Course Overview

About This Course

Elevate Your Therapeutic Practice. Cultivate the art of counselling and psychotherapy with our Graduate Diploma. Gain practical skills in counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health that can be applied into the workplace upon graduating. Our Graduate Diploma delves into key therapeutic approaches. You will develop practical skills in client-centered practice to foster a strong therapeutic relationship. You will learn to navigate the complexities of human emotions, identity, and self-concept, enabling you to address clients' needs effectively. You will explore mental health concepts, assessment processes, and treatment approaches, and consider the factors that impact a person's mental wellbeing. The Graduate Diploma consists of subjects designed to build a strong foundation in therapeutic practice. Upon successful completion, students can further their learning by articulating into the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy. This course aligns with the professional training standards of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). This qualification is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Level 3, 127 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA 5000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Admission Pathway 1 (Undergraduate Degree in Any Discipline): Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree (or equivalent) in any discipline will commence with the first four subjects that make up the nested Graduate Certificate.
Admission Pathway 2 (Undergraduate Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy): Applicants who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree in counselling or psychotherapy may be eligible for credit via Advanced Standing for the first four fundamental subjects. Applicants must demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through prior learning via detailed mapping and documentary evidence. Course duration 1.5 years FT.
Admission Pathway 3 (Specialist Psychotherapy Training): Applicants who have completed non-AQF accredited specialist psychotherapy training at a level and depth equivalent to a Bachelor Degree, such as a PACFA Accredited Specialist Psychotherapy Course, may be eligible for credit via Advanced Standing for the first four subjects. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Admission Pathway 4 (Professional Experience): Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor Degree but have at least five years FTE experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst may be eligible for admission based on their professional experience. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Head of School (or nominee).
Applicants with only previous vocational training qualifications, who do not also have ≥5 years FTE professional experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst, are not eligible for admission.
Applicants with only recent senior secondary education are not eligible for admission.
English Language Proficiency: All students need appropriate English language skills. Applicants whose first language is not English must evidence they meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.
English proficiency can be evidenced by: an undergraduate degree or postgraduate award where English was the language of instruction; OR an English language proficiency test achieving an IELTS Academic Overall Score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with Speaking no less than 6.5 and Listening, Writing and Reading no less than 6.0.
Applicants seeking admission based on prior qualifications must provide certified academic transcripts of their completed qualifications, and a completed admission questionnaire.
Applicants seeking admission based on professional experience must provide a curriculum vitae clearly detailing their roles, duties and duration of positions, a statement of service on employer letterhead (or accountant or solicitor if self-employed), and a completed admission questionnaire.
All applicants should read the course inherent requirements to ensure they are able to meet them.
Applicants may be asked to participate in an interview to determine suitability for the program.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find career path opportunities in: Private practice, Community and mental health organisations, Trauma and grief support services, Family and relationship support agencies, Addiction support agencies, Welfare agencies.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Counselling Association (ACA) / PACFA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACA / PACFA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units8 units

COU501

Models of Therapeutic Practice

Examines the major paradigms in counselling and psychotherapy, and their theories of therapeutic change. Students study models from the psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, constructivist postmodern and transpersonal approaches, examining their underlying theories, therapeutic processes, and techniques. Students also develop their own personal approach to counselling and psychotherapy practice.

COU502

Foundations of Therapeutic Practice

Develops the skills needed to build a strong therapeutic relationship with clients, apply self-reflective and client-centred practice, and use advanced counselling skills to facilitate change. Includes on-campus intensive components at Melbourne and Sydney campuses.

COU503

Ethics, Diversity & Practice

Fosters awareness and understanding of ethical issues fundamental to ethical and culturally sensitive counselling practice. Students gain knowledge of principles, frameworks and approaches that can guide ethical decision making, including legislation and codes of conduct within the Australian professional landscape.

COU504

Human Development

Offers an advanced exploration of human development across the lifespan through the developmental perspective. Grounded in developmental theories, contemporary research, and the developmental stages from prenatal to late adulthood, examining biological, familial, psychosocial, and environmental factors that shape optimal human functioning.

COU505

Understanding Mental Health

An exploration of the complexities of mental health and wellbeing. Examines core concepts of mental health, different theoretical perspectives of mental health conditions, assessment processes, diagnostic systems, and treatments. Includes exploration of Indigenous healing principles in modern mental health care.

COU506

Emotion, Affect and Self in Psychotherapy

Introduces students to research and theory in the study of emotion, affectivity, and the development of self. Students study how emotions play a crucial role in shaping one's identity and self-concept, and explore psychotherapeutic approaches that aim to address emotional experience and emotion processing difficulties.

COU507

Unravelling the Concept of Mind

An interdisciplinary exploration of the intricate concept of the mind, connecting perspectives of philosophy, cognitive science, phenomenology, neuroscience, and psychotherapy. Provides students with a nuanced understanding of the nature of mind and its pivotal role in human cognition, consciousness, and behaviour.

COU508

Process Experiential Psychotherapy

Introduces an advanced approach to therapy that focuses on a person's inner experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Students apply experiential tools such as multiple chairs and imagery, and develop techniques to recognise and understand personal narratives. Includes on-campus intensive components at Melbourne and Sydney campuses.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exit the Graduate Diploma early with a lesser qualification?

Yes. Students enrolled into the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy may exit with a Graduate Certificate in Counselling if they have successfully completed COU501 Models of Therapeutic Practice, COU502 Foundations of Therapeutic Practice, COU503 Ethics, Diversity and Practice, and COU504 Human Development.

Is this course recognised by any professional counselling associations?

Yes. The Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy has been designed to align with the professional training standards of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).

What is the course fee and is financial assistance available?

The indicative course fee for the Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy is $24,608 for domestic students. The course is FEE-HELP approved for eligible applicants, and Ikon is also offering financial scholarships to new domestic students commencing postgraduate courses in 2026.

Do I need to attend any face-to-face sessions, and where are these held?

Yes. Face-to-face delivery includes on-campus intensives spread over two subjects: COU502 Foundations of Therapeutic Practice and COU508 Process Experiential Psychotherapy. These intensives are only available at the Melbourne and Sydney campuses and will provide students with hands-on skills practice, supervised clinical simulations, and valuable interactions in a face-to-face learning environment.

Can I apply to this course without a university degree?

Yes. Under Admission Pathway 4 (Professional Experience), applicants who do not hold a Bachelor Degree but have at least five years FTE experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychoanalyst may be eligible for admission based on their professional experience. Admission will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Head of School. However, applicants with only previous vocational training qualifications who do not also have ≥5 years FTE professional experience are not eligible for admission.

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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