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Accredited since 1993

Every symptom tells a Story

Training Counsellors since 1993: Shift your internal stories and help others to discover the truth within. Online, in person, worldwide

A counselling session in progress, two people seated in conversation

5 times accredited · 33 years

Certificate & Diploma pathways

33+ Years of practice, since 1993
13 Training pathways
20 Published courses
5 Accrediting bodies

The Curriculum

The Story Shift, starts here.

From the Certificate, six pathways carry the work deeper.

See all 29 →

Ready to train · the professional pathway

Certificate in Holistic Counselling [2027] 4.9 Our flagship accredited program since 1993. Train as a Holistic counsellor. Techniques that transform lives. We don't just talking about it. 285 hours · 9 modules · 4 study groups · Private mentoring ACA PD · IICT · AHHCA · IAOTH Next course starts March 2027 Get Started Diploma in Holistic Counselling [2027] 5.0 The advanced accredited holistic counsellor program 17 modules · advanced practicum · 18 months · supervision · establish private practice ACA PD · IICT · ETIA · AHHCA · IAOTH Next course starts March 2027 Get Started

Just beginning · a gentle first step

Family (Systemic) Constellations 5.0 Healing intergenerational trauma so you are no longer the symptom bearer Weekend intensive · in person · Melbourne · Brisbane · one day online ACA PD · IICT · AHHCA · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Next course starts October and November 2026 Get Started The Work of Byron Katie: Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Inquiry Base Stress Reduction where stressful beliefs let go of you. Weekend intensive workshops online ACA PD · IICT · AHHCA · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Next course starts 10 & 11 October 2026 Get Started Effective Communication Training (Online Short Course) Advanced listening skills, to win-win conflict resolution. Introduction to communication skills ACA PD · IICT · AHHCA · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Certificate of Completion Next course starts May 2027 Get Started The Authentic Communicator (Online) 5.0 Advanced communication skills for any environment Internationally accredited program Live online 30 hour training program 8 modules · workbook · online lessons · ETIA Certificate of Competency ACA PD · IICT · ETIA · AHHCA Next course starts 22 September 2026 Get Started Navigating Grief and Loss 5.0 A rich program to support Counsellors in navigating the wild landscape of loss and grief with its many faces, the impact on the brain and the body whilst supporting their own internal experience of loss. CHCCCS017: Provide Loss and Grief Support ACA PD · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Next course starts 13 July 2027 Get Started Weaving The New Dreaming 5.0 Weaving the New Dreaming is an opportunity to engage effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Journey with Aunty Jenny Thompson, an indigenous elder and counsellor in stories, develop cultural sensitivity, awareness and safety that can be applied to many workplaces. ACA PD · PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Next course starts 1 October 2026 Get Started

Dip your toes · try the work before you commit

All the Feels Podcast: The Feelings Series – VIP Bundle Series #1: The Feelings Series podcast 6 day course inlcudes podcasts, ebooks and video (instant access) 'All the Feels' - The Feelings Series  is a comprehensive short course on navigating feelings, overwhelm and ways to change the brain and nervous system to be able to thrive rather than survive in our fast paced world, whilst creating in inner sanctuary to guide you. This is a course that you can do in your own time over 6 days. Get Started

Professional development · for practitioners and graduates

Case Study Supervision Groups 5.0 Supervision per term to discuss cases within a group - learning from each other. Get Started Systemic (Family) Constellation Facilitator Training: For Professionals This dynamic Systemic Constellation Facilitator Training program demystifies systemic constellation work in applying it to many sectors. This highly interactive and experiential program ensures students learn how to read the client's body, have a working knowledge of Systemic Principles presenting themselves and what each system needs to initiate a primary movement towards openness, support and love again and inline with the clients intention. Get Started

Free ebook

Helping You Manifest

Get a taste of what we do as we take you through an experience to help you manifest, using a selection of the techniques at The Awakening Group. Shift your story from symptoms to success through simple exercises. We don’t just talk about it, discover if Counsellor Training is right for you?

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Brenda, founder of The Awakening Group

Meet the founder

Brenda Sutherland

I'm looking for…

Inspiration.

Living life fully requires skills to navigate your inner ecology and outer relationships

About us

Highly experienced leaders in our field.

Professional accredited programs and personal development workshops to shift your story.

Thirty-three years of training counsellors in unique, dynamic techniques that transform lives, families and workplaces. Technical enough to be accredited, human enough to change you.

More about us

Testimonials

“The most unexpected outcomes that I have noticed is the depth of personal healing and self-awareness I gained during the course. The Diploma of Holistic counselling encouraged me to do my own inner work — and that process is as valuable as the professional training itself. Each module content is extremely fascinating and insightful, the knowledge I learnt so far helped me strengthening my confidence and gaining more skills. Brenda's professionalism, knowledge and experience made it easy to participate to the classes and also created a safe, nurturing space for learning and self-exploration. The Diploma in Holistic Counselling has been a profound and unique journey that unfolded numerous lessons. Thank…”
Vittoria Meletti Diploma in Holistic Counselling [2027] · 2025

Ready to begin?

Enrolments Now Open for 2027

Accreditation

Trusted, five times accredited.

Every certificate carries The Awakening Group seal, independently accredited by five professional bodies.

  • ACA, Australian Counselling Association
  • AHHCA, Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association
  • ETIA, Energetic Therapies Industry Association
  • IAOTH, International Association of Therapists
  • IICT, International Institute for Complementary Therapists