Counselling

Programme Information | Admission Requirements | Course Dates/Fees

The Bachelor of Counselling achieves something quite unique in its graduates - the integration of rich trinitarian theology with a robust relational approach to counselling theory and practice that is truly original.

Graduates of the programme have learnt how to draw from some of the best counselling methods, while also being theologically reflective practitioners. Good theology wrestles not only with who God has revealed himself to be, but also what it means to be human in relation to God. The BCouns has this wrestle at the heart of its curriculum.

Specifically, the counselling model embedded in the BCouns programme builds on the theories and practices of Person-Centred and Narrative Therapy, equipping graduates in these modalities while also developing a relational approach that resonates with theologies of a relational God.

Formation is a vital component of the BCouns. Graduates of the programme have wrestled with their own brokenness and their relational strategies as much as they have grappled with counselling concepts and techniques. Much of their learning happens in personal counselling and in group process, in which all students participate each semester. It is in these groups that deep and enduring renewal takes place.

BCouns graduates have a rich understanding of personhood-in-relationship. Courses such as Personhood, Relationality and Faith have been designed intentionally to prepare them for this. They also have a rich sense and eagerness to participate in the lives of others, particularly others who are suffering the effects of their broken reality.

The BCouns is a professional degree that equips graduates for membership of the professional counselling associations and for future registration. The BCouns is currently offered at the Auckland campus, and at the Christchurch campus from 2012 (pending NZQA site approval).

Bachelor of Counselling

BCouns Academic Calendar Extract (111 KB)

About the Programme

The Bachelor of Counselling is a 360 credit programme normally completed on a fulltime basis over three years. It is designed to prepare students for professional practice. It will equip them with a range of counselling skills, teach them to critically engage with a range of counselling theories, and develop their ability to integrate these with a relational theological method. The course meets the criteria established for provisional membership with the professional associations for counsellors in New Zealand - the NZAC and the NZCCA.

Programme Objectives

By the completion of this programme students will be proficient in the practice of counselling with an emphasis on relationality, and will be equipped to undertake professional counselling practice. They will have engaged, practically and critically, with a range of counselling approaches – but specifi cally person-centred and narrative therapy – and will have demonstrated the ability to integrate their theory and practice with sound theological method. They will have satisfactorily demonstrated their ability to practice under supervision, and will have entered the early stages of specialist practice and research.

Programme Requirements at a Glance

Level 7 360 Credits Three Years Full-Time (or Equivalent Part-Time)
Theological Foundations	Counselling Theory and Practice	Practicum
60 Credits	210 Credits	90 Credits
The BCouns is offered on campus at Auckland and Christchurch.
The application deadline for the Bachelor of Counselling programme has been extended until 15 December 2011. Contact us now to apply!