"Depth"

Mission Vision and Values | Frequently Asked Questions | Calendar
Course Topics | Admissions | Quotes From Alumni | School Policies
Confidentiality | Introductory Seminar

Becoming a Wellness Counselor

Individuals who have endured profound life experiences can be exceptional counselors, coaches and consultants. In fact, many people seeking counseling today do not require the therapeutic skills of psychologists or psychiatrists who are specifically trained to treat neurosis and psychosis. There is a growing population of people who simply need to stop, contemplate their goals, and "hear themselves think." Wellness Counseling is a style of peer counseling designed to meet the needs of an increasing number of "healthy" individuals who want to get themselves motivated on a practical level.

Much like the medical profession, which focuses on sickness rather than health, the academic training of a licensed psychologist focuses on mental imbalance rather than on mental wellness. Wellness counseling is based on the concept of peer counseling where ordinary people with ordinary problems are trained not to advise or counsel, but to ask questions that will empower a person to find their own solutions within themselves.

The Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program

This unique training is an eight week, 80.5-hour practicum in professional peer counseling. The course is taught over the course of 8 Sundays and 8 weekday nights in Honolulu and as a 3 weekend, 2 weeknight intensive when taught elsewhere. Graduates are certified as wellness counselors specializing in personal development and success coaching.

While the courses focus on practical peer coaching, consulting, and counseling proficiency, students may also learn the business and entrepreneurial skills necessary to build a successful sole proprietorship as a wellness counselor.

Unlike traditional therapeutic training, the Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program first assists you in mastering your own personal development because we believe that the quality of your own life enhances your abilities as a peer counselor. Many students come simply to learn the technique for use in their personal and professional lives. Others, who are interested in pursuing a career as a peer counselor, take the optional business training to learn how to provide this holistic approach to a paying clientele. Regardless of your reason for learning the process, it is a life transforming experience that will empower you to solve problems efficiently and effectively.


Mission, Vision & Values

The Hawaii Wellness Institute was founded on the premise that human consciousness is a work in progress for which we are each responsible. As we proceed into the twenty-first century, new methods for helping others are required to fill the needs of a growing population who are seeking to create more fulfilling lives. Unlike most colleges, the Hawaii Wellness Institute does not believe that formal education is as relevant to counselor preparation as a student's own personal development. In fact, learning from one's own life experience provides an ideal preparation for becoming an exceptional and empathetic professional peer counselor.

This program is designed primarily, though not exclusively, for adult mid-career professionals seeking personal transformation and an opportunity to become a wellness counselor. The Wellness Counselor Training is a transformational process which promotes and facilitates the personal and professional development of the students yet is steeped in the humanistic and transpersonal traditions which place a high value on care for the soul.

Wellness counseling is the popular alternative for healthy populations seeking motivational and disciplinary skills unrelated to therapeutic counseling. Students are taught to distinguish between populations who need psychological services for treatment of diagnosable conditions and those who simply require a boost to keep them moving forward. Wellness Counseling does not focus on the "whys" of the past, but on the "how to's" of the future so the client can create a personally empowered life.


Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is unique about this wellness counselor
training?

• Academic education is not a prerequisite.
• To build confidence and perpetuate personal growth, students practice counseling on personal acquaintances as well as each other.
• Students complete 15 hours of practice sessions before graduating.
• To insure continued success, quarterly alumni gatherings are available to each graduate at no cost.
• Career certification students are coached to create a plan, business cards, and brochures to advertise their expertise during the training.

2) Why does the Hawaii Wellness Institute consider life experience so valuable?

The Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program is based on the concept of peer support as used in Alcoholic Anonymous. By learning and growing from past mistakes, the peer counselor becomes proficient in identifying the special needs of a client that suffers from the same issues the counselor once endured. Wellness counselors serve to coach their peers through a series of questions rather than offering advise.

When you consistently give, you will ultimately be rewarded. Wellness counselors can earn $65 per session assisting others to improve the quality of their lives. The very nature of the work keeps the wellness counselor on track in their own personal life, striving to become a better and better role model.

"This is true spirituality expressed. This training has provided tools to bring order, ambition, and vision into my life."

- Antonia Adler Certified Wellness Counselor

Calendar

The Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program is offered three times a year; in the Spring, Summer and Fall. It is an 8-week course. Counselor training courses meet on a weekend day from 10:00am - 6:00pm and the optional career training courses meet on a weekday evening from 6:00 - 8:30pm.

Course Topics

The Track I Sunday courses are dedicated to counselor training skills while the optional Track II Wednesday courses focus on the business aspects of being a sole proprietor.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission into the Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program must:

1. Hold a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate.

2. Be at least 25 years of age (younger students who have matured due to extenuating life circumstances and who intend to counsel peers shall be considered.)

3. Possess a positive attitude, an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to succeed.

Applying for Admission
The admissions process is designed to ensure a good match between the applicant and the Hawaii Wellness Institute. Qualification for admissions is placed on a student's ability to work independently, to articulate clearly, and to exhibit a passion for working empathetically with people. Class size is limited. Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis. All applicants should read the School Policies for details on admissions, financial aids, and work scholarships. Applications are considered complete when all of the following materials have been received by the Hawaii Wellness Institute, 3670 Kalihi Street, Honolulu HI 96819

1) Application Form

2) Typed essay identifying life obstacles, how those obstacles were overcome, and how they will enhance your skills as a wellness counselor.

3) Non-refundable $100 application fee payable by check or major credit card.

Tuition Fees
Nonrefundable Application Fee: $100
Tuition ranges from $1,499 - $2,398 per 8-week semester.

The cost of the Track I counselor training is $1,499. For those interested in using the skills professionally, the business and motivational aspects of the training is taught in Track II for an additional $899, bringing the total to $2,398. We do not recommend taking the Track I counselor training courses without the accompanying business courses unless you are already successfully in business for yourself. Financial aid in the form one 25% tuition reduction work scholarship is available each term.

Selected Quotes from Alumni

School Policies

Notification of Admission
The final admission decision is determined one to three days after the application is received. A letter of announcement will immediately be sent to the prospective student.

Deferring Admission
Applicants who have been accepted may defer their start date for up to one year by submitting that request in writing prior to the first day of training of the semester in which they are admitted. This insures that the student will not have to re-apply or pay the application fees twice.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The Hawaii Wellness Institute welcomes diversity and believes that a humanistic education is one in which the full spectrum of human beings is encountered and appreciated. The Hawaii Wellness Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.

Refund Policy Application Fees
Application fees may be refunded if the application is withdrawn within 48 hours of its receipt at the Institute.

Canceling Enrollment
An applicant may cancel enrollment prior to entering classes by submitting written notice to the Institute. If cancellation occurs within three business days of enrollment, tuition shall be reimbursed in full.

Terminating Your Training
If training is terminated after the student enters classes, the effective date of withdrawal is the date the Hawaii Wellness Institute receives official written notification of the student's intention to withdraw. Tuition refunds will be received by the student within 10 days of the withdrawal date. The following percentages of tuition will be refunded: a) Within 48 hours of enrollment: 100%; b) If a student withdraws prior to completion of 50% of the contracted instructional training, the student shall the contracted instructional training, the student shall be entitled to a pro-rata refund of the total tuition; c) If a student withdraws upon completion of 50% of the contracted instructional training, no refund shall be granted, but the student will be admitted to the second half of future trainings at no cost. Future trainings must be taken within one year's time; d) If the Institute terminates a program for any reason, students will be refunded in full; e) If a student is expelled from the course due to extended absences, nonparticipation, or irresponsibility, refunds will not be granted.

Tuition
Students are advised that all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change in the future. Payment plans are available but will be subject to administrative fees as explained below. Students should expect to be enrolled continually during their studies at the Hawaii Wellness Institute. Applications received 10 days prior to the first day of the training shall be eligible for the prepayment plan.

Prepayment
Tuition for the Wellness Counselor Career Training Program is $2,398 if paid in full and received by the Institute ten days prior to the first day of school. Students who did not receive the application packet ten days prior to the first day of school may take advantage of the prepayment plan even though they missed the deadline as long as the payment is received by the first day of school. If a student had the application packet from the Hawaii Wellness Institute but delayed submitting their application on time, they may take advantage of the pre-payment plan but the cost will be $50 more.

Two-Payment Plan
Tuition is $150 more than the prepayment tuition if paid in two installments ($1,649 or $2,548 depending on which tracks of the training you take). 50% of the tuition is due by the 1st day of the training and 50% will be due by the midpoint between the first day of school and graduation day.

Four-Payment Plan
Tuition is $200 more than the prepayment tuition if paid in four installments. 25% of the total tuition ($1,699 or $2,598) shall be paid in four installments with the first payment due by the first day of the training and the last payment due two weeks prior to graduation.

Methods of Payment
Acceptable forms of payment are visa, master card, discover card, cash, check, or money order

Penalties
A $50 late fee is charged for payments received after the deadline. Students with unfulfilled tuition obligations two weeks prior to graduation day are subject to dismissal from the program unless a prior payment contract has been arranged with the school and signed by the student. Students who are dismissed from the program for nonpayment are not eligible for refunds but may finish the training the following semester and will receive their certification upon completion of the courses.

Financial Assistance Loans
Students who have received an acceptance letter from the Hawaii Wellness Institute are eligible to apply for a low interest educational loan with the Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union. Applications may be obtained at the branch offices of the credit union or at the Hawaii Wellness Institute. Students needing financial aid are encouraged to apply as soon as they are accepted into the program to qualify for the prepayment plan to keep costs at a minimum.

Work Study Scholarship
The Hawaii Wellness Institute offers limited tuition assistance to one student per semester taking both the career training and the counselor training courses. The student will cover 75% of the training and then work as an assistant to Dr. Massad, four hours a week during each of the eight weeks the training is in session. Interested students should apply in person or by telephone. Selection is based on financial need and the student's administrative skills. If the work study requirements are not met, the student will be responsible to pay the full tuition within two weeks of graduation or be subject to dismissal. Students who are dismissed from the program for nonpayment are not eligible for refunds but may finish the training the following semester and receive their certification upon completion of the courses.

Professionalism, Ethics, and Confidentiality
A large part of your education at the HWI includes developing the attitudes and perspectives which will encourage you toward professionalism, honesty, and legal business practices. Therefore, the use of illicit drugs and alcohol on the school premises is not acceptable. And because cigarettes are not conducive to a holistic wellness environment, smoking is banned from the premises, as well. A therapeutic atmosphere is essential to a healing environment. While trust and acceptance shall be cultivated in the training, sarcasm, cynicism and sexual innuendo will not be tolerated. Confidentiality is a trust agreement that exists for the protection of all parties involved. Confidentiality, an ethical concern for wellness counseling, assures that all information regarding fellow students, clients, and faculty remains within the confines of the Hawaii Wellness Institute. It is not appropriate or acceptable to discuss situations shared in class with others with whom you have relationships outside of the training. Such restraint will be essential in your private practice so we ask that you keep any personal information gathered in the training strictly confidential. Any abuse of these professionalism, ethics, or confidentiality guidelines will result in two warnings before expulsion.

Firm, Fair, Consistent and Positive Discipline Hawaii Wellness Institute prides itself on maintaining a unity of purpose, empowerment, and a pervasive environment that is nurturing and caring for each and every student. High expectations are placed on every candidate. The choice to be a wellness counselor requires a willingness to engage in personal reflection and a commitment toward developing mutual respect for and responsibility toward all people, regardless of differing values. Because students are learning to mentor others, school discipline includes firmness and consistency as well as the usual much worked at fairness and positivity that graduates will eventually model to their own clients. To be an effective wellness counselor requires dedication and a commitment to working together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and participation. Potential counselors are required to approach their own education with passion, dedication and enthusiasm. If a student does not consistently exhibit the qualities required to become a leader and an entrepreneur, the Institute would do them and their future clients a great disservice in certifying them. We believe that cultivating excellence during the training will insure excellence in one's personal and professional life long after the training is over.

Missed Classes
Because of the compact nature of the course and the techniques that are learned by "doing," absenteeism is highly discouraged. 100% attendance is required for graduation. However, if a class must be missed due School Policies to illness or other extenuating circumstances, the student is required to give prior notice of the absence (by phone) so the course can be taped for you. There will be a $15 charge for missed Track II business courses or half days of Track I counselor courses. A $30 fee will be charged for missed Sundays. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the tapes and to catch up on the work.

Homework
Weekly assignments may include reading, goal setting, self-reflective writing, marketing research, completion of handouts, and preparation for quizzes. Students are required to hand in homework assignments on time.

Late assignments will not be accepted.

Quiz and Test Format
Quizzes consist of 10 questions (matching, fillins, or multiple choice). Bonus questions are often offered.

Passing Scores
A 70% average on weekly quizzes and 75% or above on the final exam will be required for certification. Missed quizzes will not be given late. Failed or missed tests may result in an oral exam the following week to insure the student has not fallen behind.

Requirements for Graduation & Certification:

a) Attendance & class participation b) Professionalism c) 70% average on weekly quizzes d) 75% or above on final exam e) Tuition paid in full

How to Apply?

To apply for The Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program online, complete and submit the convenient Application Form. To pay by check, print out the form, hand print your information, and send with payment to:

You Are Invited to Learn to Counsel Yourself and Others Workshop

If you are interested in knowing more about The Wellness Counselor Career Training and Certification Program, you are invited to attend our 2-and-a-half-hour seminar.

The seminars provide potential students an opportunity to come and meet Dr. Massad, to experience an actual demonstration of wellness counseling with a volunteer, to determine whether the Hawaii Wellness Institute fits iwith your own personal or career goals, to ask questions, and to learn more about financial aid opportunities.

Learn to Counsel Yourself and Others Workshop
Sunday, September 9, 2007
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Hawaii Wellness Retreat House
3670 Kalihi Street
Honolulu, HI 96819


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