The idea of training counsellors in the New England/North West of NSW came about  because people believed that the best way to have counsellors who understand the stressors of rural living and who do not leave, is to train the people who live in the country, without them needing to leave the country to train. Hence the idea of training local people locally. The College provides training which allows local people, who understand local issues, to study and then counsel in their own communities.  The CCS course enables the student to develop a professional identity and master the skills and knowledge to counsel effectively.