Counselling Therapist - Stenberg College *

About the Program

Our Counselling Therapist program is built on a foundation of evidence-based, reflective, and ethical practice. You will develop an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social underpinnings of everyday human problems and mental health issues, as well as frameworks to change them. Under the guidance of expert counsellor instructors and practicum supervisors, you will apply and deepen your learning throughout the program with in-class role plays and weekly integrated practicum hours with real clients.

On a weekly basis, Stenberg students have supervised counselling sessions with real clients from Moving Forward Family Services (MFFS). MFFS is a non-profit organization that offers free short-term and low-cost long-term counselling services across Canada. Using interns and new graduates, this unique model allows MFFS to offer timely, affordable counselling and support without being restricted by gender, age, geography or presenting issues. MFFS’ vision is to ensure no one is ever turned away from quality counselling services.

Key Information

Delivery Method: ONLINE delivery
Duration: 90 weeks
Starts: Three times a year (April, June, & October)
Credential: Diploma
Designation: Prepares graduates to pursue professional designations with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists in Canada (ACCT) and Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)
Credit Transfer (Articulation): Graduates receive transfer credits to the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Athabasca University

Career Prospects

After successfully completing the program, you will enter the workforce with an open mind, an open heart, and the ability to change lives. Through course work, simulated practice and supervised counselling sessions, this program prepares you for careers in:

private practice
human resource
employee assistance programs
wellness clinics
treatment centres
government
non-profits
career counselling
sales and marketing
professional communications
management

Recognized by:

Professional Designations

This program prepares you to meet the requirements to become registered with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists in Canada (ACCT) and the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA).

Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)

CPCA is a nationally recognized, independent, self-regulated, non-profit association whose members are held to the highest ethical standards of the profession. Their members meet rigorous standards for education and training and clinical experience before they can use the RPC (Registered Professional Counsellor) designation.

To assist our alumni with meeting this requirement, Stenberg College provides one FREE monthly group supervision session for up to 24 months post-graduation.

Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists in Canada (ACCT)

ACCT is a self-regulated competency-based professional association, registering counsellors with the designation of Registered Therapeutic Counsellor/Accredited Counsellor (RTC/AC), Master Therapeutic Counsellor (MTC) and Registered Counselling Supervisor (RCS).

Reviews

“Stenberg College offers a unique counselling program. Right from the registration process to completion and beyond, the staff are there to assist and guide the students. It is wonderful to have a program that provides in-depth lab and role-playing, to in-house supervised clinical counselling sessions. Stenberg College has courses that are up to date with the ever-changing counselling modalities. With such a comprehensive course, the Canadian Professional Counselling Association is proud to have these graduates become members of our Association.”
– Rosemary Fromson, RPC, MPCC
National President, Canadian Professional Counselling Association (CPCA)

“It is my professional opinion that Stenberg College’s Counselling Therapist Diploma Program not only meets – but exceeds – the unique needs of individuals searching for a counselling program; it provides a friendly, accessible campus, qualified, passionate instructors, and specialized courses that welcome and celebrate cultural diversity. Its focused curriculum trains students to earn the ‘gold seal’ of client care.”
– Dr. Faizal Sahukhan, PhD, DACS, MPCP, RPC

“My focus is on the students and supporting their growth as counsellors. When they take on a client, that's their client, and anything to do with that client is the intern’s responsibility. So, I want to ensure they receive regular individual and group supervision, in-house training, opportunities for team-building and wellness and that, if interested they too can access their own counselling and support through MFFS. When counsellors are supported, their clients are optimally supported.”
– Gary Thandi, MSW
Founder of MFFS

Why Choose Stenberg College?

For over 30 years we have specialized and excelled in health care, education, and human services education, and offer a variety of programs in combined delivery format. Stenberg faculty is comprised of industry experts and qualified educators with extensive experience. Our staff is committed to excellence in education and student success – we offer our students everything from study skills workshops to life skills coaches. We are proud of our grads who are caring, competent and excel in their chosen fields.

Articulation (Credit Transfer)

British Columbia Institute of Technology – Graduates are granted transfer credits toward BCIT’s Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion, they can continue to BCIT’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Athabasca University – Graduates are eligible for advanced entry to Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Professional Arts (Governance, Law and Management, Criminal Justice, Communications or Human Services major).

98% Employment Rate

Over 98%* of Stenberg College graduates are working in their field of study within 6 months of program graduation (as of November 2021).

Become a Counselling Therapist in 90 weeks

Make a difference in the lives of others

Tell Me More