Program Overview

Diploma of Counselling - accredited by the Australian Counselling Association

Course Description

This course will provide you with skills that will be extremely helpful in a variety of career pathways. If you are planning to embark on a career in counselling, are looking to improve your current career or want to further your own personal development our framework ensures you will be getting the most out your studies. As part of our counselling course you will become familiar with evidence-based counselling models, strategies and therapies as well as techniques from strength-based therapy.

KEY INFORMATION

• Duration: 78 weeks including holidays
• AQF Level: 5
• Course Delivery: Face-to-Face

Areas of Study

• Community Services

Course Entry Requirements

International Students

• Students must be 18 years or above
• Have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.
• Complete a Pre-Enrolment Review prior to enrolment
• Complete an online language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment (on campus)
• Basic-intermediate level of computer skills
• Proficient in English International Students require either an
  • IELTS level of 5.5 or above with no band under 5.0 or
  • TOEFL 46 (internet-based) or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) 42 or
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) score of 162 or
  • OET score of B for each test component

Domestic Students

• 18 years of age or older
• Satisfactorily completed Year 12 or equivalent
• Be able to read and comprehend course requirements
• Have an intermediate to advanced understanding of computers and the internet to assist with conducting research and complete assessments

Course Structure

This qualification consists of 17 units of competency that is made up of 13 core units and 4 elective units

Students enrolled in this qualification are NOT required to undertake work placement, however AHSI may give opportunities to students to undertake work placement if they wish to.

Work placement requirements

• Hold a Working with Children Check
• Hold a National Criminal Police Check
• Are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy to respond appropriately to personal needs
• First Aid Course certificate
• Up to date immunisation including COVID19

Core units

• CHCCCS019 | Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• CHCCSL001 | Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
• CHCCSL002 | Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
• CHCCSL003 | Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
• CHCCSL004 | Research and apply personality and development theories
• CHCCSL005 | Research and apply learning theories in counselling
• CHCCSL006 | Select and use counselling therapies
• CHCCSL007 | Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
• CHCCSM005 | Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
• CHCDIV001 | Work diverse people
• CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
• CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically
• CHCPRP003 | Reflect on and improve own professional practice

Elective units

• CHCCCS017 | Provide loss and grief support
• CHCDIV003 | Promote and manage diversity
• CHCADV001 | Facilitate the interests and rights of clients
• CHCCCS003 | Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide

Career opportunities

Possible career opportunities relevant to this qualification include:

• Social worker
• Domestic and Family Violence Counsellor
• Youth worker
• Case Management Supervisor
• Case Worker or Case Manager
• Community Services Worker
• Community Services Manager
• Careers Counsellor
• Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
• Family and Marriage Counsellor
• Pathway to Rehabilitation Counsellor
• Student Counsellor