Vision College Christchurch

"Just getting ready to start a program but been very positive so far."

"I did the Christian counselling course around 2012 through to 2014. The main philosophy taught is the person-centred approach founded by Carl Rogers, with other approaches touched upon; CBT, SFT and narrative therapy etc. Concerning the theology of the course, I personally found it a bit lacking in content and depth (having studied at Laidlaw Christian college) and would class it very much at entry-level. Now when they say 'Christian counselling' diploma/degree, it is not the case that you will learn Christian interventions to apply to your counselling but the fact that you will develop and grow as a Christian bringing that growth into the counselling room with the client--more a way of being than an application. Though the teaching and tutors are great, classes generally small and intimate, there is not really allot of academic support outside the classroom. The biggest issue I found in the 2nd year was the fact that placements (where you counsel real clients at a counselling centre, working toward 120 hours of one-on-one counselling before presenting to an assessment panel) are entirely left to the students to organise: so although you may do well in the 1st year; there is 'no guarantee' of getting a placement in the 2nd year, let alone the right no. of clients to pass your assessment---and though many do succeed there are always a few who struggle. I ended up repeating my 2nd year, which became a very expensive venture indeed due to lack of placement opportunities, as Vision 'do not' provide nor find 2nd year placements for students, which I found a bit off considering you've paid $$$--basically no placement no qualification and no progression to 3rd year degree level. In all honesty you may be better off going to ARA, who do provide academic support and placements for counselling students, taking the uncertainty out of study. And even if you are a Christian, you can still develop yourself as such in a secular college: the reality is our clients are people whether they're Christian or not. Laidlaw college also offer a Christian counselling degree, though I think their main focus is Narrative Therapy. In retrospect I would have gone with ARA but you need to explore the options for yourself considering your own situation, gender and ehthnic grouping. Disclaimer: I realise my study was almost a decade ago, so I implore you to do your own research before parting with your $$$, as things may have changed. Counselling is an expensive career to get into and many do not seek it for money alone (as it doesn't always provide so) but the internal rewards and growth are 2nd to none. God bless."

"Vision College is an amazing provider. Very friendly staff, great facilities that are modern and up to date. With a variety of programs offered, many of them free for most! From my experience with then, doing multiple of their courses, I can't recommend them enough! Vision college is absolutely high quality tertiary provider. Only complaint is the parking, there is parking offered, but spots are limited and usually fill up by 8:30am"

"A variety of courses available here. Class sizes are quite small which makes for a more personal and interactive learning experience with the teacher/s and classmates. Classes are only 2 or 3 days a week (well for the course I did) which is good for those who can't study full time. If you want parking on the premises you will have to arrive at least 25 minutes before classes start in the morning as there is very limited parking. The building and facilities are new and generally clean."

"Hiring for an IT position and immediately approached Vision College to communicate the role to their students. The assistance provided has been exemplary and I am very satisfied with the quality of each applicant. I approached Vision College in this way based on their excellent industry reputation, and they did not disappoint. They will be my first stop for all future job vacancies."