Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Counselling Psychology (PCP/ECP)

Programme Overview

The PG Diploma/Executive Diploma in Counselling Psychology Programme is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in psychological principles, counselling skills, and therapeutic approaches used to support emotional, behavioural, interpersonal, and psychological well-being. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning to help students understand human behaviour, develop effective communication and counselling skills, and apply appropriate counselling techniques across diverse settings.

The curriculum covers key areas of psychology, counselling theories, career and school counselling, anxiety and mood disorders, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, professional boundaries, cultural sensitivity, case-based learning, and the development of essential skills required for responsible counselling practice.

Programme Structure

International Affiliation with

The programme is organised into structured modules that progressively develop learners’

understanding of psychology, counselling foundations, psychological concerns, and therapeutic approaches. Each module integrates conceptual learning with practical examples, case studies, and skill-based activities to strengthen learners’ ability to understand client concerns and apply counselling principles appropriately.

The programme includes the following key learning areas:

• Foundations of Psychology and Human Behaviour
• Fundamentals of Counselling Psychology
• Counselling Skills, Techniques, and Approaches
• School and Career Counselling
• Family, Relationship, and Individual Counselling
• Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Art Therapy and Play Therapy
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Ethics and Professional Standards in Psychology
• Case Studies and Practical Applications

The programme aims to develop foundational knowledge and practical counselling competencies while promoting ethical, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed approaches to psychological well-being. Completion of the programme should not be interpreted as independent authorization to practise as a clinical psychologist or to provide services beyond the learner’s qualifications and professional scope.

Module 1: Introduction to Psychology

• Definition and Importance of Psychology
• Branches and Scope of psychology
• Early Philosophical Influences on Psychology
• Roles and Responsibilities of Counselling Psychologists 

Module 2: Major Theoretical Approaches in Psychology

• Schools of Psychology
• Structuralism
•  Functionalism
• Psychodynamic
•  Humanistic Psychology
• Behaviourisms

Module 3: Human Growth, Development and Psychopathology

• Lifespan Development
• Developmental Theories
• Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence 

Module 4: Foundations and Process of Counselling

• Definition of Counselling, Goals of Counselling, objective and Psychotherapy
• History of Counselling, Types of Counselling
• Techniques, Skills and Process of Counselling
• Role and Responsibilities of Therapists

Module 5: Child and Adolescent Counselling

• Introduction to Child and Adolescent Development
• Theories of Child and Adolescent Development
• Childhood Disorders and Mental Health Issues
• School Counselling and Academic Challenges
• Parent–Child Dynamics and Development

Module 6: School and Career Counselling

• Introduction of School and Career Counselling
• Importance and Objectives of School and Career Counselling
• Theories of Career Development and Career Choice
• Steps and Process of Career Counselling

Module 7: Family & Marital Therapy

• Overview of Family, Group & Marital Therapies
• Theories and approaches
• Techniques and Interventions 

Module 8: Workplace and Organizational Counselling

• Foundations of Organizational Counselling
• Psychological Challenges in the Workplace
• Counselling Approaches and Techniques
•  Implementation of Counselling Programs in Organization
• Occupational Stress, Burnout, and Coping Strategies
• Workplace Bullying, Harassment, and Prevention Strategies

Module 9: Counselling Across the Lifespan: Gender and Geriatric Counselling

• Introduction, Types, and Principles of Geriatric Counselling
• Late Adulthood: The Final Stage of Human Development
• Psychotherapy and Mental Health in Late Adulthood
• Neurocognitive and Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Retirement Adjustment and Family Caregiver Support
• Positive Aging, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Module 10: Anxiety and Mood disorder

• Introduction to Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Types of Anxiety Disorders & Mood Disorders
• Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Signs, Symptoms, and Psychological Impact
• Counselling Strategies

Module 11:  Ethics, Professional Practice and Cultural Competence in Counselling

• APA Ethical Guidelines and Professional Standards in Psychology
• Basic Ethical Guidelines in CBT
• Cultural Considerations in CBT
• Diversity and Inclusion in CBT Practice

Module 12: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Basic Principles and Foundations of CBT
• Cognitive Model: Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviours
• Cognitive Distortions and Negative Thinking Patterns
• Cognitive Restructuring and Thought Challenging

Module 13: Art Therapy and Play Therapy

• Principles and Objectives of Art Therapy and Play Therapy
• Types and Techniques of Art Therapy
• Types and Techniques of Play Therapy
• Applications in Emotional, Behavioural, and Psychological Concerns

Module 14: Third-Wave Behaviour Therapies: Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Introduction to Third-Wave Behaviour Therapies
• Introduction to Motivational Enhancement Therapy & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Principles and Techniques of MET & ACT
• Techniques and Applications of MET and ACT

Module 15: Case Study

Module 16: Capstone Project

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certifications Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for our Under Graduate Diploma and Diploma holders of two to three years course duration are also eligible for the PG Diploma.

Programme Duration

The minimum duration to complete the PG diploma programme is 12 months and maximum is 24 months. The minimum duration to complete the executive diploma programme is 6 months and maximum is 12 months.

Programme Mode

Registrations are currently open for regular and Part-time (Online Live Classes) both modes.

Programme Deliverables

A comprehensive study material for all the modules in hard copies ensuring the needs of the audience. The accompanying training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry’s expectations.

• Assignments for all the programme modules for continuous evaluation and guidance.
• Interactive or online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online Live Classes/Part-time for all the modules will be conducted on the weekends. Moreover, a doubt clearing session will also be scheduled before the examination.
• All the efforts are made by IGMPI faculty members to make the entire programme modules easily understandable.
• Assessment and evaluation for all the programme modules in order to enhance the levels of competencies and skills of the participants leading towards the objective of application in the job.
• At the end of each programme modules, the trainers shall obtain feedback from the participants using specially designed questionnaires.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Examination & Certification

All the participants are expected to appear for an online exam and are also obliged to submit assignments after each module. After successful completion, the participants will be awarded. The PG Diploma/Executive Diploma in Counselling Psychology by Centre for Health Management and Research, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules, Online Live Classes/Part-time or face-to-face classes (Regular mode), elaborate programme material, self-assessment assignments would be provided by the Institute. Details get updated on the webpage as well.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance & Corporate Relations

For the Post Graduate Diploma, Undergraduate Diploma, Executive Diploma and Professional Certification Programmes, we will provide placement assistance after the completion of the programme. The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing placement assistance to its students. The robust placement cell comprises senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing, interview skills & conducting mock interviews etc.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare like , Jhpiego, SELCO Foundation, TATA Foundation, Samarthan NGO, PSI, UNICEF, WHO, HCL Foundation, IPE Global, Optum, PATH, AIIMS, Action against Hunger, Ekta Shakti Foundation, Seva Foundation, India HIV-AIDS Alliance, HLFPPT, Deepak Foundation, Novartis, LalPath Labs Ltd., Fortis Healthcare Ltd., HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., Indraprastha Medical Corporation Ltd., Narayana Hrudayalaya Ltd., Piramal Enterprises Ltd., Wockhardt Ltd., Cactus Communications, Public Health Foundations of India, Cytel, Religare Health Insurance Company Ltd., Deloitte, DuPont Sustainable Solutions, Bain & Company, Alvarez & Marsal, McKinsey & Company, etc. The IGMPI’s Corporate Resource Division actively recommends our students and training participants for various job requirements and specialized roles to Human Resource, Talent Acquisition as well as the heads of various departments in Pharmaceutical, Healthcare industries on regular basis.

Future career prospects

The Counselling Psychology Programme offers potential career opportunities across educational, corporate, community, and wellness settings. Learners can explore roles in counselling support, school counselling, and career guidance, subject to their qualifications. The programme provides foundational skills for supporting emotional well-being, personal growth, and stress management. It prepares learners to contribute to mental health awareness and psychosocial support initiatives. Opportunities may also be available in NGOs, community organisations, wellness centres, and employee well-being programmes. Learners can apply their knowledge in areas such as communication skills, relationship support, emotional regulation, and resilience building. The programme may also serve as a foundation for further education and specialised training in counselling and psychotherapy. Career progression depends on academic qualifications, practical experience, additional training, and applicable professional requirements.

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Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 26^th Oct 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in