Course Overview

About This Course

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.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Suite 101A, Level 1, 130 Main St, Blacktown NSW 2148, Australia

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General 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

Work Placement Requirements (if applicable):

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

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

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.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Professional Body

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) / PACFA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACA / PACFA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units17 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

CHCCCS017

Provide loss and grief support

Elective unit

CHCDIV003

Promote and manage diversity

Elective unit

CHCADV001

Facilitate the interests and rights of clients

Elective unit

CHCCCS003

Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide

Elective unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is work placement compulsory for the Diploma of Counselling at AHSI?

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. If students choose to participate, they must hold a Working with Children Check, a National Criminal Police Check, a First Aid Course certificate, and be up to date with immunisations including COVID-19.

Is the Diploma of Counselling accredited by any professional body?

Yes, the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling at AHSI is accredited by the Australian Counselling Association.

How many units does the Diploma of Counselling consist of?

This qualification consists of 17 units of competency, made up of 13 core units and 4 elective units.

What are the English language requirements for international students applying to the Diploma of Counselling?

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.

What career opportunities are available after completing the Diploma of Counselling?

Graduates may pursue careers as a 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, or Student Counsellor.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $105,000 per year

Career Paths

Mental Health CounsellorYouth Counsellor / School CounsellorFamily and Relationship CounsellorDrug and Alcohol Counsellor (AOD Counsellor)Trauma Counsellor

Key Skills

Active listening and reflective communicationBuilding therapeutic rapport and trust with clientsApplying counselling theories and frameworks (CBT, person-centred, psychodynamic, narrative)Crisis intervention and risk assessmentTrauma-informed and culturally safe practice

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Counselling

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students