled it to succeed. I had thought about counselling for some time – I was attracted by the fact that I could add value to other peoples’ lives and my own whilst also earning an income.

Resigning from my job wasn’t a problem – plunging into the unknown was really scary but fortunately I had the support of my husband who encouraged me to study and establish my own private practice.

 

The arrival of my first study pack was greeted with great enthusiasm and I had set myself a deadline of 18 months to complete my Diploma. As I progressed the fear of how I would apply what I had learned practically began to surface. At the same time I noticed an advert for volunteer Parent Aides at the Mater Family Services Unit. Within weeks I was on a training course and working with my first client.

 

Although the work of a parent aide is not counselling as such, it does involve the use of counselling skills as you assist clients with practical parenting issues, life skills and connecting them with local services. I found the work helped build my confidence.

 

Just before I completed my Diploma I called Student Care Qld from the AIPC volunteer handbook to see if I could broaden my experiences. They offered me a contract counselling position with their organisation! Already they have put me on a course and are involving me in many aspects of their organisation whilst accepting that I will also be building my own private practice.

 

I learned the value of volunteer work during my studies and the fact that the opportunities are not going to pick up the phone and call you – you have to take the initiative – the worst they can do is say ‘no’. In the end it took me 2 ½ years to complete my diploma but now I am building my own practice – Positive Steps, Professional Counselling.

 

Patricia Baird

 

I completed the Diploma of Professional Counselling in mid 2003; my partner of fifteen years had moved to Queensland seeking work, and I remained in Tasmania, as my father was terminally ill.

During the two years we lived apart, I undertook the Advanced Study Major in Grief and Loss with AIPC, and also trained with a national crisis telephone counselling organisation, working in a voluntary capacity on the phones following completion of training. I gained valuable practical experience in this role, where much of the theory presented in the AIPC counselling course was used extensively, and I would strongly encourage students to become involved in voluntary counselling work if such an opportunity presents itself. As well as gaining practical experience, it was a wonderful confidence booster, and I also made some lovely friends!

 

It became possible for me to relocate to Queensland last year, and I joined my partner in Gladstone in early September. Wishing to become involved in the community, I sought voluntary counselling work, and also applied for a paid position which was advertised in the local paper in October. Happily, I was selected for an interview, and was fortunate in being offered the job! I am delighted to say that I am now working on a permanent part-time basis as the Domestic and Family Violence Court Support Worker with a well-known Queensland welfare organisation, and enjoying the challenge of the position enormously.

 

However, whilst I feel privileged to have been offered this job, I also know that it didn’t come about purely by accident. Rather, I had worked hard, gained the qualification I set out to achieve, and refused to become discouraged along the way by constant media reports that people over a certain age are continually overlooked by prospective employers!

 

So, I say to any students who may be struggling with the motivation to push ahead through all those units…. keep going, remain positive, believe in yourself and your own unique abilities, and above all – never give up! It may be difficult at times, but stay inspired by the thought that nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and success has very little to do with luck, and everything to do with hard work and perseverance

 

Judy Marshall

 

I enrolled with the AIPC when I realised that the Diploma course would compliment my chosen field of work. That is meditations, personal growth groups and individual counselling.

After successfully completing the first few units, (and working through my feelings of uncertainty about my academic abilities), I was very pleasantly surprised by how well the course was presented, how supportive the team at the AIPC were and how relevant the course material was to both my personal and professional life.

 

Within two months of graduating I have established a wonderful and constantly growing personal growth group for women as well as a steadily growing meditation group. I have seen how the skills the I have acquired through the course are the reasons for my rapid success.

 

At this stage in my professional development, I am feeling very fulfilled by working with the two groups as I know that I am just at the beginning of an exciting and meaningful career. I am reaping rewards and benefits, too numerous to list, but which inspire me to continue to learn and gain practical experience to pursue further goals.

 

I am deeply grateful to AIPC for their constant support, encouragement and downright positive attitude! Thank you and congratulations to all at AIPC for providing the opportunity for me to create the career of my dreams!

 

Lisa Pattison
Copyright © 2009 Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors