A core first year subject that introduces students to the important area of academic writing and study skills. Successful completion of this subject develops the skills and knowledge required to write research reports and literature reviews according to APA guidelines and allows for a foundational understanding of how to present information verbally and in poster form to the scientific community, professional colleagues and peers. This subject equips students with essential skills to meet the demands of written and verbal assessments throughout this degree program while also establishing a foundation for ongoing academic writing and presenting that is required in postgraduate study and in future careers.
Communication Skills is a core, first year subject that examines the crucial role of negotiation and conflict resolution in the professional consulting and/or managerial environment. Specifically, three areas of professional interaction are examined. They include; (i) communication skills that aim to facilitate and enhance sound understanding and mutual respect between colleagues, superiors and subordinates within any professional work environment, (ii) negotiation strategies that encourage collaborative work environments to enhance mutually beneficial team outcomes and (iii) conflict resolution skills to deal efectively with professional disagreements and clashes around critical issues of concern.
Through lectures, tutorials, microskill practice activities and assignment tasks students are encouraged to integrate theory and specific skills within those areas of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution literature most pertinent to optimising their contribution as a professional within a range of work environments.
This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice.
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.
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.
Group Work, Team Dynamics and Leadership is a core, first year subject that introduces students to the principles of leadership, the dynamics of teams and the processes of group work. Particular focus is given to an understanding of diversity and the effects of such on group and team cohesion. Power dynamics and the management of conflict within groups is considered from both participant and leader perspectives. This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the functioning of teams and groups across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice across a abroad range of professions.
Social Frameworks is a core, first year subject that provides students with knowledge to study real world issues through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These frameworks are expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on individual’s and groups within society. Various theoretical perspectives are explored and applied to contemporary issues to ensure students understand the social structures and issues impacting on individuals and groups within society.
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.
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 roleplay 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.
Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence is a core second year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of development from infancy to adolescence. Various aspects of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are examined through reviewing theoretical and empirical data pertaining to specific areas of research and topics in the area. This subject complements the content of Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging which examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood onwards. This subject is an important component of undergraduate psychology training with benefits to future practice application in the profession.
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.
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.
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.
Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging is a core second year subject that examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood and beyond. This subject includes a focus on the psychology of aging as wel as issues of death, dying and bereavement. Theoretical and empirical research pertaining to specific areas of mid-life are also critically examined and students are required to develop a research proposal on a selected area of focus area.
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.
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 second year subject that builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.
Family and Couple Counselling is a core second year subject that introduces interpersonal and systemic approaches for working with couples and families. This subject examines major theoretical concepts and therapeutic processes of family and couple counseling, helps to develop understanding of the dynamics of intimate relationships, and helps build the skills and confidence required to work with interpersonal issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please refer to http://www.aipc.net.au/dates_policies.php for current subject fees and indicative additional and non-tuition costs.
On your Application Form, you chose one course payment option to pay for your course. You are able to:
Option 1: Pay for your course using FEE-HELP (if you are eligible).
Option 2: Pay for each semester of your studies upfront.
Option 3: Pay for a portion of your fees upfront and the remaining portion using FEE-HELP.
If your application is successful and you accept your placement, the investment for each subject is payable via the following methods after accepting your placement:
- If you are choosing to pay all or part of your subject fees through FEE-HELP, you will need to return your Request for FEE-HELP Assistance form for the semester by the due date indicated in your semester enrolment letter.
- Payment by credit card, cheque or money order for the semester by the due date indicated in your semester enrolment letter (usually within two weeks of the semester commencing).
- If you are paying some of your fees yourself and some through FEE-HELP, then returning your Request for FEEHELP Assistance form and payment of the remaining amount by credit card, cheque or money order by the due date of the semester.
If accepted into the course, you nominate your preferred payment method on your Confirmation of Acceptance form to confirm your place in the course. Please note that the subject fees, and any other associated fees, are current only for the subjects in which you are presently enrolled, and can be reviewed and changed at the Institute’s discretion for future semesters.
Subjects where credit is granted
Students are able to apply for credit of previous studies and experience as described in the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy and are not required to pay the subject fee for each subject in which credit is granted.
Students articulating from the Diploma of Counselling or the previous AIPC Diploma of Professional Counselling are automatically eligible to receive credit for 6 subjects of the Bachelor of Counselling program detailed in the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy. The Institute will take this automatic awarding of credit into account when processing enrolments for graduates of the Diploma with the student’s Course Enrolment Confirmation Letter detailing the reductions in course fees applicable to students receiving this automatic credit.
Students are able to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer to receive credit for one or more subjects** of the Bachelor of Counselling (up to a maximum of 8 subjects). This enhances student progression through the course and provides recognition for students entering the course with relevant prior studies and work experience. Students granted RPL or credit are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes of the course, and the integrity of the qualification must be maintained.
RPL recognises that students, due to relevant life and work experiences, may already possess the requisite skills and knowledge for subject/s in the Bachelor course. Students who have been working within a counselling environment for a number of years are able to apply for recognition of this prior learning or experience. Exemption can be applied for one or more course subjects** (up to a maximum of 8 subjects).
Assessing credit from prior experience takes into account the authenticity, currency, quality, relevance, transferability and comparability of the experience to the requirements of the subject for which credit is being applied.
Credit Transfer:
Credit Transfer refers to obtaining credit towards another course on the basis of having completed previous study of an equivalent subject or unit. Students who have completed similar units to those included in the Bachelor of Counselling are welcome to apply for Credit Transfer. Students who have completed or partially completed another counselling course are particularly encouraged to apply for Credit Transfer.
Credit will not normally be granted for formal study completed more than 10 years prior to application unless there is evidence of continued relevance of this study for the course towards which credit is sought. Credit is granted where there is substantial overlap with the content and/or learning outcomes of the subject for which credit is being applied.
When assessing credit based on prior study, consideration is given to the objectives of the course, methods of delivery and assessment, admission requirements, course durations, the breadth and depth of the course material, practical training requirements, and experience requirements.
**Students can only obtain credit for a total maximum of 8 subjects inclusive of whether this credit has been obtained via RPL or credit transfer.
Students Articulating from the Diploma of Counselling
Students progressing into the Bachelor of Counselling from the Institute’s Diploma of Counselling/Diploma of Professional Counselling (Curriculum Codes: AIP CND, DPCA, DPCB, DPCC, DPCD, CDA, CDB) will automatically receive credit for the following subjects:
- COU101 Introduction to Counselling
- COU102 Theoretical Foundations of Counselling
- COU103 The Counselling Process
- COU104 Micro Counselling Skills
- COU202 Counselling and Diversity
- COU203 Counselling Therapies I
The student’s record will be automatically updated and a confirmation letter sent to the student. Students are not required to formally apply through the RPL process.
For over 28-years AIPC has set the benchmark for service and support in external counselling studies. We are the only counselling educator to offer a complete external study support system that has been developed and refined over decades of research and continual student feedback.
Study Assistance Line
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 questions and assessment queries.
Residential Schools
Residential Schools teach you to apply your theoretical knowledge to counselling scenarios. Residential Schools provide you with an ideal teaching forum to handle practical counselling issues. You also meet and share ideas and experiences with fellow students and have the opportunity to reflect on the development of your counselling skills.
Residential Schools are held at our academic rooms in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth*, Australia and are scheduled at the end of each semester. Depending on the numbers of subjects you have undertaken during the semester, Residential Schools are up to one or two weeks’ duration. If studying full time, you complete between 2.5 and 10 days at a Residential School at the end of each semester. Not all subjects include a Residential School component. If you are studying part time, you only need to attend the days of the Residential School allocated to the specific subject.
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.
Work Placements
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 and enable the development of clinical skills in a supportive, professional context.
Each Practicum involves the completion of 12 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. The Institute provides guidelines to students on how to approach agencies, assists with 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.
Webinars
Some subjects within the Bachelor of Counselling include progressive participation in webinars. Webinars provide an interactive and stimulating teaching environment based on discussion of concepts and ideas to encourage the transition from teaching to practice.
Institute Website
The Institute website is an extremely helpful study resource. Via the website you can access the My.AIPC Student Portal which is your link to numerous study support and e-learning functions. You can:
- Download electronic versions of your workbooks
- Complete your activities and upload for marking
- Contact an Online Education Adviser for study assistance
- Access the Knowledge Base, a massive database of the most commonly asked academic questions, categorised for particular subjects, activities and concepts
- See when seminars are available in your area
- Plus much more
Read what our graduates are saying...
Below are some of the numerous comments we’ve received from students and graduates. When you read through the comments you’ll gain a sense of how personally and professionally enriching a counselling qualification can be.
"I was invited to apply for the AIPC degree course after finishing my Diploma, which was well timed as I was looking around to upgrade it. The home based study..."
Maureen Filippi
Maureen Filippi
I was invited to apply for the AIPC degree course after finishing my Diploma, which was well timed as I was looking around to upgrade it. The home based study was perfect for me (in Singapore) as there is good on-line support and a comprehensive and well organised study pack.
The cost was low in comparison to other courses I investigated, and I was able to choose from several options for payment. In addition to this, because of the diploma, I saved money as I was exempt from six of the subjects.
The subject matter being studied is really interesting, but with assignment deadlines and reading, the course has been a challenge, particularly with a family to manage. However, I am almost finished the first year and I am still very motivated to carry on, and feel glad that I decided to do this. I would be happy to recommend the course to anyone who wants to study counseling.
"My personal growth journey started a few years before I decided to study and I am still thoroughly amazed by what I am doing with my life. As well as..."
Louise Fitzgerald
Louise Fitzgerald
My personal growth journey started a few years before I decided to study and I am still thoroughly amazed by what I am doing with my life. As well as being all of the above I am also one of those counselors who have themselves been abused. Some of you will realize how far I have come up to this point, some of you may not realize this as yet. I have gone form being a person who couldn't look another human being in the eye, so low was my self esteem, to doing things with my life that are beyond my wildest dreams. I found it very difficult to speak to other people and I find myself wondering how I ever managed to have a life at all. Let me tell you what I am doing now. I have begun to counsel people individually and my clients have come to me through word of mouth.
Look this might seem like I am blowing my own trumpet but really I am not. I just want to share with you all that is possible. You can achieve whatever is in your heart to achieve. The road might be a bit rocky at times, but remember that we grow through the tough times, not the smooth.
Decide how long this diploma will take you realistically. Split your units into manageable bundles. I used school terms as I fitted my studies around my children. Decide how long each unit will take, even each section of a unit if you have to. Set yourself deadlines for each unit and make study a priority in your life. I think it is very important that you reward your self when you meet your deadlines and achieve each small goal.
"I started the Bachelor of Counselling Course in March 2008. When I first found out about the course I was excited at the prospect of doing a Degree that was..."
Claudia Kuerschner
Claudia Kuerschner
I started the Bachelor of Counselling Course in March 2008. When I first found out about the course I was excited at the prospect of doing a Degree that was solely focused on Counselling and run by an Institute who specialise in providing counselling training. I was also happy that it was offered as a home study course because I am working part time in my own counselling practice and enjoy the flexibility of setting my own study hours around my work commitments. I also knew how well organised and professional the Institute is because I had completed their Diploma course not that long ago.
I did have a concern though with how I would go having set term times in which to complete the assessments as I had been used to pacing my previous studies in the Diploma. While I have found it slightly more stressful meeting these deadlines, it has made me complete far more work in a shorter period of time than I have previously. So I am viewing this as creative stress which is making me perform to a higher level, which ultimately is more rewarding!
In terms of the course structure and study guides, I have found these to be well laid out and comprehensive. I love the fact that we are given a suggested study timetable which makes study planning much more straightforward. We also have access to the lecturers via email and I have always found them to respond quickly to any questions that I might have. The other thing that I have found very helpful is the feedback that we get with our assessments, which provides constructive criticism for each section and suggestions for improvement.
All in all I have enjoyed my first year of study in the Bachelor course and would recommend it to others who are looking for a flexible degree that they can do at home.
"At the beginning of 2004 I found myself enrolled in the course with the lovely people at AIPC, the administration team and student support team have both been amazing in..."
Brian Rhodes
Brian Rhodes
At the beginning of 2004 I found myself enrolled in the course with the lovely people at AIPC, the administration team and student support team have both been amazing in their support and guidance and I have nothing but the highest praise and the regard for them both. These are the people with whom as a student you have the most contact with and they are all, each and every one of them truly amazing people with an unenviable burden of encouraging and stimulating the offtimes lethargic and tired student, and it has to be said that without their tireless enthusiasm many a student would have crumbled at the roadside, drifting on a sea of words and jargon, lost to the power and the beauty and the bounty that comes from completing the course.
So here I am at the end of the cycle, having received my diploma, and gotten my own ABN, I am ready to set up a personal counselling practice. But I am not only ready for it, I want to have a go at it, I want to be given a chance to prove to some of those naysayers out there and I'm sure all of us as both students and graduates have had our fair share of those, that I have what it takes and can make it. I know it is going to be a struggle, and the path is hard but in my view it is a path well worn and trod by a billion feet and as appealing as that path is, I want to strike out on my own, forging my own path, my own goals, my own unique and typically eclectic approach.
My counselling role is set and I am the master of my own fate.
"With one hand I receive my Diploma with excitement, pride, joy, and dreams realised, but on the other hand I reach out to those who may need guidance and direction..."
Mari Shell
Mari Shell
With one hand I receive my Diploma with excitement, pride, joy, and dreams realised, but on the other hand I reach out to those who may need guidance and direction sharing with them life skills and keys to freedom. With better knowledge, passion and experience it is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to speak into people’s lives, something that I don’t ever want to take for granted.
May I encourage each and everyone of you who finds studying a drudgery to keep the momentum going the way I did. I kept myself accountable and I had a study partner, and just kept setting myself a goal. Don’t forget the dream, the purpose as to why you started studying counselling. Whether it is just out of interest or just to gain knowledge and skills remember, that these are never wasted. It is also important to reward yourself when you achieve a unit. I am determined to further my qualifications in the areas of Family and Relationship Counselling.
To put what I have learnt into practice, I am looking forward to working in my local church, the community, local GP’s, and setting up my own private practice called – A Positive Soulution Counselling (A Change from the inside out).
In closing, I hope that a snippet of my story has inspired you. Remember to ‘Live your dream – Believe in yourself and Just do it!’
"With the guidance and support of the AIPC team I completed my Diploma in November 06, and by January 07 landed my dream job as a trainer (who also requires..."
Jan Burguez
Jan Burguez
With the guidance and support of the AIPC team I completed my Diploma in November 06, and by January 07 landed my dream job as a trainer (who also requires a counselling qualification) re launching the long term unemployed back into the workforce. The fit to my skill sets is breath-taking in its synchronicity.
Who could have known three years ago when I first picked up the phone and made the call. Who would have seen last November when I rang the student helpline at AIPC with fear and anxiety asking how on earth will I turn my forthcoming ‘piece of paper’ into paid work that the next step was just a leap of faith. My Diploma in Professional Counselling stacked up very well at the job interview as my now-manager (bless him) was quietly thinking in tangents about how I could also slot in to the company’s future growth area, Youth Pathways, if he secured me now. I’ve got a lot to look forward to, by anybody’s reckoning.
Distant education helped me to go about earning a living whilst I learned my craft, while I always enjoyed feelings of inclusivity from the astute crew at AIPC. You were ALWAYS there when I needed direction, guidance, support and encouragement. What a client champion you are! Tutor, Zahava, brings an exceptional quality to your team with a raft of counselling experience, knowledge and skill. In fact, all of your staff are stand-outs, and when this high human resource standard is replicated in the training system and materials you provide students, I am motivated to highly recommend the AIPC to any individual seeking to become a recognized, accredited and qualified counselling graduate who can confidently hit the boards running into the profession. In other words, if I can do it, so can YOU!
"The last four and a half years have certainly been a time of self-development for myself due to the subjects we covered in the Diploma. I was able through my..."
Michelle Lees
Michelle Lees
The last four and a half years have certainly been a time of self-development for myself due to the subjects we covered in the Diploma. I was able through my studies to find my strengths and draw on them when they were most needed. My cousin who I am very close to had two schizophrenic breakdowns and nearly died a third time due to over medicating herself: My daughter at ten years old lost her half sisters Fiancé to suicide. She was devastated and getting her through that was hard work. A close friend and her husband lost their baby at three days old and my family lost two wonderful uncles and my grandmother. Most tragically of all, was in April this year when my brother's only child (23 years old, a gentle and lovely boy with an l8 month old son of his own) killed his mother and four year old half sister in a psychotic frenzy. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and is now in a psychiatric ward in W.A. awaiting trial. My brother was devastated and suicidal. He would not accept the counselling offered to him but said he would talk to me. This truly was my greatest challenge as I worried about my brother's mental state. I frantically researched schizophrenia so I could help him and the rest of the family understand the disease. We were all reeling in shock and had many mixed emotions towards my nephew.
I was extremely grateful at this time that I was doing this course as it enabled me to separate myself from my own emotions in order to help my brother. My brother will never be the same again, as many in this tragedy won't, but he has come to deal with this, and is a wonderful grandfather to his little grandson and is supporting his son through the long ordeal ahead of him.
Recently I was offered a position with Student Care Welfare Qld. counselling children 7 to 17 and I have just commenced my advanced study major in Abuse and Abuse Trauma Counselling. A.I.P.C. has a wonderful support team so no matter how hard the road is, keep going it's worth it in the end and the skills you learn are valuable tools for life.
"I would like to explain the journey of my studies with the A.I.P.C. From the first unit I started I was unsure of my ability's in completing the 22 Units..."
Lynn Holt
Lynn Holt
I would like to explain the journey of my studies with the A.I.P.C. From the first unit I started I was unsure of my ability's in completing the "22 Units" to my Diploma. As I was at the time 55 years old and had only completed courses that were no longer than 6 to 8 weeks long one night a week for about 2 hours.
When I started the course it was for my self mainly, as I had very low self-esteem, and had many issues that on a personal level that needed to be addressed. The result of the experience I gained from the course is better self-esteem, more confident person that is more able to tackle tasks with out a second thought. All my family and friends have noticed a huge change in me over the time.
At time's you really have to just push yourself and say I will get this much done by this time. It is sometimes good to take a very short break and then reset your goals for the next stage. If you take to much time away from the study's you will find it harder to get back into the study mode. The seminars increased my confidence to speak and participate in group situations, which helped my self-esteem. I have learnt many skills during the course and now feel confident to plan my life to be able to help other people or children in many ways with the problems they may have.
This would not have happened without the support and help of others, such as the staff at both Carina and the valley, who have always been there to help, with their friendly support. In closing I would like to thank again all at A.I.P.C. for their help for me by phone, seminars, or tutorials. I would also like to wish all current students the very best, and to say stay with it, the rewards for yourself and the help you can give others is without a doubt the feeling that you can experience.
"Since graduating with the Diploma in July 2006 - it's such an unbelievable feeling to accomplish and also it's providing opportunities and changes in my life that were not possible..."
Carol Lockwood
Carol Lockwood
Since graduating with the Diploma in July 2006 - it's such an unbelievable feeling to accomplish and also it's providing opportunities and changes in my life that were not possible a couple of years ago. My lack of self-confidence and deprivation of personal ambitions has now been transformed to pursuing my ideal employment. I am focusing now on developing patience and realism to make my ideal job happen.
The AIPC study has taught me to have faith, confidence and strength in myself, as well as a myriad of other skills, but these personal attributes have enabled me to leave to leave the security of my administrative position in late June 2006. Since that time I've been working as a Personal Carer/Support person for 4 days a week. I enjoy this volunteer work which is providing me with a variety of excellent work experience that is invaluable. Through this agency, I have recently attended some presentations, such as Child Protection & Safety and Positive Parenting.
I now feel confident that with my AIPC Diploma qualification, community work, and volunteer work, I will be successful with my job search. Recently I have had two interviews with a job placement agency for disabled persons and a community agency. Whenever I have mentioned the AIPC Diploma qualification, I have received a positive reaction and recognition of this study.
Rob Carrigan seems to have endless compassion, time and understanding for people like myself, and has been very helpful and inspirational throughout my units of study, and even now that I've graduated, continues the support and assistance. Also other staff at AIPC have been continually supportive, and responsive to all of my requests over the 2 years of study.
"I never thought I'd be writing my own success story, just like the one's I read at the beginning of my studies. About halfway through the Diploma we were living..."
Davina Gleeson
Davina Gleeson
I never thought I'd be writing my own success story, just like the one's I read at the beginning of my studies. About halfway through the Diploma we were living on a remote island and experienced a traumatic house fire that destroyed ninety percent of our possessions; photo's, books, personal documents, clothes. However, I willingly chose to continue my studies as it enabled me to focus on the future and move forward. Studying with AIPC whilst at home raising two children and running a household empowered me as a woman, I craved and needed something to stimulate myself during the day once all the housework was done and the children were happy. Throughout my studies I'd regularly hear my internal voice saying `try and finish this, you never complete what you start'. So I decided to prove my internal voice wrong by challenging myself to complete my studies which I did in December 2005.
The Diploma has taught me useful life skills that will always remain with me. Not only is it a course that allows you to help others and yourself but it's about becoming a better human being, and you can't ask much more than that. Studying with AIPC has made me understand more about human behaviour in a selfless and insightful way. Over the past years, studying the Diploma has improved my knowledge and enlightened my awareness about other people and life itself.
Looking back I'm very grateful for the encouragement Robert Carrigan provided me at a time that I needed to get me where I am today. The self satisfaction from knowing you've completed a Diploma in Professional counselling is overwhelming and extremely rewarding. Thank you to all the support at AIPC that provide people like me with a Diploma that is nationally recognised.
"My journey into studying counselling began over three years ago, when I felt the need for self exploration after many years of various personal traumas..."
Marilyn Tisdall
Marilyn Tisdall
My journey into studying counselling began over three years ago, when I felt the need for self exploration after many years of various personal traumas.
The AIPC self paced, do at home with abundant student support offer was just what I needed. What I learned along the way inspired me to keep discovering how to improve my own life and many others – yet the greatest obstacle I faced was myself.
Along the journey, I lost my Mum to cancer, got to know my Dad and his health problems more that I ever did, was laid up for 6 months surgery and physio for a badly fractured foot, and despite overcoming these hurdles, was frequently battling one of my worst failings – procrastination!
Finally receiving my Diploma was a very exciting and satisfying event, one which you too will enjoy as you press on to the end of your course.
AIPC have been a joy to associate with and share this important and beneficial time in my life, which I can now use to help so many others through the obstacles on their bumpy roads in life.
I am currently studying two of my three majors, and look forward to specialising in these areas.
"AIPC has been an exceptional institution to study through. I have studied with a few institutions over the years but AIPC has by far been the best. What..."
Will Flynn
Will Flynn
AIPC has been an exceptional institution to study through. I have studied with a few institutions over the years but AIPC has by far been the best. What I particularly like is the fact that the lecturers manage to afford students a great degree of flexibility in terms of fitting their studies into their day to day lives whilst maintaining an extremely high standard of education.
I spent a long time researching institutions that offered counselling and I am so glad that I chose AIPC. Like most of us, I try to fit in 25 hours of things to do into every 24 hour period but AIPC have been 100% supportive and do their level best to facilitate my academic progress.
AIPC staff are always friendly and helpful and there is always someone willing and able to help with any inquiry. I began my studies in NSW and after a transfer to QLD I still receive correspondence and offers of assistance from the AIPC team in Sydney!!! Thank you to all the AIPC staff for all that you do. Through your ongoing commitment to external studies and to the art/science of counselling, counselling is growing in recognition and status.
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Hear from some of our Degree students...
- Study online from home and at your own pace, so you can fit learning around your lifestyle.
- Maximise your investment and save thousands of dollars off traditional classroom programs.
- Industry Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
- Nationally Recognised training program.
- Complete access to the My.AIPC Student Portal which contains all your course material, bonus resources, tutor contacts and video lectures and also facilitates assignment submission.
- Dedicated study support system. We are the only counselling educator to offer a complete external study support system that has been developed and refined over decades of research and continual student feedback.
- The Institute has been operating for over 28-years and remains the only exclusive national provider of counselling education.
Bachelor of Counselling
