Are you curious about why we think and behave as we do? Do you have a passion for helping people? Do you want to make a difference?
Our Diploma of Counselling is your path to a rewarding and worthwhile career as a counsellor. Your knowledge and skills will enable you to work effectively with people of all backgrounds to improve their personal and psychological wellbeing. You will have the practical and theoretical skills to establish and maintain positive and constructive client relationships. Your specialist expertise will enable you to recognise and respond appropriately to the full range of issues that present in a counselling environment.
You will learn from experienced frontline counsellors who will support you at every stage of your learning.
You will be able to work at your own pace, in a flexible online environment that allows you to balance your studies with your other commitments.
Our knowledge, experience and reputation will ensure you graduate ready to secure employment in this growing and important field.
Learning ModeBlended Learning
LocationSA
Face to face days15 (+ 7 days supervised practicum)
Weekly study hours10-15
Duration12 months
Learning Outcomes
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as a professional counsellor. You will be able to:
- establish and maintain positive relationships with clients from all backgrounds
- apply a range of proven therapy techniques to assist individuals and groups on matters related to personal and psychological wellbeing
- apply the principles of structured, impartial, non-judgemental, respectful counselling
- recognise and respond appropriately to crisis situations, and to evidence of family violence, parenting stress, mental health issues and child harm
- confidently and respectfully refer clients to other services when necessary
- understand the legal and ethical requirements and professional practise
- work effectively within a case management framework.
- Graduates may be eligible to undertake further qualifications at advanced diploma or graduate diploma level.
Entry Requirements
Priority will be given to people with a background in health, community services or education and to those already providing services to support communities and individuals in either a volunteer or paid capacity.
All applicants are required to undertake a suitability interview with the course coordinator.
Employment Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this qualification, you can gain employment within the community services sector with a focus on counselling including:
• Counsellor
• Case ManagerStudents may be eligible for student membership of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). See PACFA website for further details.
The Federal Government estimates that the demand for workers with counselling qualifications will be very strong over the next 5 years. See joboutlook.gov.au
Units of Study & Units of Competency
Unit of Study 1: Counselling Fundamentals
Units of Competency:- CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
Unit of Study 2: Counselling Theories and Frameworks
Units of Competency:- CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories
- CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling
- CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions
Unit of Study 3: Collaborative and Safe Relationships
Units of Competency:- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies
Unit of Study 4: Responding to Client Adversities
Units of Competency:- CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
- CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCCCS004 Assess co-existing needs
- CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
Unit of Study 5: Counselling With an Integrative Approach
Units of Competency:- CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision making processes
- CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Duration and Delivery Mode
12 Months Full-Time.
Blended learning: mix of online learning and face-to-face classroom sessions.
Please see 2024 Delivery Schedule for dates of all Modules and face-to-face sessions.
This program has 15 face-to-face classroom contact days plus a supervised student practicum of 7 days.
This program is equivalent to 10 to 15 hours of study per week. Students will be required to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.
Timetable
Location
Face-to-face classroom sessions are delivered in Adelaide (Hindmarsh).
This program has 15 face-to-face classroom contact days plus a supervised student practicum of 7 days. Students will be required to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.
Please see 2024 Delivery Schedule for dates of all Modules and face-to-face sessions.
Work Placement Requirements
None
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL credit may be granted for relevant prior study.
Students seeking recognition for all or part of a qualification must complete the online AISR Recognition Application at least 14 days before the start of the course.
Tuition Fee, Payment Options, Loans
$7,500
This qualification is on the approved list of courses for Vet Student Loans (VSL). Check your eligibility here. To understand your obligations under the VET Student Loans program please see this document , which includes information on the application process, ongoing student obligations, and how to cease accessing a VSL.
See our Schedule of Fees for key dates and payment options.
All enquiries regarding tuition fees and payment schedules should be directed to admin@aisr.edu.au.
Qualification Information Brochure
