Testimonials - Life as a Student at the Institute of Family Practice
I studied the Certificate IV in Introductory Counselling Skills through the Institute of Family Practice in 2007 and found it a very valuable learning experience on both a personal and professional level. To start with, it was a very different learning environment to what I have experienced before. The teachers and trainers are very hands on, which I found to be a great experience, especially when there was a lot of new material to take in. They gave good feedback, and helped you through the learning materials, especially in the group work, and role plays that where taken out. And when it came time for tests, or assignments, they where always there to ask any questions you weren't sure about. Compared to other courses I've taken, like Tafe and Uni, this was by far the best method to learn the material needed. It was such a different environment, and I would recommend it to any one. And the best part, is I was able to do a Certificate IV in less then a year, where at other places it could be up to 3 years to complete.
Having come from a background in real estate, that has nothing to do with counselling, I found that the material was easy to pick up, and the basics where covered well. My favourite subjects were a lot of the theory based ones, especially when we learnt all the material involved of the different theories of psychology, and they gave a great base to the practical subjects as well. This learning also has sparked a big interest in me to read further on the subjects on a personal and professional level.
If anyone is thinking about studying with the Institute of Family Practice, I would say don't hesitate to. The experience would be one of the most valuable experiences in your academic career, and life.
Leah - Certificate IV in Introductory Counselling Skills
Being a mature age student and from non- English speaking background, enrolling myself in Cert IV in Counselling Skills it was an enormous challenge. However humanistic studies always have been my major interest therefore, I would take the challenge knowing that language and cultural barriers would eventually stop me at some point. Fortunately, this has not happened because at the IFP I have had the understanding from excellent and experienced teachers who supported me and given me second chances when I needed it, especially in time of assignments.
Beatriz - Certificate IV in Introductory Counselling Skills
When the Counselling Director of Lifeline in my region invited me to train with the Institute of Family Practice to become a family counsellor I jumped at the chance. I felt privileged to join a group of ten students in my region and we embarked on a journey of studying externally to become systemic therapists. Our lecturers went through great length, in fact 1600 kilometres per workshop, to share with us their theoretical and practical experience. The quality of the lecturers, their dedication and knowledge was outstanding. The study material was comprehensive and interesting, the practical application encouraged and enabled us to face our clients at Lifeline.
Although we were far away from Sydney, the staff at IFP supported us throughout the three year course. We completed the ‘Advanced Diploma of Systemic Therapy’ in February 2007. However IFP’s support extended well beyond this date; they negotiated with UNE Armidale to afford us entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, which I completed with distinction in June 2008.
I have since conducted more than 200 hours of individual and couple counselling as a volunteer face-to-face counsellor at Lifeline. In the past two years I also facilitated seven 18 week group programs for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, applying the training we received in our elective group work. Being a mature age student I value my experience at IFP; it not only prepared, encouraged and enabled me but it was enjoyable experience as well.
Heidi - Advanced Diploma of Systemic Therapy
I have just graduated from IFP this year with an Advanced Diploma of Systemic Therapy five years after first enrolling in a 2 year part-time diploma course.
As I reflect back on my time at IFP, I can honestly say that it was a truly positive experience every step of the way. As a student I experienced those principles that were being taught to us a necessary in a healthy counselling relationship; being listened to, care and empathy, good communication and healthy boundaries with flexibility.
When I needed to reduce my subjects due to health reasons in the second year, this was not a problem for administration. They gave me options and it worked out well. Later in 2006 my husband died suddenly in a car accident, and I wasn’t able to keep going with the course. At this time I was in regular contact with the Operations Coordinator, and she offered such wonderful support in many ways. I was never made to feel that I was causing problems for IFP, always that they could accommodate my situation and were truly flexible in finding the best way for me to rejoin the course. Lecturers were advised of my situation, consideration was given in class where needed and the Operations Coordinator kept checking in to ensure I was handling it OK.
As for my learning there, I loved it! Because IFP is a hands-on professional counselling agency dealing with some very challenging situations with clients, the lecturers come to classes with such depth of experience and enthusiasm.
Some final random thoughts on what stood out for me: developed lovely relationships with classmates, my family life improved from my learning, the field placements were great, the graduation was a highlight, and I’m looking forward to working as a counsellor soon.
Mariella - Advanced Diploma of Systemic Therapy