![Certificate in Holistic Counselling [2026]](https://awakening-com.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2018/01/iStock-923293216.jpg)
Description
Key Information
Brisbane: $350* inc GST booking fee
Melbourne: $4215 inc GST (early bird)
Melbourne: $350* inc GST booking fee
Course Summary
This unique Holistic Counsellor training program combines the lastest neurosicence, attachment styles, arousal regulation, psychobiological approach and dynamic tools to transform trauma, illness, beliefs about ourselves, and lives in a way that is effective and dynamic as a counsellor. It provides students with a huge amount of tools to facilitate self mastery. From this position true healing happens both personally and as a professional. Our holistic approach ensures transformation emotionally, mentally, physically, systemically, environmentally, socially and spiritually thus manifesting your vision of life naturally.
The certification course is aimed at transforming practitioner’s personal patterns and experience of Self, enabling deeper insights, understanding and experience of the true nature of healing and Self thus enabling practitioners to truly facilitate clients personal transformation from the depth of knowing and experiencing the divinity of oneself. For all health practitioners and therapists, caring professionals, or persons interested in enlightening their experience of life and adding to their toolbox of techniques.
Course Content
Staff
Brenda Sutherland
Brenda Sutherland
B.Soc Sc (Psych) TAE, IICT, AHHCA
Brenda founded The Awakening Group P/L in 1993. Her clear vision was to empower each individual to live their true potential. Since then The Awakening Group has grown from counselling, to counsellor training to offer online webinars and programs for organizations and businesses bringing teams together, effectively communicating to deliver results across the board.
Brenda B.Soc.Sc.(Psych) is a Holistic Counsellor, Trainer and Consultant with her practice grounded in over 30 years experience. She is the founder and Director of The Awakening Group accredited training programs and workshops conducted throughout Australia.
Over the past 20 years Brenda has taught at universities, lectured at conferences, appeared on TV and radio, written for magazines and conducted seminars throughout Australia and NZ. She has facilitated many workshops for private, corporate and governmental organizations on personal growth and professional development.
Brenda is a dynamic counsellor and educator who employs her intuition and professional knowledge to gently guide every individual in living their truth.
Throughout her career Brenda has combined her personal commitment to her own self growth and extensive, yet unique, professional training including Psychology, EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming, Art Therapy, Tantra, Eco-psychology, Soul Centred therapy, Kinesiology, Family & Organizational Constellation with world renowned facilitators (Dr Gunthard Weber, Dr Albrecht Mahr, Dr Guni Baxa, Dr Ursula Franke, Jakob Schneider, Dr Jane Peterson, Ed Lynch, Stephan Hausner etc). Further Brenda has trained with Bessel van de Kolk (one of the worlds leading trauma experts), as well as Pat Odgen; body centred psychotherapy. She has also trained in The Work of Byron Katie and is a Effectiveness (Communication) Training instructor.
Brenda combines the latest neuroscience, attachment styles, arousal regulation, memory reconstruction techniques to return clients to a peaceful sense of self .
Furthermore Brenda is a PACT Level 1 Couples counsellor having trained with Dr Stan Tatkin, the Founder of the Psychobiological Approach for Couple Therapy.
You have the power within to transform and live your hearts desire. Brenda creates an opportunity to take you and your experience in relationships, life, sexuality, career and love a step further in authenticity to be the person you dreamed yourself to be. Discover and live new possibilities within yourself, relationships, career, sexually, health, with money and life.
Individual sessions, couple counselling and workshops are available (also via Zoom online) to support you in moving into the freedom of being. Issues of anxiety, fear, stress, anger, grief, sexuality, illness, relationships and much more are addressed with each session personally tailored to transform issues standing in the way of being the more of you.
Here’s what one client said:
“Thank you for today. I feel Amazing!!!”
Brenda has written for:
She has been quoted in:
and appeared on Channel 9’s Alternatives pilot program facilitating “Unmasking The Wild Woman” with guest Catriona Rowntree (Getaway presenter)
[ecs-list-events cat="brenda" limit="8"]
Rosie Stave
Rosie Stave
CERTIFIED FACILITIATOR OF THE WORK OF BYRON KATIE
Since her first introduction to The Work in 1995, Rosie has been passionate about this tool for freedom. She lived and worked with Katie for 2 years setting up the Center For The Work in Barstow, California. Rosie was the primary facilitator at The Center For The Work when Katie was unavailable. Since her return to Australia in 1998, she has been offering workshops, retreats, private sessions and evenings of The Work throughout Australia and New Zealand. She is a certified facilitator of The Work and brings a depth of wisdom and truth, honesty and compassion, love and laughter to this life changing work.
Brenda Sutherland
Brenda Sutherland
B.Soc Sc (Psych) TAE, IICT, AHHCA
Brenda founded The Awakening Group P/L in 1993. Her clear vision was to empower each individual to live their true potential. Since then The Awakening Group has grown from counselling, to counsellor training to offer online webinars and programs for organizations and businesses bringing teams together, effectively communicating to deliver results across the board.
Brenda B.Soc.Sc.(Psych) is a Holistic Counsellor, Trainer and Consultant with her practice grounded in over 30 years experience. She is the founder and Director of The Awakening Group accredited training programs and workshops conducted throughout Australia.
Over the past 20 years Brenda has taught at universities, lectured at conferences, appeared on TV and radio, written for magazines and conducted seminars throughout Australia and NZ. She has facilitated many workshops for private, corporate and governmental organizations on personal growth and professional development.
Brenda is a dynamic counsellor and educator who employs her intuition and professional knowledge to gently guide every individual in living their truth.
Throughout her career Brenda has combined her personal commitment to her own self growth and extensive, yet unique, professional training including Psychology, EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming, Art Therapy, Tantra, Eco-psychology, Soul Centred therapy, Kinesiology, Family & Organizational Constellation with world renowned facilitators (Dr Gunthard Weber, Dr Albrecht Mahr, Dr Guni Baxa, Dr Ursula Franke, Jakob Schneider, Dr Jane Peterson, Ed Lynch, Stephan Hausner etc). Further Brenda has trained with Bessel van de Kolk (one of the worlds leading trauma experts), as well as Pat Odgen; body centred psychotherapy. She has also trained in The Work of Byron Katie and is a Effectiveness (Communication) Training instructor.
Brenda combines the latest neuroscience, attachment styles, arousal regulation, memory reconstruction techniques to return clients to a peaceful sense of self .
Furthermore Brenda is a PACT Level 1 Couples counsellor having trained with Dr Stan Tatkin, the Founder of the Psychobiological Approach for Couple Therapy.
You have the power within to transform and live your hearts desire. Brenda creates an opportunity to take you and your experience in relationships, life, sexuality, career and love a step further in authenticity to be the person you dreamed yourself to be. Discover and live new possibilities within yourself, relationships, career, sexually, health, with money and life.
Individual sessions, couple counselling and workshops are available (also via Zoom online) to support you in moving into the freedom of being. Issues of anxiety, fear, stress, anger, grief, sexuality, illness, relationships and much more are addressed with each session personally tailored to transform issues standing in the way of being the more of you.
Here’s what one client said:
“Thank you for today. I feel Amazing!!!”
Brenda has written for:
She has been quoted in:
and appeared on Channel 9’s Alternatives pilot program facilitating “Unmasking The Wild Woman” with guest Catriona Rowntree (Getaway presenter)
[ecs-list-events cat="brenda" limit="8"]
Rosie Stave
Rosie Stave
CERTIFIED FACILITIATOR OF THE WORK OF BYRON KATIE
Since her first introduction to The Work in 1995, Rosie has been passionate about this tool for freedom. She lived and worked with Katie for 2 years setting up the Center For The Work in Barstow, California. Rosie was the primary facilitator at The Center For The Work when Katie was unavailable. Since her return to Australia in 1998, she has been offering workshops, retreats, private sessions and evenings of The Work throughout Australia and New Zealand. She is a certified facilitator of The Work and brings a depth of wisdom and truth, honesty and compassion, love and laughter to this life changing work.
Course details
Dates
- Melbourne/Online course starts 12 March 2025
- Brisbane course starts 10 March 2026
- There are a number units: The Work of Byron Katie, Effective Communication Part I (online) and Family Constellations that can be completed separately that are credited towards Certificate CLICK HERE for details
- 2026 Course Calendars VIC & QLD view here
Cost
- $4315 GST incl., full course cost (3 new modules have been added this year)
- $4215 earlybird price if paid in full before 28 February 2026 (VIC) or 28 February 2026 (QLD)
- A $350 non-refundable deposit secures your place for payment plans ($4315 Payment Plan starts the month prior to the course commencing)
- Please note payments are subject to The Awakening Group terms and conditions.
Venue
- Online via Zoom Rooms Live Webinars
- Melbourne: The Living Centre, East Melbourne and LIVE online webinars
- Brisbane: Bardon Counselling and Natural Therapy Centre, 151 Boundary Rd, Bardon and LIVE online webinars
Introduction to the Certificate and Diploma webinar
Introductory Course Webinar – Join Us on the 17 November. Meet students, experience a number of the modalities we teach, and ask questions. A fun information evening. Click here To Register
Learning Activities
- Case studies, end of course review quiz, class presentation, buddy exercises, autobiography, module quizzes, interactive online group sharing
- Outside of class time is approximately 4 hours per module.
Accreditation
- International Institute of Complementary Therapists (IICT) accredited
- Australian Holistic Healers and Counsellors Association: (AHHCA) accredited
- Australian Counselling Association professional development credits (ACA)
- International Association of Therapists (IAOTH) – membership worldwide
- The course is over 285 hours with over 60% face to face tuition.
Enrolments
- The number of enrolments are limited to 20 students per year per state.
- Melbourne/Online enrolments close on the 28th February 2026 or if fully booked.
- There are modules that can be completed and then credited towards the Certificate and Diploma.
- Brisbane enrolments close on the 28th Feb 2026 or if fully booked.
- Deposit secures your place if paying via payment plan
- On enrolment an individual session is made so that we can create the course to suit your needs and career direction, whilst supporting your personal growth.
![Diploma in Holistic Counselling - Year II [2025-2026]](https://awakening-com.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2018/02/a4336e61518665240ecbd9c4-450x450.jpg)
Christa Krahnert –
This course opens doors in to a much broader understanding how we can support clients seeking for health, happiness and peace in their life. As it says holistic counselling, I haven’t been disappointed. The course delivers an understanding of who we really are and where we are coming from, to the understanding what happens during our childhood and how that creates not only psychological but also physical symptoms and further challenges in our lives. There is nothing a good counselor and therapist will miss to know and will be able to integrate in a holistic operating clinic.
Carole Sutherland –
One of the most rewarding courses I have done. Originally choosing this course to accompany my Ayurveda Diploma, becoming a total package for nurturing body, mind and soul. I did not realise at the time how necessary and rewarding it would be for me personally. Suffering chronic fatigue for over 20 years, trying every treatment available, I finally found my answer as to not only why I got chronic fatigue, but also the cure. I don’t think there would be anyone who would not benefit from this course, for a rewarding career, to compliment your current business or for yourself personally. You will also be surrounded by beautiful like minded souls, establishing a special bond, nurturing, supporting and journeying with you while you learn and grow.
Fumiko Sakai –
This course is unique and suits everyone who wants to explore a carrier as a counsellor or who wants to discover more about themselves. It could also benefit people already in familiar with other therapies by adding more skills and knowledge.
This course let’s us nurture our inner growth while learning. It has become an amazing personal journey of all of us students.
I prefer this type of learning in a real classroom rather than just online.
This is the most rewarding investment of my life I have made. It is very challenging but I am committed and I am looking forward to the diploma course.
Jane Vidler –
This has been the best course I have ever undertaken both personally and professionally. The course has been way outside my comfort zone but so desperately needed in order to be able to change my life and certainly career direction. I have never known I needed to be doing something like I have this course. My intuition lead me here, and as they say, intuition will lead you to where you are meant to be! The course is a beautiful mix of mind, body and spirit and wonderfully supported. I have found answers to issues I have had all my life, when other professionals did not even touch the surface and told me I couldn’t rely on hope! It has been an amazing journey so far and so glad I took a leap of faith and followed my hearts calling.
Margarita Genet – Wilson (verified owner) –
Reflecting on that first interview with Brenda, I can’t remember exactly what I said but I remember saying I wanted “the tools” to really understand what is happening within us and how to heal we can grow up through it .
That could not have manifested in a more accurate and concise way.
Everything else I have done in terms of study and personal development up until this point, has simply been concepts and nice ideas but this course has gone in deep, right to the core of us as beings on a neurobiological attachment level but also a deeply profoundly spiritual level. It has merged the world of science and spirituality in the most powerful way for healing .
And it has unpacked me, every single layer, peel by peel.
It has unravelled me to my core.
And there has been no where to hide.
And even though what I have found has been incredibly overwhelming at times, I have been truly gifted with tools stay, not run, and to go in with compassion, curiosity, calmness and courage to all the parts that have felt so overwhelmed before and do it different this time .
We have been taken on a journey within, to arrive back to the place we started and know ourselves, for the first time .(T S Elliot quote adapted)
And from that place we have learned how to be in the World as friends, lovers, students and teachers and fellow travellers in a completely transformed way .
There is no doubt that this will have a PROFOUND effect on you if you take this journey.
And it will be the greatest gift you can give yourself, your family, your community and the World.
I am so humbled and so grateful to have been given this gift. Thank you .
x.sanya –
I could give 10 stars to Brenda and this course if I could! I have absolutely loved the material, learning, growth and wisdom I have gained from attending the workshops and completing the assignments. Brenda, Catherine and Rosie have brought their wisdom over the last 30 years and created such a beautiful space for us to practice, be seen, heard and understood. I feel so much more competent as a Holistic Coach, who now uses Holistic Counselling therapies than I could have ever imagined! I highly recommend this course for personal and professional development. I’m so grateful that a course like this exists in Australia. It’s been truly life changing!
Chiu-hua Cheah Tseng (Claire) (verified owner) –
Having done a few workshops with The Awakening Group before the Certificate course, I had no idea this course turns out to be the best training I have done so far. The amount of knowledge and content was taught is way beyond my expectation. This course has given me a chance for further healing in my journey and provides many insights of who I am that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. My relationships with my partner and family also benefited from the training. Overall, this is a life-transforming experience that I will always be grateful to have. Thankful to all teachers for giving their best for this journey.
Robin Truman (verified owner) –
I am happy to review the certificate of holistic Counselling course. It has had a profound and very positive effect on me.
I marvel at the depth and power of this course. Firstly the structure is so professional, from timetable to provision and delivery of material, to student support, mentoring and encouragement. I am so impressed. As a venue for self discovery, awareness and healing this course provides the necessary tools, instructors and material for a fellow student to begin or continue their own soulful awakening journey, Secondly, in addition to ones own journey the training provides a solid base for the individual to establish a platform as a holistic counsellor, whilst also providing the student with the opportunity to continue into the Diploma of Holistic Counselling as an immediate follow on. I have enjoyed the journey, thus far, I cherish the support, interaction and friendship gained from and with fellow students. My thanks to Brenda and her dedicated team for maintaining and delivering a very high standard, quality course.
Julie Harrison –
This course has truly exceeded all my expectations and taken me on a journey of self discovery. I have not only learnt incredibly valuable processes and tools but my awareness, understanding and compassion for myself has enhanced and strengthened my relationships with family, friends and colleagues. I have found a tribe of like minded, amazing souls who share the desire for personal growth and who support each other with love, compassion and vulnerability. So impressed with the content, I have upgraded to the Diploma in order to deepen the knowledge and cement the practices we have learnt so that I can take these insights and techniques out into the community and support others in their own healing process with absolute confidence. Our trainers have shared their wisdom and knowledge and inspired me every step of the way. They demonstrate that true healing and transformation is available to any one who seeks and is willing to explore their limiting beliefs and re-frame their stories. This course is unique and I am so grateful that I decided to study with The Awakening Group
seabright.enterprises –
If you are drawn to this course, do it!
I had wanted to become a counsellor for many years, but I never felt ‘ready’. A space opened up in my life, and, although I still wasn’t sure whether it was the right time, I followed my gut.
Still, my sense of doubt said, “Maybe counsellors are born and not made – maybe you just ‘have it’ or you don’t. Maybe my lack of confidence and certainty means it won’t be the right path for me after all.”
Now I believe: if you have the interest, the intention, the passion, and the compassion, this course will teach you the tools to bring those precious gifts to your clients. And it will start by transforming your own life in ways you could not have imagined and didn’t know you needed.
Best of all, you will be accompanied by a beautiful group of like-minded fellow travellers. Our cosy weekend sessions together intensified the learning in such an embodied way, something you simply cannot experience through an online or distance-education course.
Follow your heart, and dive in!
Patricia Stoeckli –
Originally I enrolled for this course as a small adjunct to my profession as TCM practitioner…WOW! Little did I know what a profound experience it would become and how positively it would impact my life. The course is thorough, thought provoking and authentic. True to its name it is also incredibly holistic in nature and is delivered by extraordinary teachers. Thank you so much to the teachers for this wonderful course
victoria (verified owner) –
I absolutely loved this course. At times I couldn’t believe that I was “studying” — the content and teaching is so engaging and fascinating that school feels like a pleasure, an adventure. This beautiful course and it’s wonderful teachers will facilitate your journey within, to discover your true nature and highest potential. A truly remarkable school for awakening your highest self and enlightening you from the thinking, entanglements and heaviness that block your bliss, so you can help others do the same. Plus, you will connect with a tribe of beautiful fellow travellers (your fellow students) on a deep and meaningful level. There’s certainly a lot of “work” to do, and it’s extremely testing at times, but worth it. It’s hard to put into words how transformative and life-changing this study is. Can not recommend it highly enough. Thank you Brenda and The Awakening Group.
Deanne Joy Morey –
This course is amazing and I definitely recommend it to anyone willing to take on, change, emerge and embrace the challenges, new learnings and connecting with beautiful like minded people.
This course has taught me many things and has bought about an opening that has developed a great healing within my family. Without this I would not have been able to face personal demons that have been in the background for many years.
Thankyou for the connection with my ‘tribe’…. my other family.
Immense emotion and happiness have been felt throughout the entire course. The modules have been so very informative and deeply resonating.
My expectation doing this course was to learn as much as I can to be of help to others….little did I know what a profoundly life changing experience this would be.
Thankyou so much Brenda for your understanding and caring throughout this course. As they say, there are no coincidences, things happen for a reason and I am truly grateful for ‘stumbling’ into this course.
Many, many, many thanks to Brenda and The Awakening Group.
tania (verified owner) –
Thank you to Brenda, her team and my class mates for opening my heart and providing a well stocked tool kit for further growth and development. It wasn’t always easy but it has definitely been worth it and I continue to benefit from it each day as what was taught sinks further into my heart and psyche. With deep gratitude.
rjryall (verified owner) –
Thank you to Brenda and The Awakening group for such an enlightening course. I have throughly enjoyed it every step of the way. The Presenters have all being of the highest standard and delivered the Workshops very effectively.
I have opened my heart and mind to new concepts and ideas and consequently have become more self aware and have
experienced personal growth as a result. I look forward to continuing on with my studies next year with a clear vision of a career change in my 70’s. It is so wonderful to feel so excited about my future. Forever grateful to Brenda and her amazing team.
Karla –
I had been searching for many years for a counselling course that aligned with my beliefs and values. When I discovered this course online and read the content I was in tears, ‘Yes, finally a course that speaks deeply to my heart!’ This year has been transformational for me. I have loved learning the science behind the concepts and tools and practising in a safe environment with fellow travellers (my classmates), who I now feel deeply connected with. The facilitators have been both professional and personable, delivering the information in fun and interesting ways. I can’t wait to continue on next year with the amazing Brenda and facilitators at The Awakening Group and my beautiful classmates.
Maria Mia Trearchis –
The Certificate in Holistic Counselling, has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding learning/life experiences for me. Brenda created a safe space where I was given the time and space to grow at my own pace, and discover where my passion lives. I feel greatful for the support to discover my passion for Sound Healing and EFT and to have been encouraged to incorporate it into my tool kit and actually do work that I am passionate about.
clearviewpdc (verified owner) –
The Certificate in Holistic Counselling has been a very enlightening and fascinating experience. The holistic approach is refreshing, uplifting and inspiring to the soul. Theories, skills and modalities that are covered are helpful personally and professionally. The journey of self-development that Brenda takes you on so supportively and lovingly is truly an awakening of mind, body and soul.
Paul Conwell
Samantha Jane Martin –
This has been a truly transformative journey. I have welcomed being vulnerable and open throughout the course and it has allowed me to really understand the world within me. I have been grateful for the guidance to do this so gracefully. A truly beautiful journey of self exploration with a wonderful reward at the end – to be able to guide others in the same way.
Nat –
I am now living more truth i believed was always there, i just needed to find more guidance and direction. Thankyou to the awakening group . This course has provided me with that and more resources, it has slotted in perfect and helped me continue on and go further from where i currently was. I now feel more forfilled, and have structure in my life. I now no how to be in my body again , it has also provided me with learning/skills and courage again. Due to the gentle,caring and conciderate approach this course provides, i really believe this has hepled having left school so young and with some discouraging thoughts. I look foward to sharing the gifts this course has provided with others and taking on as much as i can fit under my belt . , To be the best i can be. And the best to others. The support i need is to gain as much as i can out of this course to be the best me and share with others. :)) Blessings NAT xx . A BIG “thankyou to brenda and the awakening group for making my dreams come true. ps there are no stars on my key board ..
Nat –
Life changing ! a true Awakening! 🙂 provides brilliant life forfilling resources ! Healing in all areas :). A course i would recommend to anyone and everyone to do ! amazing life investment ! A big honoury to Brenda and the awakening group for putting these courses out there ” to assist the lives of many ! truly blessed xx
Anelise Arruda da Gama –
A beautiful inner journey towards the soul. I’m looking forward to sharing with the world what I have learned in this course. I’m very grateful for all the beautiful people I’ve met here and also to Brenda and the amazing teachers for sharing their knowledge with us. Thank you. <3
Marion Cossec –
This course is amazing how much it is unique and complete.
It is an incredible spiritual journey toward my soul. I am really grateful I have discover this certificate. I have met so many beautiful people. Thank you Brenda for sharing of your knowledges to us!
Phoebe –
This course has provided a wealth of resources and tools for personal healing as well as for use with clients. I can truly recommend this course, not only for the depth of knowledge gained – but the safe, supportive and healing environment in which it is delivered. Brenda and the other teachers have a truly amazing energy, and put so much into the course. You will work alongside such amazing humans, and form deep connections. I have learnt so much over the months, and I’m so grateful I signed up. I remember reading these reviews when I was thinking about signing up – and they helped guide me to make the bold jump to sign up… maybe this is the sign that someone else will see that helps them take that next step! 🙂
Violetta Znorkowski (verified owner) –
I am grateful for the decision I made to enroll in this course and for the people I had the opportunity to connect with along the way. There is a wealth of knowledge in the classroom and in all the teachers you interact with that will undoubtedly widen the lens through which you view yourself and the world. If you intend to take this course for your own personal journey, it is absolutely suitable. If you are already a counsellor, it will without a doubt add more tools to your tool kit. I am excited to see what doors will open because of what I learned during this course.
Thank you Brenda and the rest of the team at The Awakening Group!
Nikola Minet –
I can only recommend this course. Heart opening and self exploring! Even if you are not planning to be counselor, this will give you tools how to improve your life in many areas, like relationships, communication etc. Deep knowledge and practical examples from the counselling field are provided, same as personal support. Practical excercises are held in safe environment and in classroom is created love bubble and connection between mates! Grateful to have done it and gained not only knowledge but also amazing friendships! X
Stephanie Maynard (verified owner) –
I start this review with word of caution – this course may change how you see your self, life, family, relationships, and friendships forever, as it has done so for me, in the most deeply satisfying way.
A door was opened to invaluable knowledge and tools that I not only utilise on a daily basis, but can already see the immediate effects it has had on how I move through both my personal and professional life.
I would venture to say this course would suit any curious and open-minded individual from all walks of life, whether it be for professional or personal development.
I gained a deeper understanding of human behaviour, trauma, relationships, family, communication, and the respective simple yet profound modalities and tools to awaken myself, and perhaps future clients, to the truths of those topics.
This course gave me access to the decades of wisdom offered by an impressive suite of accomplished trainers, as well as tried and tested modalities from a wide range of internationally renowned industry leaders. The effort, time and energy Brenda and the trainers put into the course is second to none, especially felt during this challenging time during COVID-19.
It was a joy to connect, learn, practice and share with like-minded students in a well facilitated, safe container. These heart-felt connections I’m certain will continue for years to come.
Without a shadow of a doubt, I am deeply grateful that I happened upon this course and to Brenda for founding it – it is incredible value for the life-long skills it imparts, and the ripples will surely be felt not only in your own life, but to all lives touched by your own.
Join the next cohort – you won’t regret it.
Marlene Heinrich –
The Certificate In Holistic Counselling has been a gorgeous opportunity to get a huge wealth of experience about lots of different tools how to work with people. For me it was immensely rewarding. Applying many of the tools to myself has been an intensive but very healing journey.
Tricia Lee –
This course was recommended to me by a friend and practitioner. I have been astounded at the amount of knowledge I have built throughout the course. This being a new field to me, I have learned so much. All the trainers were amazing with such incredible energy to pass on their own learnings. The tools I have been taught will be a part of my life. Not only has it opened me up to myself but also to those around me.
Nicole Rossi (verified owner) –
I felt called to this course after my own life crisis in my physical health, and I was searching for something to give meaning and hope, and this course certainly did that. The in person classes were profoundly powerful and emotional, and I had so many “ah-ha” moments throughout. It was such a shame that COVID stopped us from experiencing more in person, but the online classes were also well taught. The trainers were all so experienced, and had so much knowledge to give. I’ve learnt so much about how to navigate my life and listen with more empathy, and to truly understand other’s and myself so much more deeply.
If you’re looking for something incredibly empowering and touching, then look no further. You won’t be disappointed!
Liz du Toit –
This course has provided me with answers to questions I have had about myself for many years. It has given me tools to see things from new and expanded perspectives. The learning is at a soul level and transforms you. Through doing this course I have become more fully engaged with life and look forward to what the future holds.
Tamara Rogers –
I found the course interesting, challenging, and rewarding. I learnt a lot and it gave me a good grounding in the basics. It really made me think, and I liked how it enabled me to interact with people through the practical work, even though the majority has been online this year, due to COVID. Brenda is an excellent teacher, facilitator and counsellor and it’s been invaluable watching how she works.
Aneta Brewer –
This course has brought me tremendous personal growth and an in-depth discovery of human behaviour, trauma, relationships, family, communication and much more. I have always been very drawn to self improvement and and human behaviour but never thought it was possible to learn such a vast amount of information in such a short amount of time. I could not recommend this course enough for anyone who wants to embark on this beautiful journey. Brenda is an incredible facilitator and I am extremely grateful to have learnt so much from her. An extremely powerful course. I look forward to continuing on to the Diploma.
Silvie Bogdanova (verified owner) –
I feel grateful that I was able to enrolled this course, I was searching for long time what would suits my personal growth and also for my future knowledge to become a therapist or what could lead me to the next path of my life purpose. I can say now that I have chosen the right course for my purpose career and I really enjoyed being part of this journey. Also it was lovely to meet people with a similar mind and go through this journey together. Thank you Silvie
Barb –
Such a comprehensive course! I searched for a while to find a course that teaches with a holistic approach, and I have learnt so many useful tools that have supported me in the journey of life. Brenda teaches passionately and supportively, demonstrating in real time the techniques she is teaching. The material in both the online classroom and manuals is comprehensive and something I will continue to refer back to over time. There is something about the people this course attracts – I have met many beautiful like minded fellow students and always look forwards to catching up in class. I’m so glad I courageously dived into enrolling – it was a last minute decision and it has definitely altered my life direction in a positive way.
Marc Pointon –
No words will or could describe the journey I have been on with this course this year. It has opened my eyes and heart to more and more of myself, my behaviours, my patterns and my beliefs. I cannot recommend this course enough. It is passionately and lovingly lead by the incredible Brenda and her team. With the course being holistic in nature it attracts likeminded individuals who are willing to go within to find the authenticity of their humanness so you also get the opportunity to make wonderful friendships. I’m so looking forward to the diploma next year and continuing to learn more and more. So GO! GO!! on an inward journey that will change your life for you and your loved ones.
Tharangini Chinnadurai (verified owner) –
Gained a lot of insights and self-reflections. Helped me to look at the world with a different perspective. Thanks, Brenda!
Leah Halliday –
This course has provided me not only with counselling tools, but with tools for LIFE! What an incredible, and life changing journey. Thank you Brenda for providing this essential wisdom in such a brilliant course.
maria pellicano (verified owner) –
This course has helped me become a deeper listener. I have learnt more about the power of a quiet confident presence for myself and my clients. I have gained great insights in the depth of human behaviour that impacts decision and choices made both in the now and in the past. I have understood that there are many deeper aspects of human existence that drives us and keeps us alive. Becoming aware of human feeling and needs has given me an understanding of what we are motivated by. Overall I have understood, that our lives are layered into events and generations that make us who we are today and we are never alone but part of the great circle of life.
tia_22 (verified owner) –
It is a great course. It not only teaches you what you need to know to be a counsellor, it also guides you through the process of becoming that person. It enables a lot of personal growth.
Skye –
This course is life-changing. I have leant so much throughout this course already and it has made me understand myself a whole lot deeper which is then rippling out into my personal and professional relationships and strengthening these. Even if you aren’t wanting to be a counsellor/therapist, this course is highly recommended for your own self-development.
I am excited about what is yet to come in the Diploma course
William Wong (verified owner) –
So amazing!!! I was drawn to this course a few years ago but I think a part of me knew that it wasn’t time and I wasn’t quite ready to delve into some of my deeper issues and trauma. I am so glad that I decided to revisit this training a few years down the track and actually commit to it. I did this course to be of greater service to others, but more importantly, to learn more about myself. I’ve laughed, cried, been triggered and had mini-breakdowns over this time and it’s all been so uncomfortable yet so worthwhile. I know thanks to this course I’m a changed person and it has definitely brought so much growth, healing and loving awareness back into my life and my relationships. I will forever be grateful to Brenda for sharing her genius with the world and for lighting the way for so many of us.
Karina –
This course is definitely exceeding my expectations. The holistic embodied approach has allowed me to really integrate and embody the techniques and practices and I have found that the results are really showing in my daily life, in my relationships and how I relate to my emotions, patterns and belief systems. I love Brenda’s teaching style as she weaves her therapeutic approach throughout delivering the content, displaying the work in action. I am very happy I chose the course, I feel the changes and shifts have been life changing as well as learning so much knowledge and skills. I am excited to see how the journey unfolds for the diploma to come.
Dallas Nerra (verified owner) –
Words cannot ever describe what this course truly provides and empowers within you.
I was searching for the right course for me and not just another course driven by a purely academic mindset or approach.
From the very first class I’ve learnt more about myself than any course I’ve previously attended. (And there’s been a few). Sure, you learn techniques and theory, but this course isn’t just about that. It provides many ways and opportunities to not only work with what you know, but more importantly, to discover aspects of Self you didn’t even know existed. Hello Family Constellations!
Brenda is an amazing, funny, down to earth person, highly skilled and knowledgeable and has assembled an all star cast of facilitators well versed in their area of expertise. They walk their talk!
You’ll also develop beautiful relationships with diverse, like-minded colleagues who you’ll look forward to seeing every class to laugh, share, practice and listen to their unique journey. TAG provides the perfect ecosystem to become the counsellor you wish to be 😊
The only question to ask yourself is: Are you ready to discover who you truly are?
Lara Hamilton –
This course has benefitted me in all areas of my life. I had no idea going in how life changing it would be for me. The tools provided throughout the course have and will continue to serve and support me throughout my journey. This has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done and I am forever grateful to have experienced such fruitful learning.
Kaylene Fardy (verified owner) –
This course obliterated my comfort zone. It is challenging, intense, thought provoking and can catapult you to places inside of yourself where you have never been. If you yearn to know yourself & expand your awareness, this course is for you.
Ingrid Tonon –
A very beautiful course, supportive and nurturing and challenging in the right ways! A fantastic course to bring deeper insights into our personal needs and opportunities to heal and learn the skills to support and heal others.
Amy Wilkinson –
This course has offered me incredible and life changing tools for self awareness, deep personal empowerment and integration and a wealth of understanding into who we are and our immense capacity to embrace our whole self. Brenda’s teaching is honest, grounded and incredibly inspiring. This course will hold you and simultaneously challenge you to be all of who you are and to turn your gifts into your offerings.
Vanessa Bytheway –
The Certificate in Holistic Counselling is an amazing opportunity to gain resources and an introduction into numerous ways to work with clients at lightening speed. There is so much here! I think we have all been in a bit of a whirlwind as our lives have definitely been shaken and stirred whilst numerous updates have occurred internally and in adding to the toolbox! You will not be the same at the end of this course. Many in my group have been stunned at the transformations in many ways before our eyes. There is a wealth of resources to tap into and many modalities to try out as a taster…then you get to decide if you will continue with more. You will need time to dedicate to this transformational journey and to integrate all the good juju! Definitely a huge opportunity to look at a truly wholistic approach and the care needed for self and with clients.
Monika Kucewicz –
This is the most life changing course you may ever do. Not only will you benefit but so will everyone around you. This will shake up everything you ever thought was true and turn it on its head. If you are looking for change, this will deliver. If you are looking to connect, this will deliver. If you want to help others, this will deliver. It’s intense and will take over your life, but you won’t regret it.
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you Monika, it has been a joy to be part of your journey.
Siobhan Barter –
This course represents a phenomenal opportunity for self-growth, to give you the power and the knowledge to create the life that you deserve and the strength to overcome and face (even embrace) any challenge that life throws at you. This course has changed my life, it has changed how I view the world, how I feel walking around in the world – I now feel empowered with healthy boundaries and a healthy self regard.
This course might:
• challenge every belief you’ve ever held about yourself, your life, your past, and your future
• lead you to question everything (in a good way)
• change your life in a positive way if you welcome it and all of its teachings and you are vulnerable and open enough to receive all of the learnings and the experiences that it will give you
• offer you the ability to shake off those limitations that have held you back from becoming your best self and there is safety and connection with other cohort members – quite possibly new friendships that you didn’t even know existed
• offer you limitless opportunities to heal your past, to resource yourself in the present and to empower yourself going forward in this life as a fully actualised person.
It is said that all the juicy stuff in life happens when we are outside our comfort zone…and this creates lasting change and growth. Whether that change is changing a relationship, changing jobs or friendships that are no longer serving you. Unfortunately sometimes people give up on their goals and dreams because it feels too uncomfortable – we dip our toe in the river of change and the minute it feels too cold we jump back out. On this certificate course you have an opportunity to keep jumping back in yet there are adequate breaks in the learnings and the experiences so that you have adequate recovery time to embed what you’ve just learned about yourself. This in turn bolsters you for the next stage as the course is deliberately set up in a way that strengthens you as you go forward with the learnings. You might become aware that doing this inner work is uncomfortable and feels strange because it’s different and new and maybe even a little scary and yet I’m here to reassure you that on the other side of that discomfort there is absolute wonder and freedom and liberation and joy. The pure unadulterated joy of rediscovering who you really are, of dropping your stories and the shame and the shackles, of putting down all of the burdens and then reclaiming and running towards your true self.
Brenda Sutherland is a gifted therapist and one of the most rounded human beings I have met … her teachings and patience have helped me in so many more ways than I will ever be able to verbalise. I feel so grateful to Brenda and her team for putting this course together. Life is so different now and I have to pinch myself that I am finally becoming everything I thought I could be!
Do you want a kick start towards living the life of your dreams…to start actually living and not just existing? Do you feel called to help others in some way? If you feel this is you, then join the Awakening Group and participate in the Certificate of Holistic Counselling. It might just be the ride of your life! 🙂
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you so much Siobhan, it is a pleasure to work with you and witness your journey.
Sandy Harp –
I have a whole new outlook doing this course a second time. I’ve really engaged and played with it this time, not being afraid of failure or feeling uncomfortable. In fact, I’ve welcomed it because life sometimes it’s gold stars and feeling comfortable and that’s when I get my most growth. This course has given me the tools, the resources, to be able to do this for myself and for others.
It’s fast paced and dynamic, and if you do decide to take this course, remember to reach out to the others in the course, they and Brenda will be your greatest support. So, I invite you to jump in, with both feet and go for it. What have you got to lose? Seriously, what have you got to lose…and what could you gain?
Alita Blanchard –
Wonderful comprehensive course with so many aspects that I did not have awareness of – a fabulous additional to my work as a parenting mentor and coach and a powerful stepping stone towards the trauma healing work and somatic work that I want to further explore.
I LOVED the live components in Melbourne and meeting my course participants – I would loved to do more in person meetups though it made it financially tricky with travel and childcare for weekends away.
Also loved the full day trainings in weekends though they did take a toll on my family during a tricky year.
Alita Bee
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you Alita for your wonderful feedback and journeying with us
Nyree Banks –
The course content by Brenda is incredible. We are so fortunate that this is available to us. I knew the content resonated with me but I had no way of preparing for the epiphanies and the learnings and how this can be incorporated into my Naturopathic Clinic. The connections I have made with the others doing the course has been so supportive, honest and authentic. Brenda has this incredible way of pulling from the course content and including it in the practice sessions so you can see how it can be incorporated into your own counselling practice. I am looking forward to working with my clients in a whole new capacity after almost 20 years in practice.I am incredibly grateful to Brenda for this experience.
Paige Walker (verified owner) –
I’ve absolutely loved journeying through the Certificate of Holistic Counselling. Having spent hundreds of hours in talk therapy, such as CBT, which often made things worse, I almost gave up on counselling as a tool. I’m so glad I gave this course a chance. It teaches incredible life skills like effective communication and attachment theory that are invaluable in everyday life. I find myself being a lot more compassionate to those around me. I especially enjoyed experimenting with various tools to discover what resonates most with me. Initially, I was quite triggered by The Work of Byron Katie when I read the book before starting the course. However, now using these methods on myself, I feel liberated as the weight of my beliefs and projections have lifted. I’m so excited for the diploma and to dive even deeper into these transformative techniques.
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you Paige, it is a pleasure to journey with you and to continue to do so.
Sherelle Wilkinson –
The course assisted me to grow my relationship with who I really AM . The ripple effect into all other relationships with life has been profound. Brenda has created a course full of insightful content and delivers it with clarity, confidence and a dash of cheeky humor. There is flexibility within the structure. Time and energy well spent. I will continue on this path into the Diploma and then birth my own creation of counselling into the world. Thanks again Brenda and your team behind you!!
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you for your kind feedback Sherelle
Daniel Goncalves –
Wow what an amazing course. Brenda is an amazing inspiring teacher. This was way more than just a holistic course in counselling, this was a deep journey into the depths of who I am. In order to be the best counsellor possible it starts with my own inner healing and understandings of who I am and what makes me, me. Even if you don’t want to be a cousellor this is a course that everyone should take. It has made me a better communicator and given me so many tools on how to self soothe and regulate myself. I highly reccommend this course as a beautiful gift in personal and professional growth.
Brenda Sutherland –
Thank you so much Daniel, it is a delight to see these skills going out into the world in the work that you do.
Graham Wood –
I have really enjoyed this certificate for holistic counselling and look forward to continuing my learning with the diploma.
It has been a wonderful experience in personal and professional growth, acquiring skills and resources to be able to navigate the world of counselling from the heart space.
I also have deeply appreciated the sense of community and support I have had from Brenda, the other facilitators and my fellow students.
The course has been comprehensive and detailed, with a lot of time and effort put in by Brenda to cover every aspect of counselling and personal development.
I really think that anyone would benefit from taking this certificate, even if you didn’t have any aspirations of becoming a councilor.
Highly recommend to anyone seeking self discovery and changing their life and the environment around them for the better.