Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy (PGDCFT/EDCFT)

The Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Family and Counselling Therapy is a comprehensive programme that provides in-depth knowledge of counselling psychology, family systems, marriage dynamics, and mental health intervention. The course integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and counselling techniques, to equip learners with practical therapeutic skills. Students will explore psychological, emotional, and social challenges within individuals and families, including marital conflicts, parenting stress, trauma, grief, disability-related concerns, and mental health issues.

Programme Overview:

The Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Family and Counselling Therapy is a professional programme designed to provide learners with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in counselling, psychotherapy, family therapy, and mental health support. The course focuses on understanding human behaviour, family systems, marital relationships, developmental challenges, and psychological well-being across the lifespan.

The curriculum covers counselling theories, family and marriage counselling, child and adolescent counselling, psychopathology, grief and trauma counselling, geriatric counselling, research methods, and psychological assessment. Learners will be trained in evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and narrative therapy, along with ethical counselling practices and case management. This programme prepares learners for professional roles in schools, hospitals, NGOs, mental health centres, rehabilitation settings, and community counselling services.

Programme Structure

International Affiliation with

Module 1: Foundations of Counselling Psychology

• Definition of Counselling, Goals of Counselling, objective and Psychotherapy
• History of Counselling
• Techniques and Skills of Counselling
• Role and Responsibilities of Therapists
• Ethical considerations in therapeutic relationships
• Specialized Areas in Counselling

Module 2: Family Systems, Marital Dynamics, and Contemporary Family Issues

• Nature and Scope of Family Counselling
• Communication, Conflict, and Relationship Challenges
• Parenting, Family Roles, and Emotional Dynamics
• Contemporary Issues in Marriage and Family Life
• Family Assessment and Intervention Approaches 

Module 3: Theories, Approaches, and Techniques in Marriage and Family Counseling

• Theories of Marriage Counselling
• Theories of Family Counselling
• Core Techniques Used in Family and Marriage counselling
• Application of theories in Family Education
• Application of theories in Marriage Education

Module 4: Special Disabilities in Marriage and Family Issues

• Types of Disabilities and Their Impact on Marital Relationships
• Marital Dynamics in Families with Disabilities
• Counselling Techniques for Couples with Disabilities
•  Supporting Families in Managing Disability-Related Stress
•  Ethical Considerations in Disability and Family Counselling

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: Psychopathology and Mental Health Awareness

• Overview: Classification and Diagnosis (DSM-5/ICD-10)
• Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Personality disorder & eating disorder
• Trauma, Stress, and OCD-Related Disorders
• Suicide, Self-Harm, and Crisis Intervention
• Substance Use and Addictive Disorders 

Module 7: Geriatric Counselling and Positive Aging

• 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 8: Grief, Trauma, and Bereavement Counselling

• Understanding Grief and Loss
• Theoretical frameworks of grief and bereavement  
• Grief counselling
• Counselling for Chronic Illness and Terminal Conditions
• Therapeutic Approaches to Grief Counselling
• Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Grief and Bereavement Therapy

Module 9: Research Methodology, Assessment, & Psychometrics

• Research Methods
• Principles of Psychological Testing & Psychometric Tools
• Ethical Considerations in Assessment and Research

Module 10: Case Study

Module 11: 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 Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy by Centre for Health Management and Research, IGMPI. For all the above-mentioned modules, Online Classes (Online mode) 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

The Institute has partnered with many organizations for providing with placement assistance to its participants. Besides, it has a robust placement cell comprised of senior level Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts which maintains close links with business and industry. This cell is continuously engaged in promoting the employability of our participants and encouraging the concerned Human Resources department and Hiring Managers to recruit/hire our participants for their vacant positions. The efforts of our placement cell also include helping with professional resume writing & interview skills.

In recent months the Institute has witnessed more and more participation from professionals working with global healthcare giants like Healthcare Settings (Apollo, Max Healthcare, Fortis etc.), Corporate Wellness Centres (Amaha, Mantra Care, Nirawellness etc.), Health Coaching and Consultancy (The Health Science Academy, Aanya Wellness, Shreehi Consulting Services LLP etc.), Education and Training, NGO’s (Mindroot Foundation, The MIND foundation etc.), and Private Practices etc.

Future career prospects

Post Graduate Diploma/Executive Diploma in Family and Counselling Therapy will be prepared for professional opportunities in the growing fields of counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, and family support services. With increasing awareness of emotional well-being and psychological health, trained counselling professionals are in demand across educational, healthcare, rehabilitation, and community settings.

Career opportunities include roles such as Family Counsellor, Marriage Counsellor, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, School Counsellor, Mental Health Support Professional, Grief and Trauma Counsellor, Geriatric Counsellor and Community Mental Health Worker. Graduates may work in schools, hospitals, NGOs, counselling centres, wellness organizations, and private practice settings. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further studies and professional training in counselling psychology, psychotherapy, family therapy, and mental health practice, enabling learners to contribute positively to the emotional, psychological, and relational well-being of individuals and families.

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Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 2^nd Jun 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