Develop your counselling skills as a professional counsellor, while pursuing your own spiritual formation.
A NEW PATHWAY FOR PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING IN AUSTRALIA
Aspiring counselling professionals can follow an educational pathway from aifc and Stirling College (University of Divinity) from Diploma right up to Doctoral level. The program is academically rigorous while developing professional competence.
All levels of the pathway are eligible for FEE-HELP for Australian citizens. The University of Divinity is consistently rated highest of all Australia Universities by QILT[1] for student satisfaction and post-graduation full-time employment[2]. Significantly, aifc (RTO Provider 88037) takes a comprehensive and balanced approach to counselling training that integrates psychology, theology and spirituality.
From 2020 (Advanced Diploma in Counselling) and 2021 (Bachelor of Counselling) these awards are offered through Stirling College, University of Divinity (UD) in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. They build on the established and growing relationship with the Australian Institute of Family Counselling (aifc) (RTO Provider 88037) that has enabled the offering of the University’s Master of Counselling through Stirling College (Stirling). Senior representatives of the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA) and the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) participated in the design of the awards.
Undergraduate Courses
CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
Taught at aifc (RTO#88037), the Diploma of Counselling equips you with the basic knowledge and people helping skills required in professional counselling.
Advanced Diploma in Counselling
Taught at Stirling College (University of Divinity), the Advanced Diploma in Counselling prepares students to work in a multi-disciplinary environment and significantly enhances their counselling, professional and spiritual foundations.
Bachelor of Counselling
Taught at Stirling College, the Bachelor of Counselling enables students to form a vision of the counsellor that reflects both individual and relational work, supportive and intensive therapies, psychological competence and theological congruence.
Postgraduate Courses
10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian)
Taught at aifc (RTO#88037), the Graduate Diploma provides an environment where students will develop in exercising influence and leadership in counselling and therapy, becoming experts in their field. aifc’s aim is to train Christian counsellors who ethically and effectively integrate their faith and practice.
Master of Counselling
Taught at Stirling College (University of Divinity), the Master of Counselling provides students with advanced professional skills for counselling ministry and for pastoral and spiritual formation. It nurtures the formation of a professional identity and vision suitable for individual and relational counselling.
Doctor of Philosophy
Undertaken at the University of Divinity, the Doctor of Philosophy will qualify individuals who apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in Counselling investigation, scholarship or professional practice.
An exciting training pathway for Christian counsellors
The 5-phase counselling program marks an exciting new training pathway in professional counselling in Australia. Incorporating VET and Higher Education options into a sequence of courses, the pathway offers students study options from Diploma through to Master level.
Phase 1
CHC51015
Diploma of Counselling
Get prepared to help your peers through established counselling modalities.
Phase 2
Advanced Diploma in Counselling
Deepen your knowledge and skills as a professional counsellor working with clients.
Phase 3
Bachelor of Counselling
Learn advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and apply well known empirically tested therapies.
Phase 4
10900NAT
Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian)
Deepen your knowledge and skills as a professional counsellor working with clients.
Phase 5
Master of Counselling
Explore advanced counselling approaches and strategies through supervised practicum and advanced counselling strategies.
Which course should I choose?
Applicants with no previous counselling qualifications who wish to commence their studies with year one should apply to aifc for entry into the VET CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling.
Students who have completed a Diploma of Counselling either with aifc or another college may apply to Stirling College (University of Divinity) for entry into the second year ie. the Advanced Diploma in Counselling (Stirling/UD).
The Advanced Diploma in Counselling from Stirling/UD is available for students to study online all over Australia.
Year three is the Bachelor of Counselling. This also is taught fully online.
Students who complete the Bachelor of Counselling with Stirling/UD will be eligible for entry into the two-year Graduate Diploma/Master of Counselling programme.
Your journey starts with a Course Advisory Session
Make an appointment to speak with a state-based Counselling Coordinator.
Get help with your application
Each of the states has a regional coordinator who will be able to guide you through the application process and track with you during the course of your studies. If you need any help either before, during or after your application, the regional coordinators are there to assist you.
The regional coordinators are as follows:
WA & SA – Steve Poisat spoisat@stirling.edu.au
QLD & NT – Tracey Milson tmilson@stirling.edu.au
NSW – Mellisa Hayde mhayde@stirling.edu.au
VIC & TAS – Shivon Barresi sbarresi@stirling.edu.au
Meet the Dean of Counselling
Dr Arthur Richard WoutersDean, School of Counselling
Stirling CollegeArthur is a clinical psychologist and the head of the Counselling program at Stirling College. He teaches and practices in the areas of Psychology and Therapeutic Counselling. His experience in advocating for alternative social services in South Africa has…About the Providers
University of Divinity
The University of Divinity promotes the highest standards of scholarship in counselling, theology, philosophy and ministry. With its unique approach to critical engagement with Christian theological traditions, the University aims to address the issues of the contemporary world. Students of the University gain access to world-class academics, extensive and comprehensive resources and library collections. All staff and students join the University through one of its Colleges, based in the Australian cities of Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Each College offers personalised support and a unique learning community and is supported by a range of Christian churches and religious orders, reflecting the wide diversity of traditions that together resource the University.
CRICOS Provider: 01037A
Stirling College
Stirling College is committed to the formation of each member of our learning community. We support each student toward a Christ Centred life in heart, thought, word and deed as they pursue their vocation on a diversity of areas. Stirling is committed to giving students the best possible learning and equipping resources for a life of professional service. We are valued for our diverse learning community and supportive environment. Stirling is committed to see its Valedictorians go on to make a quality contribution in church, society and marketplace. The Master of Counselling is housed in the School of Counselling at Stirling and classes are offered at similar times and venues as aifc in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Australian Institute of Family Counselling
aifc takes a comprehensive and balanced approach to counselling training that integrates psychology, theology and spirituality. Theology helps us know and grow in God’s ways and increases our understanding of our need for Him, psychology helps generate an awareness of self and spirituality involves developing your healing relationship. Founded in 1992, aifc’s courses were created out of a growing need for counselling training with a Christian perspective. Almost 25 years on, aifc is the leader in the field. All our courses are: Bible based, taught by professionals, flexible, VET student loan approved, accredited.
RTO Provider: 88037