David Sokol

Graduate Diploma of Counselling

Completed: 2002

Specialisation: Counselling

Study mode(s): Sydney Campus

State: NSW

Fieldwork placement: Mission Australia

I worked in corporate IT for 25 years, the last 17 of which were spent in senior management roles and I wanted a change. ACAP's status in the community opens many doors, and having successfully completed the Grad Dip, combined with my previous people management experience gave me the confidence to move into private practice.

My ACAP experience was excellent. I studied all my modules at the Sydney campus. The experiential nature of the training was key to my ability to learn and gain confidence in counselling skills. The trainers were marvellous and shared so much of themselves and their experiences. Studying in the evenings meant the classes were made up of undergrads and postgrads which enriched the learning experience.

I now have my own practice, Embrace Life, working with grief and loss clients, particularly clients from the cancer community. I work with the patient and their partner (and family). I also have clients going through relationship breakdown or divorce. Male clients come to me because they say that they feel more comfortable working with a male counsellor.