Christian Cousellors Association of Australia

NSW: Qualifications

Christian Counselling Training

 

We have attempted to list below all courses in Christian or pastoral counselling that we are aware of, that integrate faith with counselling practice and include Biblical/Theological studies. They are divided into those that meet the CCAA/PACFA benchmark for registered membership, and those that don't. If we have missed any, please Contact Us.

 

Qualifications deemed by CCAA to meet the PACFA Training Standards, for listing on the PACFA and ARCAP Registers

Qualifications NOT meeting the requirements of CCAA Graduate Membership, nor the PACFA Training Standards, but which could be used as credit for a higher qualification

Australian Institute of Family Counselling

  
  • Certificate IV in Christian Counselling
  • Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy (Christian)

Lois Reid College of Counselling Studies

  • Bachelor of Counselling
 

Morling College
  • Graduate Diploma in Christian Counselling
  • Master of Counselling (offered jointly with Wesley Institute)
  • Graduate Certificate in Christian Counselling

Southern Cross College

  • Graduate Diploma (Pastoral Care)
  • Master of Arts (Pastoral Care & Counselling)
  • Graduate Certificate (Pastoral Care)

St Marks School of Theology

  • Advanced Diploma of Christian Counselling (3 year course) with internship.

CCAA and APC (Assoc of Personal Counsellors) are jointly reviewing these courses as a basis for PACFA registration.
  • Certificate IV in Christian Counselling and Communication Skills

Tabor College
  • Bachelor of Counselling
  • Diploma in Counselling Studies

Wesley Institute
  • Graduate Diploma of Counselling
  • Master of Counselling (offered jointly with Morling College)
 

 

Training FAQ

Can CCAA recommend a Counselling course?

Some general advice: clarify exactly what you want to do as a result of your study, e.g. help in the church, be a professional counsellor, work as a psychologist, be employed in a secular workplace. The outcome dictates both the level and type of course studied. Do broad research, ring around, ask for mailout of material, make comparisons, ask a variety of people for their opinions, ask course providers how their courses match up to your personal and long term goals.

How can I achieve professional recognition as a counsellor?

Over recent years, a consensus is emerging nationally as to appropriate benchmark standards for professional recognition for counsellors, called the PACFA Training Standards, which require a Bachelor degree or 2 years of Postgraduate diploma in counselling. CCAA has alligned it's level of Graduate Member to the PACFA Training Standards.


I have completed an undergraduate diploma course in counselling. Is this sufficient training to become a Graduate Member of CCAA?

No, if that is your only counselling training. Graduate Membership of CCAA requires a Bachelor degree or 2 years of Postgraduate training in counselling. You can use the ‘two-for-one’ rule ie a two year undergraduate diploma gives you one year advanced credit into a Bachelor or Postgraduate course. You would find this is fairly standard although different institutions may give more or less.