First Visit

Dr Bruce & Nellie Litchfield developed the popular and nationally accredited Counselling and Family Therapy courses out of a lifetime of experience and learning. These courses will prepare and equip you for a career in counselling or for more effective Kingdom work in chaplaincy, teaching , general medical practice, aged are, emergency services, pastoring, ministry with men, women, youth and children and more.              

The first year incorporates basic counselling skills and a general model of Christian counselling.     

The second year teaches a Christian model for Family Therapy and a supervised therapy practicum.                                  

The third year consolidates and extends your previous learning with extensive clinical and integrative work as part of an ‘internship’.

All courses are full-time – around 15-20 hours a week. A Distance Education Program is available under certain circumstances.                                        

 Four courses are offered:
* Certificate IV in Christian Counselling and Family Therapy – first year
* Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy (Christian) – second year 
* Advanced Diploma of Counselling and Family Therapy (Christian) – second year 
* Vocational Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Family Therapy (Christian)  third year.

AIFC’s courses are all accredited by the Australian Government (ACT Accreditation and Registration Council) and meet the professional training standards for membership of the Australian Counselling Association, Christian Counsellors Association of Australia, the Australian Association of Marriage and Family Counsellors and Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association of NSW.

AIFC Vocational Graduate Certificate is accredited by the Australian Government and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).

The courses are in accord with the teachings of the world leaders in Christian counselling such as Lawrence Crabb, Mark McMinn, Archibald Hart, Grant Martin, Sandra Wilson, Gary Collins, Frank  Minirth, Paul Meier, Norman Wright, Everett Worthington Jr., Clifford and Joyce Penner, and many others.

The academic year begins in February or early March and is divided into four 8 to 10 week long terms. Each term starts with a three day intensive teaching seminar held in each of the state/territory capitals (except Tasmania and Northern Territory). Seminars are usually Thursday to Saturday, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and consist of lectures in the mornings and tutorial and small group work in the afternoons. In between seminars students work from home to complete assignments supported by a tutor who marks and provides feedback. Students also attend two local small group meetings with fellow students to fellowship and encourage each other, practicing skills and discussing exercises. The academic year ends with a one day seminar in November or early December.

Term and intensive teaching seminar dates and and venues, current course fees, application for enrolment form and Prospectus are included in the information package available on request from National Office on (02) 6242 5111, 1300 721 397 or aifc.info@aifc.com.au .

Eligible students can obtain Austudy