Diploma Program Structure

How is the Diploma program structured?

The one-year, accelerated Diploma program, includes 16 courses (980 hours of study) made up of foundational counselling skills, and specific competencies required for the student’s chosen area of specialization.

Distance Education: 
 Students study from the comfort and convenience of home; texts and study materials are delivered right to your door.

Hands-on skill practice: 
 Interactive assignments focus on skill development with over 300 demonstration videos, case studies, and online participation. Practice sessions with volunteer ‘clients’ simulate real counselling situations, putting you in the role of the counsellor or therapist. The skills you learn are readily transferable to employment settings.

Study on campus    
Students wanting additional skill practice to supplement the Distance Learning experience can enroll in On-campus study groups.

Independent learning 
 The application of therapeutic techniques requires the ability to analyze and process complex information as it emerges in real life therapy situations. Unlike traditional academic programs, KCPC’s curriculum is specifically designed to strengthen critical thinking abilities related to the practice of counselling and psychotherapy.

Academic Preparation: 
 The curriculum covers major theories and techniques drawn from psychology, social work, and counselling. This broad information-base builds competency required for clinical practice, and is relevant for students who choose to continue their education in the University system. Credit for KCPC courses may be transferable to other colleges and universities at the discretion of their admissions departments.

Personal Awareness: 
 Self-awareness and effective use of the self in the therapeutic setting are essential characteristics of effective counsellors and psychotherapists. Although not meant as a substitute for professional counselling, each course provides students the opportunity to gain valuable personal insights. 

Professional Designation:

Diploma graduates may apply for candidate membership with professional associations and voluntary regulatory colleges such as:

  • Canadian Professional Counsellors Association to earn RPC. designation, Registered Professional Counsellor.
  • Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada for the RTC designation, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor.
  • Canadian College of Professional Counselling and Psychotherapy, a national, self-regulatory college. CCPCPr designation.

Full membership in these associations typically requires completion of a competency-based training program, and a minimum of two years of supervised experience.

NOTE: Because regulations that govern specific types of mental health services differ province-by-province, KCPC advises all applicants to review t he Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) website, and/or contact your home province for regulations and restrictions that may apply.  https://www.cpca-rpc.ca/regulatory-colleges~.aspx

NOTE: The Diploma in Applied Psychology and Counselling program conforms to ethical guidelines and competency standards established by the Ministry of Advanced Education in BC; the Competency Profile for Counselling Therapists; the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, (CPCA); Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists, (ACCT); and the Canadian College of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (CCPCP).