The Institute of Applied Psychology: Where Excellence Meets Innovation
IAP is Australia’s premier educational institution, revolutionising professional training in Counselling, Mental Health, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Strategic Psychotherapy, and Business Leadership.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #70206), we combine rigorous academic standards with cutting-edge innovation to deliver transformative education that is applied in the real world.
Pioneering the Future of Professional Education
At IAP, we’re redefining what world-class training looks like. We’ve integrated advanced AI-driven systems to enhance your learning experience, streamline support, and ensure seamless delivery — but technology is just one part of our story.
Our foundation remains deeply human. We believe that while innovation can transform how we learn, the personal connection between educators and students is irreplaceable. That’s why every technological advancement we implement is designed to strengthen, not replace, the human touch that makes learning meaningful.
Academic Excellence Designed for Real-World Impact
Our curriculum stands on the shoulders of giants — built upon evidence-based, research-driven frameworks firmly rooted in Ericksonian and neo-Ericksonian traditions. But we don’t stop at theory. IAP graduates don’t just gain knowledge; they develop practical skills that can be applied immediately. Whether you’re launching a new career, expanding your practice, or leading organisational change, you’ll leave equipped to create a tangible, lasting impact from day one.
Learn from Global Thought Leaders
- Internationally recognised educators and published authors
- Industry leaders actively shaping professional discourse
- Experts who’ve authored AQF-accredited courses
- Practitioners bringing real-world insights to every lesson
Through our partnerships with global thought leaders, IAP students access cutting-edge research, emerging trends, and evidence-based practices from around the world, ensuring you’re always learning at the forefront of your field.
Trusted by Industry, Recognised Globally
- Australian Counselling Association (ACA) – Peak body
- Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (HCA) – Peak body
- International NLP Association (INA) – Elite global body
- International Strategic Psychotherapy Association (ISPA)
- Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA)
- International Institute of Complementary Therapies (IICT)
- General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC – UK)
A Track Record of Excellence
400+ Five-Star Google Reviews tell our story better than we ever could. Combined with our Australian Business Awards Training Excellence Award, these accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to student success, innovation, and academic rigour.
IAP believe in transformation — yours, your clients’, and the communities you serve.
More Than a Qualification: A Transformation
- World-class knowledge grounded in proven methodologies and critical skillsets
- Cutting-edge skills that employers and clients desperately need
- Future-focused strategies that keep you ahead of the curve with real-world application
- Ongoing support from mentors who genuinely care about your success
Your Future Starts Here
Whether you’re taking your first steps into professional practice or elevating your existing expertise, IAP provides the perfect blend of academic excellence, practical application, and innovative delivery to help you succeed.
“At IAP, we believe remarkable is a choice, and the best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Join us at IAP, where tradition meets innovation, and potential becomes practice.
TRAINING EXCELLENCE WINNER – THE AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2023
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is arguably the most effective behavioural science on the planet today. It is a truly applied psychology that can be utilized by everyone from coaches and therapists, through to managers, marketers, and entrepreneurs.
We often spend a great deal of time studying for specific careers, but the evidence is very clear. Our attention should be on learning the core skills of “cognitive agility” so we can adapt and excel in a future where you are likely to have several careers.
In essence, the study of excellence and is modelled on what the best in any field consistently do. If you want the best results in your life, then this is worth exploring.
11271NAT Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy
The evidence supporting the extraordinary benefits of modern Clinical Hypnosis is growing rapidly.
So much so that the American Psychological Association (APA) dedicates an entire division to Clinical Hypnosis, and when coupled with Strategic Psychotherapy, considered by many to be an advancement beyond both ACT and CBT, it is an unbeatable combination.
Experienced professionals and those new to therapy are equally amazed at what can be achieved in a very short space of time.
Strategic Coaching
Coaching is among the fastest growing professions in the western world. If you are serious about becoming a life, executive or business coach of any note, and you are sufficiently discerning, then you probably already know that a 7 day NLP Practitioner (even if it has coaching in the title) won’t be enough.
Our Diploma of NLP and Strategic Coaching (unique to the IAP) is 20 days in length and takes up to 6 months to complete.
With this qualification under your belt, you can confidently go out there well armed to deal with the perennials of coaching. We have over 300 graduates operating as coaches now, and our own coaching staff EXCLUSIVELY come from our own ranks.
CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling – Your Pathway to Becoming a Counsellor in Australia
If you’ve ever felt called to support others, listen with empathy, or make a meaningful impact in people’s lives, becoming a counsellor could be the path you’ve been looking for.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is a nationally recognised qualification that gives you the practical tools, ethical framework, and communication skills to work confidently in the mental health space. It’s designed for everyday people—from all walks of life—who are ready to step into a rewarding and respected profession.
Accredited by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the peak body for counsellors in Australia, this diploma opens the door to employment, private practice, or simply becoming the person others turn to in times of need. Whether you’re starting fresh or building on life experience, this course helps you grow both professionally and personally—so you can make a genuine difference in the lives of others.
WHY OUR GRADUATES LOVE US
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The NLP with Gordon Young was wonderful. Gordon has experience, loves what he does and teaches from heart. It was amazing experience!
Guaraciara Roma Petrucci -
If you want to learn from the best in the Industry – I highly recommend to enrol with IAP! I successfully completed the Diploma course “Clinical Hypnotherapy & Strategic Psychotherapy” and the “NLP Practitioner” course and now I can’t wait for the NLP Master Practitioner Course to start! Gordon Young and his team are amazing and I enjoyed every minute of the courses. They are very well structured and Gordon’s professional presentation and unique teaching style made both courses very engaging and learning actually fun! I am most appreciative for the solid knowledge that I gained and I look forward to pass it on to my clients!
Stephanie Karst-McGrath -
Incredible training, Gordon has a huge knowledge base, is an excellent trainer, and genuinely cares for the course participants. I can’t recommend the training any higher. Simple to follow and gets results. Do yourself a favour, don’t look any further. Lucilla
Lucilla Howison
MEET OUR FACULTY

GORDON YOUNG
FOUNDER AND LEAD TRAINER
BA (HONS) DIP ED Gordon is the founder of The Institute of Applied…



DR WILLIAM HERFEL
TRAINER
Dr Bill Herfel first came to The Institute of Applied Psychology as…




DR COLIN LEMMON
TRAINER FOR QUEENSLAND AND NEW ZEALAND
PHD, BA (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY, DIP CH Dr. Colin Lemmon is a university lecturer…




DR LISA BLACKWELL
PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANT
Lisa first came to the IAP as a student and completed a…


MELISSA MCLEOD
TRAINER AND ASSESSOR
Originally from the United kingdom and trained as an Art Therapist working…






Deborah is Clinical Hypnotherapist , Strategic Psychotherapist, NLP Practitioner and coach who practices…


Kerry has a Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy 10450NAT, a Diploma…
THE FACULTY AND ADJUNCT FACULTY – YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS
GORDON YOUNG
FOUNDER AND LEAD TRAINER
BA (HONS) DIP ED, DIP CHSP As a registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, facilitator and…
DR ROB MCNEILLY
DOCTOR
Dr. Robert McNeilly was in a suburban Melbourne GP for 10 years, had…






DEBORAH BIDERMAN
ASSESSOR AND TUTOR
Deborah is Clinical Hypnotherapist , Strategic Psychotherapist…
KERRY BAILEY
ASSESSOR
Kerry has a Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy 10450NAT..
JORGE REBOLLEDO
ASSESSOR
Jorge has worked across higher and vocational education, corporate…
ADJUNCT FACULTY
DR DAN SHORT
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
Dan Short, PhD is currently director of the Milton H. Erickson Institute in Phoenix. He has served as Assistant Director…
BILL O’HANLON
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR ERICKSONIAN HYPNOSIS (ONLINE)
Bill O’Hanlon is a dynamic, inspirational professional speaker and prolific author (about 40 books so far)…
DR COLIN LEMMON
TRAINER FOR QUEENSLAND AND NEW ZEALAND
PHD, BA (HONS) PSYCHOLOGY, DIP CH Dr. Colin Lemmon is a university lecturer…
DR LISA BLACKWELL
PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANT
Lisa first came to the IAP as a student and completed a Diploma…
DR WILLIAM HERFEL
TRAINER
Dr Bill Herfel first came to the IAP as a student. He is a philosopher of science and technology…
THE IAP VISION
We know that Exceptional is a CHOICE.
We aspire to create a world where everyone reaches their potential.
THE IAP VISION
We know that Exceptional is a CHOICE.
We aspire to create a world where everyone reaches their potential.
BILL O’HANLON
TRAINER
Bill O’Hanlon is US-based, is considered among the top 10 hypnotherapists in the…
BRIGITTE LASTIN
TRAINER AND LEAD COACH
Brigitte first came to the IAP as a student. She completed both a…
SUSY NATAL
COACHING TEAM
Susy originally came to IAP as a student. She completed a Diploma of NLP, Leadership…