In January 2001 the Wellness Counsellor Diploma was launched. This program took over a year to develop. Much attention was paid at the time to this holistic model of helping others; course developers were commissioned to present every module in each wellness counselling course. Many iterative changes have been made over the years but the program maintains true to its original concept – that healing only occurs with a full and balanced approach focusing on mind, body, emotions, and spirit. This holistic model has since become very popular in treatment and recovery programs throughout North America.