The Kelowna College of Professional Counselling, or KCPC, provides vocational training in a wide variety of counselling specialties and core counselling competencies. KCPC is audited, designated and registered with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) under the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. Students in KCPC's Online or Distance Education programs learn to apply established theories in counselling and psychotherapy and develop their skills in working with clients through integrated textbook reading and supplemental material, viewing demonstration videos, assessing and developing matching treatment plans with evidenced-based approaches and techniques. Self-awareness is another key area of emphasis, which examines areas of both strengths are areas of needed development as well as triggers that affect the counsellor's capacity to be helpful.
The instructors have 8 or more years of experience with Masters or Ph. D. degrees. They provide encouragement, direction for improvement as well as evaluation and feedback within a safe learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop their natural abilities and interests, while learning to apply a wide variety of effective counselling theories and skills.
The curriculum was specifically designed to incorporate research, theories and techniques drawn from the disciplines of psychology, counselling and social work. Courses focus on practical skill development to meet the employment requirements of community agencies and private contractors. See the KCPC website for greater elaboration and more details.
There is no on-campus housing available. Due to covid-19 all programs are now only in DE/Online format.
The campus is located on a bus line in the charming downtown district, adjacent to the City Park, beaches, shops and housing. Students find the cost of living in Kelowna to be reasonable compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Prior to graduation, students develop an individualized career plan that includes a portfolio of practical job skills. Although we cannot guarantee employment, graduates of KCPC are prepared to work within a broad range of public agencies. Many choose to enter private practice or apply their training in other business endeavours.
We encourage all applicants to check with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) or the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) to ensure acceptance and ability to meet practice requirements are taken into account as well as provincial regulation as this relates to your province.
Upon completion of the Diploma program, graduates often join the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) and qualify for liability insurance coverage. Recent graduates are encouraged to work under the guidance of a qualified supervisor for their first few years of practice in order to earn the obtain the "Registered Professional Counsellor" (RPC).
Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) and their Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)
Both accept KCPC Diploma programs as meeting their current (2021) educational requirements.
Please check with these associations' websites for the best fit for your professional or vocational aspirations, or reach out to us so we can help!
