Why choose us?

Our Integrated Approach to Learning

We believe that training for professionals in the field of counselling and psychotherapy should involve developing the whole person, not just their theoretical knowledge.

This educational approach is reinforced through the integration of four strands of study in our programs. These integrated strands are:

• Theory (knowledge and application of theory)
• Practicum (skills and clinical experience)
• Personal Development (Group Therapy)
• Supervision (individual and group supervision)

The Theory strand enables students to gain valuable knowledge from lectures and research. Questions and debate are encouraged and theory is integrated into experiential activities.

In the Practicum strand, intern counsellors and therapists experience ‘hands-on’ training in which they build confidence and refine their skills. In their first year, students practice foundation counselling skills by working with each other. In their second year students work with real clients in an intern program in clinics at the St Leonards campus and at a wide range of community and health-based partner organisations across Greater Sydney and surrounding areas.

In the Group Therapy strand students participate in small groups for two years of their study. Many students report this as a highlight of the course. The group becomes a safe, yet challenging environment, where students can discover how others see them and how they react to others. In this environment students are encouraged to experiment with more authentic, satisfying ways of behaving, instead of repeating patterns. In this way, group therapy brings learnt theory to life.

The fourth strand, Supervision, is experienced both individually and in a group setting in which encouragement and constructive feedback is given and shared by an experienced psychotherapist. Supervision offers students the opportunity to explore different approaches to client issues.