Course Overview

About This Course

Our Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy invites you to explore the complexities of the human mind, using diverse disciplinary perspectives including scientific, philosophical and spiritual disciplines. Beyond academic learning, the course focuses on understanding human emotion and thought, enhancing your ability to connect with and help others on a deeper level. Throughout the course, you will develop fundamental skills essential for counselling and psychotherapy. This includes learning ethical, culturally sensitive, and collaborative practices to design early intervention programs tailored to client goals and individual diversity. The course also includes a clinical placement. This invaluable hands-on experience allows you to apply your classroom learning to real-world scenarios, enriching your theoretical knowledge and preparing you for professional work after graduation.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Recent Senior Secondary Education (Domestic): Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent within the past two years.
Higher Education (Domestic): Successful completion (or partial completion) of a higher education qualification.
VET Study (Domestic): Completion of a vocational qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Work/Life Experience (Domestic): Left senior secondary education more than two years prior and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since; must submit a written admission statement outlining reasons for pursuing the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Recent Senior Secondary Education (International): Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent within the past two years; ATAR of 65 required for guaranteed entry.
VET Study (International): Completion of a vocational qualification at Diploma level or higher.
Work/Life Experience (International): Left senior secondary education more than two years prior and have not undertaken VET or HE study since; must submit a written admission statement.
English Language (International): IELTS score of 6.5 (Academic) with no less than 6.5 in Speaking and no less than 6.0 in Listening, Writing, and Reading, or equivalent.
All applicants must complete the Learner Questionnaire found in the Application Form, demonstrating their inherent qualities and motivations to succeed in the course. Applicants may also be asked to participate in an informal interview with an Ikon representative.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy prepares graduates for an exciting career as an entry-level counsellor, case manager, intake counsellor, welfare counsellor, program coordinator, disability support worker or counsellor support worker. You may find opportunities in a diverse range of organisations including mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, schools, and non-profit organisations.

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units7 units

SOC101

Integrative Psychotherapy in Theory

Sets the foundation for knowledge and skills in counselling and integrative arts therapy practice, introducing a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing person-centred and experiential psychotherapy, Eastern and Indigenous practices and psychodynamic interpersonal therapy.

COU102

Integrative Psychotherapy in Practice

Focuses on building the essential knowledge and core skills required for counselling and therapeutic practice through one-to-one therapeutic interactions with peers, applying foundation and intermediate counselling skills in various situations.

COU103

Models of Contemporary Practice

Develops understanding of the main theoretical perspectives and models that influence therapeutic practice and facilitate therapeutic change, covering psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, cognitive behavioural, transpersonal and other approaches.

COU104

Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

Develops awareness and understanding of ethical and legal issues critical to counselling and psychotherapy practice, including ethical principles, theories, frameworks, relevant legislation and professional codes of ethics within the Australian professional landscape.

COU105

Mental Health and Crisis Management

Explores varied experiences of consumers using mental health services in Australia, the cultural evolution of perceptions regarding normal and abnormal behaviour, and develops skills to effectively respond to clients in mental health crises and those experiencing suicidal tendencies.

SOC106

Embracing Culture, Diversity and Inclusion

Explores ethical foundations of individual worldviews, providing knowledge, skills and awareness required to engage in ethical and culturally mindful therapeutic practices, including cross-cultural skills for working with diverse populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities.

Case Conceptualisation

Introduces the practice of case conceptualisation in clinical settings, guiding treatment planning and interventions during supervised practice, with emphasis on short-term treatment planning.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many subjects do I need to complete and is there a placement requirement?

You must successfully complete 8 subjects, totalling 48 credit points, to complete the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy. The course also includes 1 supervised placement experience totalling 120 hours, which provides invaluable hands-on experience applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios.

What is the difference in online study options for domestic and international students?

Domestic students may study the full course online, while international students may study up to one-third of the subjects in a course online.

What are the indicative domestic course fees for the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy?

The indicative domestic course fee for the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy is $22,000. FEE-HELP is available for eligible applicants. Please note that indicative course fees are an estimate only and may vary.

Does the Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy provide a pathway into further study?

Yes, for those seeking additional study, this course is a pathway to Ikon's Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy, offering more career and professional development opportunities.

What is the expected study workload for this course?

For each subject, you should allocate about three hours for lectures and tutorials. Additionally, you should allow approximately 10 hours per week per subject for self-directed study to complete prescribed readings, practice skills, conduct research, and complete assessments at your own pace. The academic year is structured into three trimesters, each consisting of 11 weeks of teaching followed by an exam week.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

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