Erica Pitman

Advanced Diploma of Applied Social Science

Completed: 1998

Specialisation: Counselling & Communication

Study mode(s): Sydney Campus, Distance Education

State: NSW

Fieldwork placement: Schizophrenia Fellowship, Wellington, NZ; ARAFMI NSW, Sydney

Professional membership(s):

  • RMPACFA - Registered Member Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia
  • CMCAPA - Clinical Member NSW Counsellors & Psychotherapists Association

Experience at ACAP:
One of the most valuable learning experiences available, benefiting both personal and professional growth. The opportunity to work with and learn from educators and fellow students who span a wide range of ages, cultural backgrounds and work/life experiences greatly enriches the learning environment. A highly stimulating and rewarding experience.

How personally and or professionally benefitted from study at ACAP:
As part of the Working With Children module I designed my own program known as the SMILES (Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills) Program. This has been internationally recognised as best practice in the following publication - Pitman, E. & Matthey, S. (2004). The SMILES Program: A Group Program for Children With Mentally Ill Parents or Siblings. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Vol. 74, No. 3, 383-388, July 2004. Accepted for publication April 2003.

How used qualifications since graduation:
Employment with four different non-government organisations primarily relating to the mental health field and carers, co-ordinating and managing projects. Development and facilitation of over 90 workshops/training sessions. Presented at over 50 conferences/speaking engagements. Provided clinical supervision for the delivery of over 30 carer training programs.

In private practice:
Yes

Business name and details:
Erica Pitman
Bathurst, NSW 2795 
phone: (02) 6332 9498  email: ericap@ix.net.au

Description of services:
Counselling for Carers, Young Carers, Grief & Loss, Personal Development, Life Review, Individuals & Relationships. Professional supervision. Delivery of the SMILES Program. Consultancy and training for mental health services, non-government organisations, community organisations, small business.

I had reached a point in life where I wanted to work with people in a meaningful way. This course will allow me to use all my life experience, make a living and be fulfilled as a human being. It has given me stability in an uncertain world.
Peter Byers
Graduate Diploma of Counselling