Diploma of Professional Counselling
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
64 CREDITS. This one-year intensive program offers a Diploma of Professional Counselling (DPC), giving you an in-depth study of models and theories of counselling practice integrated with biblical principles for effective applications. This program will focus on how to apply practical counselling skills, how to be the most effective pastor or counsellor you can be, and how to provide helpful outreach to your church and community. This cutting edge style of learning integrates both academics and practical training in each of the 16 courses offered. The curriculum of this program is designed to allow for maximum learning through the experiential process while allowing the Spirit to guide you in ministering to others through counselling. You may choose to graduate with the one-year diploma or go on to complete an additional 64 credits toward a BA in Church Ministries with a Major in Counselling.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
It is expected by the completion of the program the student will have:
1. Integrated both theological application and psychological skill into their lives and the lives of those they will be ministering to.
2. Nurtured a reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom and clarity while working with people in need.
3. Grown in a deeper understanding of themselves through skills learned and practically applied.
4. Prepared themselves to minister from a Christian worldview in a secular humanistic profession.
5. Developed an understanding of their limitations within their skill set and learned when to refer to other counselling professionals.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
16 (4 credit) courses (960 hours of Academic and Practical Training):
Please note that the DPC program is not available through our Distance Education delivery system. This is a campus-only program.
Fall Semester
DPC 101 Psychology of Human Behaviour (4)
DPC 102 Models of Counselling (4)
DPC 103 Basic Counselling Skills (4)
DPC 104 Issues and Ethics in the Counselling Profession (4)
DPC 105 Basic Intake and Assessment Practicum I (4)
Spring
DPC 201 Introduction to Christian Counselling (4)
DPC 202 Abnormal Psychology (4)
DPC 203 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (4)
DPC 204 Crisis Intervention Counselling (4)
DPC 205 Counseling Skills Practicum II (4)
Summer
DPC 301 Marriage and Family Counselling (4)
DPC 302 Substance Abuse Counselling (4)
DPC 303 Abuse and Trauma (4)
DPC 304 Sexual Addiction (4)
DPC 305 Group Therapy Skills (4)
DPC 306 Advanced Clinical Skills Practicum III (4)
Self Exploration
DPC 100 Self Exploration Group Therapy (0)
DPC 200 Self Exploration Group Therapy (0)
DPC 300 Self Exploration Group Therapy (0)
Why become a trained professional counsellor?
More and more we are recognizing that effective pastoral care involves not only an understanding of a theological perspective but also a grasp of basic counselling skills. This program will focus on how to apply practical counselling skills, how to be the most effective pastor or counsellor you can be, and how to provide helpful outreach to your Church and community. During this program the instructors will provide a safe atmosphere to examine and discuss some of the more difficult issues we will face while providing care.
What is different about this counselling program compared to others?
This cutting edge style of learning integrates both academics and practicum in nearly every one of the sixteen modules. A Self-Exploration Group Therapy has been developed specifically to facilitate the student’s continual personal development, growth and self-awareness—awareness of their own life issues and how these issues may interfere in their therapeutic work and personal growth. Students will experience an interactive and life changing process group experience! There will be a change in your own personal perspective and behaviour as you integrate the knowledge and demonstrate the skill of effective counselling. Just a caution; warn those closest to you that you will not be the same person coming out as going in!
Do I need a master’s degree to become a professional counsellor?
There is currently no legislation anywhere in Canada that requires a person to have any academic training before becoming a counsellor; however, most professions or agencies will not work with individuals who have not reached some level of academic or practical proficiency. The Pacific Life Bible College (PLBC) Diploma of Professional Counselling is accredited by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). What this means is a graduate from this program will be able to apply for and become licensed through the CPCA and be recognized by the provincial and federal government. Through the CPCA there is a two year internship program that when completed will allow the graduate to become a Registered Professional Counsellor and use the RPC designation after their name. You can get further information from their webpage at: www.cpca-rpc.ca.
What will this diploma get me?
Upon graduating you will be able to set up your own private practice, work at an agency facilitating group sessions, or apply to school districts as a school counsellor. The student may choose to return to their home church and become a paid staff member in congregational care. Many women’s and youth shelters, and recovery programs are in need of qualified professional counsellors. Community agencies hire RPCs to work with families in crisis. Mental health agencies are looking for RPCs to help run programs and facilitate groups. Many non-profit organizations see the need for counsellors to help their clientele toward full recovery.
What skills will I learn to become an effective professional counsellor?
Upon graduation, students will have an understanding of why individuals get stuck in certain behavioural patterns and how to effectively encourage change. Students will also gain a clear understanding of family dynamics, conflict resolution, mental health issues, effective communication, crisis intervention, and how to work with more difficult issues such as substance abuse, surviving trauma and sexual abuse.
Can I transfer courses into the program?
Any Psychology courses taken five or more years ago from an accredited school will be accepted on a case to case basis.
Student Requirements
1. Students must have completed Grade 12 or equivalency, or be of mature student status;
2. Students must also submit a completed application form;
3. They will also be required to fill out a personal assessment profile with regards to their history, family situation and current management of their life’s activities along with what they believe their strengths and weaknesses are in regard to counselling and pastoral care;
4. Successful applicants will be required to attend an orientation week before formal classes begin.
5. Submit a Criminal Record Check that includes a Vulnerable Sector Check.
6. Students recently graduated from High School will have to complete 2 years of undergraduate studies.
7. Students must have completed an accredited college-level English course or do one of the following: a) Register and complete PLBC's Distance Education (Correspondence) English course; or b) Challenge PLBC's English course by successfully passing the exam.
8. Submit two passport size photographs.
One Final Thought
God calls us all to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Counselling is being sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us concerning ourselves and having the tools to apply this knowledge to others. This truly is the basis of the Diploma of Professional Counselling. If this is right for you contact us today!
