Sadie O'Shea

Studying a Diploma of Counselling with AIPC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has quite literally changed my life! Like most people who end up studying counselling, I have always been in people focused work. I had previously studied a Bachelor of Business with a major in Human Resource Management (and honestly that major came about because those around me kept saying how much of a ‘people person’ I was). After I finished my degree, I worked in HR for national organisations and I always fell into the roles that required you to coach and counsel staff. I then moved on to work in a university and, much the same, I was in roles that required me to coach staff and students – I was always told that relationship management was my forte as I really understood my ‘clients’.

I came to a point where I felt like I wanted to get formal skills in what I was naturally doing – counselling others. So the search began for a course that gave me the skills I was after, was nationally recognised, and allowed entry into a counselling association. As I was working full time I also wanted a course that was flexible and would fit in with my busy life. Then I found AIPC, which had in-person seminars and allowed you to study at your own pace – win, win!

I had found my course and set the goal for when I wanted to finish my studies by. As it is mainly a distance education course, it is really important to stay self-motivated. I set my goals for when I wanted to complete workbooks by based on when the seminars were on. I created my timetable and I stuck to it, which for me wasn’t difficult as I thoroughly enjoyed the content! I also found a great support network on Facebook for AIPC students, so it never felt like I was studying alone.

Attending the seminars consolidated the theory, taught me new skills, and also let me meet other people locally who were studying. The seminars were a highlight for me, as it was nice to put into practice what I was learning… and I learned a lot! The great thing about the course is that I learned so many interventions and activities that I could start using straight away!

Completing the Diploma was such a highlight. I finished within the timeline I had set and it felt like such a huge accomplishment to do that whilst working. I was so proud; I sent photos of the Diploma to family and friends and of course it was shown off at work (where I was given a morning tea to celebrate!).

But the best thing about the Diploma is it has created a life I have been dreaming of but didn’t think I could do. I recently left my job at the university and started my own business, Empowered Mindset, which incorporates my background and my new found counselling skills. My business is heavily focused on empowering youth and young adults in their life and career/ school. It is such an amazingly satisfying feeling working with clients and assisting them to achieve their goals and ultimately change their life. It’s hard work starting a business but it is one of the best decisions I have ever made – I am literally living my dream!