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Master Practitioner of Holistic Counselling 

Mind Body Education
Award-Winning Training For Holistic Therapists

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Healing from Within

Discover how to use the tools professional holistic counsellors use to support and empower yourself and your loved ones on the journey of healing from depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Are you ready to step into a fantastic career as a Holistic Counsellor? 

We can help you gain an internationally industry-approved qualification and the skill, confidence and support you need to build a thriving career that combines personal growth, financial stability, and the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Master Practitioner of Holistic Counselling Training Program

  •  One year part-time
  •  40 weeks of high support intensive study. 
  • Study online at times that suit you from home through our user-friendly delivery platfrom.
  • Approximately 10 hours of study each week.   
  • Weekly Virtual classroom 
  • Internationally Industry Accredited
Commencement date: Tuesday, January 23rd 2024.

Course Location: Mind Body Education, Sunshine Coast Campus, Nambour. Queensland, Australia.
  
Multiple Certifications:
  • Ten industry-approved certificates leading to qualifications in five IICT-recognized modalities.
  • (1) Meditation
  • (2) Holistic counselling skills for meditation teachers
  • (3) Meditation therapist
  • (4) Holistic Empowerment Coaching 
  • (5) Holistic Counselling
Initials graduates can use:
Mbe.HolCouns.
(Mind Body Education Master Holistic Counselling)

No previous qualifications or experience are required. 
Suitable for people over 25 years, including mature-aged students.   

LIMITED PLACES - STUDENT NUMBERS CAPPED
Enrol Now
Our Master Practitioner in Holistic Counselling training course is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques needed to excel in the field. 

With our award-winning curriculum and experienced faculty, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of holistic counselling and develop the skills to support clients on their transformative journeys.

Industry-accredited, award-winning and recognized internationally, this program will elevate your career prospects and open doors to exciting opportunities within the holistic counselling field.

This course is recognized in 27 countries:
Oceania: Australia & New Zealand
UK and Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Latvia, Sweden, Channel Islands, Norway, Estonia, Austria, Malta, Isle of Man, Netherlands
South Africa
United States
Canada

Who should do this course?

This course is perfect for people wanting to develop a sustainable new career in the wellbeing industry with a strong focus on self-empowering holistic counselling and life coaching tools.

It is also great for trained holistic therapists, teachers, and others who want to expand their skill set to include holistic counselling skills.

Suitable for all ages over 25 years, including mature-age students.

No previous experience or qualifications are required.



An investment in yourself and your future
Limited Places

This course commences at our Sunshine Coast campus in Nambour, Queensland, on Tuesday, January 23rd 2024

Course Fee Payment Options

Paid in full on enrolment  - $5,500 Includes GST  - SAVE $1,100   from payment plan amount.


Payment Plan - Four equal payments of $1,650 
Due dates:
$1,650 due on enrolment 
$1,650 due on Monday, 15 April 2024
$1,650 due on Monday, 8 July 2024
$1,650 due on Monday, 30 September 2024
Total fee - $6,600 Includes GST

EARLY BIRD FEE - $4,400 (Save $1,100) when paid in full on enrolment before November 30th 2023

Recognized prior learning:
Only graduates of the MBE Certificate in Meditation Teaching OR  Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy Practitioner course can enrol in this program to upgrade to the Master Practitioner in Holistic Counselling and save $1,000 off the normal course fee.  Please contact us if you wish to enrol with RPL. 
Your course fees include: 
1.  An internationally industry-accredited, professional-level training course that is evidence-based and heart-centred, delivered live in a holistic classroom near you.
2. Multiple Industry-approved certifications - 10 industry-approved certificates leading to qualifications in five IICT-recognized modalities - that will allow you to practice legally as a Holistic Counsellor offering coaching, training and holistic counselling to groups and private clients.
3. Your certification will allow you to get professional insurance, join relevant industry associations and participate in elective further education in this field if you wish.
4. You will have the opportunity to study with the course creator, Isabelle Cunningham, who brings 40 years of holistic counselling experience and the wisdom gained through training literally thousands of therapists over the past 15 years. 
5. Once you graduate, you will be able to join the MBE Practitioner Support Network and receive ongoing support, resources and connection to a thriving community to help you establish and build your new career completely free. 
6. You will receive all your printed course materials and access to the online training dashboard.
Enrol Now

Course Content

 Week 1 to 6
Unit One
Meditation Teacher Certification

Course content   
  • History and theory of meditation 
  • Meditation in the western world
  • Brainwaves in meditation
  • Meditation techniques and styles
  • Developing meditation routines
  • Deepening and refining your practice
  • Understanding stress
  • Psychological causes of stress The Fight-or-flight response
  • Physiology of the stress response Human behavioural manifestations of fight-or-flight Negative effects of the stress response in humans Positive stress
  • Stress management Meditation development and practice
  • Chakra meditation
  • Concentrative meditation
  • Mindfulness meditation The psychology of happiness
  • Subconscious programming and reprogramming
  • States of mind
  • Fundamentals of self-image The pursuit of happiness Subconscious programming and reprogramming Guided meditation (creative visualisation) Tools for healing
  • Positive thinking skills
  • Foundations of mind-body medicine
  • Meditation as a healing tool & hypnotic states
  • Journaling and gratitude
  • Understanding affirmations Tools for developing a positive self-image
  • Meditation as a healing tool
  • Movement meditation Poses and positions
  • Breathwork
  • Chakras and energy meditation
  • Guided meditation & creative visualisation
  • Mantras and affirmations in meditation  Gentle seated movement meditation (formally chair yoga) Before you teach Talking to groups & group leadership skills
  • Answering questions about meditation  
  • Leading guided meditations
  • Overcoming obstacles to meditation practice
  • Creating safe and effective teaching environments Group leadership skills Teaching various meditation styles
  • Working with teenagers
  • Working with people with physical disabilities
  • Working with people with emotional disorders
  • Working with healthcare professionals,   Business clients and corporate groups
  • Dealing with difficult clients:  A client-centred approach
  • Your role as holistic counsellor Building the foundations of happiness Equipment Outcomes of holistic counselling
  • The holistic counselling sessions
  • Assessment and introspection
  • Goal setting
  • Support Part Listening skills
  • Holistic counselling tools for meditation teachers 
  •  Designing courses and workshops 
  •  Integrity and intentions 
  •  Setting the scene 
  •  Creating strong foundations for your groups 
  •  Understanding learning styles 
  •  Choosing your teaching style 
  •  Terrific teaching techniques and tips 
  •  Student management 
  •  Working with seniors
  • Choosing venues 
  •  Corporate stress management workshops – Includes corporate teachers' course manual.
  • Approaching community groups and organisations
  • Volunteer and community work
  • Teaching online – Using Zoom Corporate stress management   Week 7 to 9

Week 7 to 9
Unit Two
Certificate in Autonomic Nervous System Realignment Therapy

Course Content    
  • Introduction     
  • How will you be able to use autonomic nervous system reprogramming  
  • The study of the ANS (autonomic nervous system)    
  • Dr. Bruce Lipton    
  • Language     
  • The three brains  
  • The autonomic nervous system    
  • Neurochemicals    
  • The endocrine system    
  • Module summary  
  • The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) 
  • The Amygdala     
  • The Central Nervous System (CNS)   
  • The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) 
  • What a nerve consists of  
  • The evolution of human consciousness  
  • Homeostasis    
  • The heart brain  
  • The Gut-Brain    
  • Reprogramming the autonomic nervous system by changing our perceptions and beliefs     
  • Finding beliefs to change    
  • Belief-changing technique 
Required Reading:
Beyond the Relaxation Response: How to Harness the Healing Power of Your Personal Beliefs by Herbert Benson MD
The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles by Bruce H. Lipton PHD             


 Week 10 to 12
Unit Three
Certificate in Brain-Body Medicine Course Content    

Course content   
  • Introduction to Brain-Body Medicine (Psychophysiology)  
  • The Role of the Brain-Body Therapist (Psychophysiology Therapist) 
  • Introduction to Brain Body Medicine 
  •   The Physiology of Belief    
  • Traumatic Beliefs    
  • The Power to Heal     
  • The Faith Factor and How to Provide it    
  • Providing Evidence for Your Clients     
  • Placebo – The Science Behind Brain Body Medicine  
  • Diagnosis and Seeking the Cause of Illness     
  • Guiding Clients to Self-diagnose and Healing    
  • Psychophysiology Diagnostic Tools  
  • How to Work with Damaging Belief Systems and Conditioning  
  • Medical Meditation    
  • Writing the Prescription   
  • Tools for the Psychophysiology Therapist  
  • Incorporating Creative Therapies Required Reading:
Required Reading:
Mind Over Medicine: Heal Your Thoughts Cure Your Body by Lissa Rankin MD  
Meditation as Medicine: Activate the Power of Your Natural Healing Force by Dharma Singh Khalsa MD 

 Week 13 to 15
Unit Four
Certificate in Advanced Holistic Counselling for Meditation Teachers

Course Content   
  • Introduction to Advanced Holistic Counselling 
  • Seeing Clients – Individual and Group Therapy     
  • Humanistic Psychology     
  • Emotions and Counselling     
  • Relationship Counselling and Counselling for Couples     
  • Counselling Young Adults     
  • Trauma Counselling     
  • Counselling Clients with Depression     
  • Mediating     
  • Running Group Counselling and Therapy Sessions      
  • Fight or Flight and the Relaxation Response Review      
  • Powerful Tools for Holistic Counselling     
  • Creative Expression Therapy      

Required Reading:
The Games People Play by Eric Berne PhD 

 Week 16
Unit Five
Certificate in Holistic Online and Telephone Counselling   

Course Content     
  • introduction to telephone counselling     
  • Using Zoom and other online platforms for counselling    
  • Outline of the counselling call    
  • The seven core principles of telephone counseling    
  • Feelings are key     
  • Active listening     
  •  Minimal encourages 
  • Reflection of content    
  • Exploration of feelings     
  • Open and closed questions     
  • Guidelines for summarizing     
  • Basic telephone counselling communication guidelines     
  • Barriers to effective communication     
  • Listening skills    
  • Self-care    
  • Warnings and contras - When not to use telephone counselling     
  • Domestic violence and suicidal clients     
  • Role-play exercises      

Required reading:
The telephone counsellor's role play handbook by Kerry Doolan  
Telephone Counselling - A Handbook for Practitioners by Maxine Rosenfield

Week 17
Unit Six
Certificate in Holistic Grief and Loss Counselling 

Course Content
  • Introduction to grief and loss counselling  
  • What is grief?  
  • Healing the wounds of grief  
  • Grief takes time  
  • The journey through grief  
  • The grief processes  
  • The role of the holistic grief counsellor  
  • The pitfalls to avoid  
  • Influencing factors on grieving  
  • Resources and referrals  
  • Complicated grief  
  • Depressive grief and clinical depression  
  • Dealing with Acute Emergency Situations (AES)  
  • The grief counselor's role in AES  
  • Guidelines for grief counselling  
  •  Counselling the dying  
  • Taking care of yourself Debriefing   

 Week 18
Unit Seven
Certificate in Holistic Trauma and Abuse Counselling 

Course Content  
  • Introduction to trauma and abuse counselling  
  • Trauma  
  • How healing happens  
  • Foundational Relationship Attachment Concepts  
  • Abuse  
  • Treatments and Solutions  
  •  The Role of Love in Healing from Trauma and/or Abuse  
  •  Earned Secure Adult Attachment      

 Required Reading:  
 Earned Secure Adult Attachment by Kerry Doolan   

 Week 19
Unit Eight
Certificate in Holistic Marriage and Relationship Counselling

 Course Content  
  • Introduction to holistic marriage and relationship counselling  
  • Benefits of  holistic marriage and relationship counselling  
  •  Issues to consider  
  •  Attachment Styles
  • Communication Styles  
  • Issues for a couple to consider  
  • Love Maps  
  • Strategies for success in making marriages work  
  • Meditation as an effective modality in relationship mediation.      

Required Reading: 
 Wired for Love: - How Understanding Your Partner's Brain Can Help You Defuse Conflicts and Spark Intimacy by Stan Tatkin PsyD. MFT.

 Week 20
Unit Nine
Certificate in Holistic Therapies for PTSD 

Course Content     
  • Introduction to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder    
  • Understanding PTSD    
  • The vagus nerves    
  • Foundational Relationship Attachment Concepts  
  • The effects of abuse and neglect in early life    
  • The effects of depression, stress, and anxiety    
  • Treating depression     
  • Understanding panic attacks     
  •  Working with grief and loss     
  • Tools for managing PTSD     
  • Using art therapy to treat PTSD     
  • Designing meditations for PTSD     
  • Talk therapy and PTSD     
  • Designing programs and workshops for PTSD    
  •  Self-care for PTSD counsellors    

 Required Reading:
 The body keeps the score by Bessel Van Der Kolk  

 Week 21
Unit Ten
Certificate in Inner-Child Work

Course Content  
  • Types of Childhood Trauma 
  • Theta waves and the realm of imagination  
  • The wounded child  
  • Tools, exercises, and activities for working with the inner child  
  • Designing Inner-Child healing programs and workshops   

Required Reading:
Heal Your Inner Child by Glenn Harrold FBSCH Dip C.H.   

Week 22 to 23
Unit Eleven
Holistic Counselling Skills

Course Content 
 •     Creating safe environments
 •     Client Centred Therapy 
 •     Understanding Anger
 •     Anger Managementter
 •     The Polyvagal Theory
 •     Ethics for Holistic Counsellors 
•     Incorporating Creative Therapies
 •     Client Assessment

Required Reading:
Holistic Counselling - A New Vision for Mental Health by Dr Patricia Sherwood
The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation (Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology) by Deb A. Dana  Week 24 - 26

Week 24 to 26
Unit Twelve
Holistic Counselling Skills

Course content   
  • Case Studies 
  • Clinical Practice   

Week 27 to 36
Unit Thirteen
Holistic Psychotherapy

Course content    
  • Meditation as Therapy
  •  Introduction to holistic psychotherapy   
  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Family Therapy    
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy    
  • Interpersonal Therapy    
  • Thought Field Therapy    
  • Sand-play     
  • Rebirthing-breathwork  
  • Neuro Linguist Programming    
  • Hypnotherapy    
  • Emotional Freedom Technique  
  • Expressive    
  • Drama and Role Play Therapy    
  • Art Therapy    
  •  Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Week 37
Unit Fourteen
Master Practitioner of Holistic Counselling Thesis

Course content   
•     Research and write a Master Practitioner of Holistic Counselling Thesis.
•     Develop ideas based on acquired knowledge and accumulated experience.
•     Complete a major research project.
•     Create a substantial piece of writing to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of selected topics  

 Week 38
Unit Fifteen
Holistic Small Business Management Ethics and Professionalism

Course content   
  • Your public profile
  • Fundamentals of customer service Maintaining student/client records.
  • Charging for your services
  • Running a small home office
  • Joining organizations
  • Insurance and legalities 

 Week 39 to 40
Unit 16
Marketing: The key to success Understanding the power of branding Targeted marketing and advertising

Course content   
  • Building your community
  • Marketing for holistic therapists
  • Public image
  • Final review
Graduation Ceremony and Dinner December 2024

Why Choose Holistic Counselling?

Conventional counselling and holistic counselling are two distinct approaches to addressing mental and emotional well-being.

While both aim to support individuals in their personal growth and healing, they differ in their underlying philosophies, treatment methods, and perspectives on the human experience. 

Conventional counselling, also known as traditional or mainstream counselling, typically follows a more structured and symptom-focused approach. It often focuses on diagnosing mental health conditions and employing evidence-based interventions to alleviate symptoms and promote psychological well-being. 

Conventional counselling commonly utilizes techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, or solution-focused therapy, among others. The emphasis is on understanding and treating specific symptoms or problems, often within a shorter timeframe.  

In contrast, holistic counselling takes a broader view of individuals and acknowledges the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. 

Holistic counselling considers not only the symptoms or challenges presented by clients but also their overall well-being and quality of life. It recognizes that mental and emotional health are influenced by various factors, including physical health, lifestyle, relationships, and spirituality.  

Holistic counselling aims to address the whole person and seeks to promote balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives. Holistic counselling incorporates a range of therapeutic techniques and modalities that extend beyond traditional talk therapy. It may involve mindfulness practices, meditation, energy work, expressive arts therapy, nutritional guidance, body-centred techniques, and other complementary approaches.

The goal is to facilitate self-discovery, self-empowerment, and self-healing, enabling individuals to tap into their inherent wisdom and inner resources. One of the key distinctions of holistic counselling is the emphasis on preventive care and promoting long-term well-being. Rather than solely focusing on symptom relief, holistic counsellors work with clients to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and a sense of purpose. They encourage clients to take an active role in their healing journey and may provide guidance on lifestyle changes, self-care practices, and holistic approaches to managing stress.

Another important aspect of holistic counselling is its recognition of the unique needs and experiences of each individual. It respects cultural diversity, personal beliefs, and values, and seeks to create a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their concerns and aspirations. Holistic counsellors often foster a collaborative and holistic therapeutic relationship, where clients are seen as partners in their own healing process.

In summary, while conventional counselling focuses on diagnosing and treating specific symptoms or issues, holistic counselling takes a more integrative and comprehensive approach to support individuals in their overall well-being. 

By considering the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected, holistic counselling aims to promote self-awareness, balance, and a deeper understanding of one's inner self. It empowers individuals to cultivate their innate healing capacities and make meaningful changes in their lives, ultimately fostering holistic well-being and personal growth.  

Why is the Certificate of Meditation Teaching part of this Holistic Counselling course?

Incorporating a Certificate of Meditation teaching as part of a Holistic Counselling course can be seen as an integration of complementary practices aimed at enhancing the overall well-being and effectiveness of individuals pursuing a career in holistic counselling. 

Here are some reasons why this integration might be beneficial: 

Mind-Body Connection: Holistic counselling emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection. Meditation is a practice that enhances mindfulness and awareness, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves and achieve a state of mental calmness. This practice aligns with the holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being. 

Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Meditation is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Stress reduction is a fundamental aspect of holistic counselling as it contributes to the overall balance and harmony of an individual's well-being. Teaching meditation techniques equips future counsellors with tools to help their clients manage stress effectively. 

Enhanced Therapeutic Skills: Learning meditation techniques can enhance a counsellor’s ability to guide clients in developing relaxation skills, mindfulness, and self-awareness. These skills are valuable in promoting a client's holistic healing and personal growth. 

Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness: Meditation supports emotional regulation and self-awareness, crucial aspects of holistic counselling. By understanding and managing their emotions, individuals can engage more effectively with their clients and guide them towards emotional balance and self-awareness. 

Comprehensive Holistic Approach: Including meditation education aligns with a comprehensive holistic approach, encompassing mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. It broadens the counsellor’s toolkit, enabling them to address clients' needs on multiple levels, promoting a more thorough and effective healing process. 

Client-Counsellor Relationship: Teaching meditation can deepen the bond between a counsellor and their clients. When counsellors have personal experience with meditation and mindfulness, they can empathize with their clients' experiences, making the therapeutic relationship more profound and supportive. 

Personal and Professional Growth: Learning to teach meditation can facilitate personal growth for the individuals in the course, enhancing their self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and coping skills. This personal growth can positively impact their ability to provide empathetic and effective counselling to clients. 

Integration of Eastern and Western Approaches: Integrating meditation into a counselling course combines traditional counselling approaches with Eastern practices. This integration acknowledges the value of diverse perspectives and techniques, promoting a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to counselling. 

In summary, incorporating a Certificate of Meditation teaching as part of a Holistic Counselling course can enhance the counsellors’ skills, deepen their understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, and align with the overall philosophy of holistic well-being and healing.

Course Facilitator - Isabelle Cunningham

 Isabelle Cunningham, your course facilitator, brings over 40 years of industry experience and a wealth of knowledge to the training program. 

As the Founding Principal of the Inner-Voyage College since 2008, Isabelle has dedicated herself to making self-awareness-focused therapies accessible to all individuals. Her expertise spans various disciplines, including Meditation, Holistic Psychology, Creative Arts Therapy, Holistic Counselling, and Herbal Medicine. 

 As an author, Isabelle has developed comprehensive training programs such as Meditation Teaching & Holistic Human Development and Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapies. She is also actively involved in postgraduate course development and research. 

Isabelle's commitment to excellence in education is demonstrated by her role as Head of Course Development and Senior Teacher. 

Isabelle's contributions have been recognized and valued globally. She is a member of prestigious organizations such as the International Association of Meditation Instructors, the International Institute of Complementary Therapists, the Association for Humanistic Psychology, the International Society for Ethical Psychology and Psychiatry, and the Complementary Medical Association. 

Moreover, Isabelle serves as a board member and founder of the Inner Voyage Holistic Human Development Association and the International Meditation Teachers and Therapists Association. 

 Isabelle's internationally approved and industry-accredited practitioner training courses have garnered acclaim and are now offered in more than 20 independent training organizations worldwide. Her passion for empowering individuals through self-awareness and healing shines through her work, inspiring students to embark on transformative journeys. 

With Isabelle's guidance, participants in this training program can expect a comprehensive and enriching learning experience that equips them with the skills to make a positive impact in the field of holistic therapy and counselling.  
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