Become a Counselling Therapist
Over 100 hours of counselling practice
Leads to designations as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor or Registered Professional Counsellor
Graduates are eligible to apply for a degree at BCIT and Athabasca University
You don't need a Degree to apply or to become a recognized Counsellor
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About the Career
Counselling Therapists play a vital role in supporting individuals, families, and groups through life's challenges. As a counselling therapist, you'll help clients navigate mental health concerns, relationship issues, career transitions, addiction recovery, and personal growth. You'll work in diverse settings including private practice, wellness clinics, treatment centres, employee assistance programs, and community organizations.
This rewarding career allows you to make a meaningful difference in people's lives through evidence-based, ethical practice. Upon graduation, you'll be eligible for professional designations as a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) or Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC), opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the growing mental health field.
Where You'll Work
After successfully completing the program, you will enter the workforce with an open mind, an open heart, and the ability to change lives. Through course work, simulated practice and supervised counselling sessions, this program prepares you for diverse career opportunities.
Private Practice
Human Resources
Employee Assistance Programs
Wellness Clinics
Treatment Centres
Government & Non-Profits
Career Counselling
Professional Communications & Management
About the Program
Our Counselling Therapist program is built on a foundation of evidence-based, reflective, and ethical practice. Under the guidance of expert counsellor instructors and practicum supervisors, you will apply and deepen your understanding throughout the program while learning how to support people in a meaningful way.
You will learn and identify how to best support clients through:
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies
- Behaviour therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Humanistic therapy
- Integrative or holistic therapy
Key Program Info
- 💻 Delivery: ONLINE
- ⏱️ Duration: 94 weeks (less than 2 years)
- 📅 Starts: March 2026
- 📜 Credential: Diploma
- ⭐ Designation: Leads to professional designations with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) to become a Registered Professional Counsellor and the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists in Canada (ACCT) to become a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
- 🎓 Articulation – Direct Pathway (Post-Graduation): Graduates are eligible to apply for BCIT's Business Management Advanced Diploma. Upon completion, they can continue to BCIT's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Stenberg Wellness Centre
There is a practicum one day a week throughout terms 3 and 4 of the program. Students will complete 100 direct client hours supported by 20 hours of clinical supervision.
Student interns will start their practicum internally at the Stenberg Wellness Centre. Students will have a Clinical Supervisor with additional support from the Practice Education Team throughout their learning journey.
Learn More About the Wellness CentreRecognized By
Accreditation and Recognition
Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC's brand or "seal" of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions.
Stories from our grads