Prospective students of AIPC often have similar questions about the Diploma. These often relate to the industry, the course structure, investment options or options after graduation. Here are some of our common FAQs:

Can I work as a counsellor?

YES. On completion of the nationally recognised training program Diploma of Professional Counselling, you can practice in all states of Australia. The Institute has one of the highest graduate success rates in the industry. In a recent survey of graduates, over 90% indicated that their course met their enrolment goals. If you'd like to hear from some successful graduates, visit us at www.aipc.net.au/lz.

By what method can I complete my course?

AIPC students enjoy the most flexible study modes in the industry. They can study their course externally (home study); by attending classes; online; or any combination of these.

Studying online is becoming an increasingly popular method of study. Students enjoy the flexibility and benefits of accessing our Virtual Campus on our website. They can download their workbooks, complete their assessments, upload their workbooks for marking, and then receive their result, all online. We now have many thousands of students registered and completing their studies by this mode alone.

Students who want more face-to-face contact are able to attend classes which are held at many of our Student Support Centres in metropolitan areas. Students are also able to change between study modes at any time.

All students, irrespective of their mode of study, can access study support services such as the national toll free Study Assistance Line and Virtual Campus. There are a number of study support tools available for all students on the AIPC website. These include seminar timetables, the online Knowledge Base (with over 4,000 questions), and contacting an Online Education Adviser by email.

What are the course entry requirements?

The Institute has broad entry requirements to enable people from many backgrounds access to the course. For instance, as a mature age student (over 21), you may not have completed high school but gained sufficient life experience to qualify for entry.

As a mature age student, Year 12 or a Certificate III in another area would also qualify you for entry. Similarly, if you are under 21 years of age, you will need to have completed Year 12 or a qualification at Certificate III level or higher. If you are living overseas, it is recommended that you have completed your country's school system or a minimum of one year further education or study.

If I have studied before, can I get academic credit toward the course?

If you have been working in a counselling or similar field, or have completed related study, you may be eligible to gain exemption from certain units of the course via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

We have a very simple system for assessing exemptions and it means you won't be asked to complete work you already have competency in. More information about the RPL process can be obtained from the 'Students' section of our website (www.aipc.net.au/students/rpl.php).

Do I have to complete my course in a specified time?

NO. The Diploma is designed to allow you to work at a pace that you find comfortable. This is known as Self Paced Learning. There is no such thing as an average student and each of us has other commitments as well. What is important is that you follow the guidelines provided in the Student Handbook and set a study plan to work to.

Will I be able to receive Austudy while I study the Diploma?

YES. The Diploma of Professional Counselling course is Austudy and Abstudy approved. To find further details about your eligibility, please contact the Austudy Student Assistance Centre on 13 24 90.

Do I have to keep paying for my course until I graduate?

NO. One of the unique aspects of our study program is that we give you the option of paying for your course on a monthly basis. This means that you pay a nominated amount each month for a set number of months. If you complete paying for your course prior to completing your studies, no further fees are due while you finish your academic requirement. You are FREE to complete your studies in your own timeframe.

How do I get practice in the field?

The structure of the Diploma of Professional Counselling ensures you graduate with a sufficient level of practical skill so that you can apply your counselling knowledge and skill with confidence. The course includes a number of compulsory practical components that cover a range of topics including communication skills, application of five counselling therapies and counselling groups.

These practical components can be completed by attending seminars, one-on-one or small group assessment sessions, or video recording role plays. We provide you with guidelines on how to complete these practicals via video, while qualified assessors are available in many regional areas of Australia.

Got some more questions? If you would like to know more about the Institute or the Diploma of Professional Counselling, visit www.aipc.net.au/lz.

Expand Your Counselling Skills With A Specialty Vocational Graduate Qualification... In Just 6 to 12 Months.

More and more Counsellors are gaining advanced specialist skills with a Vocational Graduate qualification. A vocational graduate qualification gives you advanced theoretical knowledge with an emphasis on practical application. It's time and cost effective, meaning you can gain a formal graduate qualification in 6 to 12 months in your specialist area.

Here's how a graduate qualification can advance your career:

• Develop a deeper understanding of your area of interest and achieve more optimal outcomes with your clients.
• A graduate qualification will assist you move up the corporate ladder from practitioner to manager/ supervisor.
• Make the shift from being a generalist practitioner to a specialist.
• Gain greater professional recognition from your peers.
• Increased client referrals from allied health professionals.
• Maximise job opportunities in your preferred specialty area.
• Formalise years of specialist experience with a respected qualification.

Specialise in 3 Prominent Areas

You can undertake your Vocational Graduate Certificate or Vocational Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy; Grief and Loss; and Addictions. These are 3 of the most prominent specialties in the Australian marketplace.

Save Thousands Off Your Qualification

A Vocational Graduate Diploma at a university costs at least $10,000. BUT, you don't have to pay this exorbitant amount for an equally high quality qualification. You can do your qualification with AIPC and save over $6,000.

Upskill From Your Diploma

The Vocational Graduate course is the ideal way for you to upskill your counselling qualification. A Vocational Graduate qualification will dramatically increase your knowledge and skills in your specialty area. This will allow you to practice with more confidence; gain greater peer recognition; and produce better client outcomes.

You're Supported By The Largest Counsellor Training Organisation In The Country

Over the past 17 years we've helped over 55,000 people from 27 countries pursue their goal of becoming a counsellor. 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 and that you're supported throughout your studies.

Flexible Learning

AIPC specialises in external, flexible training. Your Vocational Graduate qualification can be completed externally for your convenience, so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle whilst maintaining exceptional levels of quality and support.

Your Questions Answered

Please visit www.aipc.net.au/vgd to learn more about the Institute, our Vocational Graduate courses and how to enrol. Or alternatively, please call your nearest Institute branch on the FreeCall numbers shown below.

Institute Student Support Centres

Sydney: 1800 677 697

Melbourne: 1800 622 489

Perth: 1800 353 643

Brisbane: 1800 246 324

Adelaide: 1800 246 381

Regional NSW: 1800 625 329

Regional QLD: 1800 359 565

Gold Coast: 1800 625 359

Learning To Speak Your Mind

Having strong opinions about everything and sharing all of them, even when they're not wanted, is not a formula for social success. But many of us face a problem that's quite the opposite - being hesitant to speak our mind and voice our opinions, even when invited to and when doing so could offer some real help.

Often, we're reluctant to speak up because we doubt the value of what we have to offer. We fear others may criticise or reject our views, suggesting we're "wrong." Such fears are very real, but they shouldn't define you.

While it takes courage to speak up, especially if it's something you usually don't do, it's a valuable skill to learn to manage your fears and act responsibly. Rather than being silent and then regretting not saying something, learning to express yourself can bring a real sense of accomplishment and involvement.

Speaking up doesn't mean that you've made your self-doubts disappear, but that you're courageously taking action in the face of those doubts. The key to speaking up is to mix the acknowledgment of self-doubt with refusing to accept the status quo.

Being respectful is an important element in learning to speak your mind. It starts by learning to listen first. You need to show you understand the views and opinions being expressed by others before sharing your own.

Your goal is not to convince others or start an argument, but rather to express the differences you feel. By sharing your own experiences and opinions you let others see new sides of you and your opinions on a subject.

You can avoid arguments by starting your views with the word "I." You also must accept that while what you're expressing is what you know to be true, others will be feeling exactly the same way about their views.

Being decisive is another element in learning to express yourself openly. You want to clearly and strongly state your thoughts without worrying about the outcome. Don't undercut your views with phrases like "Now this may not be true..." or "I'm not sure about this..." Instead, be bold, take a stand, and allow others to do the same.

Speaking up allows us to interact with others and live life more fully. While what you have to say may sometimes be dismissed, there will be other times when you really communicate and make a difference. Those are the times that will mean the most.

Source: Counseling Corner

SAPCA - Annual Conference

Host: South Australian Professional Counselling Association

Date: 15/06/08 

At: West Richmond Football Club, "Sturt Pea function room", 57 Milner Terrace

Cost: Financial Members of SAPCA $140-00 (non Members $180-00)

Registration: 8-45am - 9-00am. Lunch included in the price.

Speakers on the day are as follows:

Philip Armstrong - CEO of Australian Counselling Association

OPENING ADDRESS followed later in the day with Questions and Answer time. Come along and hear the latest information regarding the status of lobbing the government regarding counsellors gaining access to Medicare rebates.

Jeremy Slater - B.A Hons., Dip Ed., Grad. Cert. Bus Admin

Suicide Intervention: Risk Assessment and Management.

Ali Leslett - B.A. (Psych) Dip. T. AWPT. Dip HRM

Supporting people bereaved through suicide.

Cher Nicholson - Conus. B. Applied Sc. Fam.Th.RN.RM

Breath Therapy. Understanding and showing the underlying cause could simply be how client breathe. Explaining that body chemistry is highly susceptible to small shifts in CO2.

Dr. Alex Ask - The Emotional Mind

Many students of the Diploma of Professional Counselling attend seminars to complete the practical requirements of their course. Seminars provide an ideal opportunity to network with other students and liaise with qualified counselling professionals in conjunction with completing compulsory coursework.

Below are seminars available between June and July 2008.

To register for a seminar, please contact your Student Support Centre.

BRISBANE

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 14/06/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 12/07/2008

The Counselling Process - 21/06/2008

Counselling Therapies I/SEMINAR C - 05 & 06/07/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 26/07/2008

SUNSHINE COAST

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 12/06/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 16/06/2008

The Counselling Process - 26/07/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 14 & 15/06/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 28/06/2008

GOLD COAST

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 26/07/2008

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 05/07/2008

The Counselling Process - 14/06/2008

TASMANIA

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 22/06/2008

The Counselling Process - 20/07/2008

Counselling Therapies II/SEMINAR D - 14 & 15/06/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 12 & 13/07/2008

SYDNEY

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 23/06/2008, 21/07/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 24/06/2008, 26/07/2008

The Counselling Process - 14/06/2008, 30/07/2008

Counselling Therapies I/SEMINAR C - 01 & 02/07/2008

Counselling Therapies II/SEMINAR D - 28 & 29/07/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 26 & 27/06/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 22/07/2008

MELBOURNE

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 21/06/2008, 19/07/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 22/06/2008, 20/07/2008

The Counselling Process - 08/06/2008, 12/07/2008

Counselling Therapies I/SEMINAR C - 10 & 11/06/2008, 14 & 15/07/2008

Counselling Therapies II/SEMINAR D - 28 & 29/06/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 05 & 06/07/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 07/06/2008, 13/07/2008

REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 23/06/2008, 21/07/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 24/06/2008, 26/07/2008

The Counselling Process - 16/05/2008, 14/06/2008, 30/07/2008

Counselling Therapies I/SEMINAR C - 01 & 02/07/2008

Counselling Therapies/SEMINAR D - 28 & 29/07/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 26 & 27/06/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 22/06/2008

ADELAIDE

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 01/06/2008

The Counselling Process - 10/05/2008, 26/07/2008

Counselling Therapies II/SEMINAR D - 14 & 15/06/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 21 & 22/06/2008

Counselling Applications/SEMINAR F - 27/07/2008

PERTH

Communication Skills I/SEMINAR A - 19/07/2008

Communication Skills II/SEMINAR B - 20/07/2008

Counselling Therapies I/SEMINAR C - 07 & 08/06/2008

Counselling Therapies II/SEMINAR D - 21 & 22/06/2008

Case Management/Seminar E - 28 & 29/06/2008