The Australian Institute of Family Counselling Ltd. (aifc) is a professional training organisation engaged solely in higher education and counselling training. Our primary focus is to offer Bible-based counselling training to the Christian community, at a reasonable cost. As a multi-denominational organisation, we’re not connected with any specific Christian denomination.
Family counselling management and administration is provided through the aifc National Office in Canberra. aifc centres exist in other locations. Intensive teaching seminars are conducted in well-equipped conference centres that provide excellent professional services at corporate training level with accommodation available for students who require it. We are a not-for-profit, independent public company limited by guarantee, registered under the Corporations Act 2001. aifc has a Board of Directors. An advisory panel of experts regularly advises the aifc leadership.
Looking to begin your journey in Christian counselling?
The nationally accredited CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling with aifc is your first step towards a fulfilling career, equipping you for both ministry and professional counselling settings. As an online counselling course, it offers a comprehensive pathway, providing a solid foundation for those pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling with ACOM.
This course is accredited with both the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA), ensuring you’re recognised as industry-ready. At aifc, we don’t just teach you counselling skills; we prepare you for life and your counselling vocation by incorporating a Christian worldview into every aspect of the course.
Our curriculum focuses on established counselling modalities, while considering the theological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human challenges. Alongside practical skills, we emphasise your spiritual formation and personal growth—key elements in equipping you to support those around you.
Learn moreTogether, aifc in partnership with the Australian College of Ministries, a member of Sydney College of Divinity, have reviewed the counselling industry and future needs and explored how we can best serve and prepare students vocationally for ministry and the workplace.
The Bachelor of Counselling Course offered by the Australian College of Ministries follows on in the pathway from aifc’s Diploma of Counselling and the Australian College of Ministries Associate Degree of Counselling.
Learn moreaifc, in partnership with the Australian College of Ministries, a member of Sydney College of Divinity, is proud to be offering a Higher Education Master of Counselling to follow on from the aifc 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian).
On completion of aifc’s 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling, graduates will obtain 50 per cent credit into the Master of Counselling with our partners ACOM, creating a 2 year full time pathway to a Masters. This is one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective pathways to Master of Counselling in the industry.
Learn moreThe advanced Diploma in Integrative Practice is designed to support the ongoing journey of students into professional practice that offers holistic client support. We know it can be daunting to decide on your next steps and make the transition into a thriving career. With a strong practical focus, this course provides the opportunity and support to do that in a way that equips you to ethically and effectively integrate your faith and practice.
For graduates of a Diploma in either counselling, coaching or other related community service (refer to the entry requirements), there are several elective units to choose from, so you can tailor your learning to align with your practice goals, whether they be in ministry, private practice or employment.
Integrating counselling, coaching, and spiritual formation is a unique approach to a practice framework, support the diverse and often complex needs of clients as they heal from past concerns and develop meaningful ways to move towards their personal goals.
Learn moreReady to take the next step in your counselling journey?
Our Graduate Diploma of Counselling is designed to help you gain skills counselling, while providing a unique opportunity to develop personally, spiritually, and professionally. Whether you’re aiming to become a professional counsellor, serve in a pastoral role, or enhance your existing career, this course equips you to support others in their healing, relationships and growth, integrating both faith and practice.
Learn more