Diploma of Counselling
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling offers a comprehensive introduction to counselling and therapy, focusing on essential skills such as empathy, building rapport, and mediation. This qualification is designed for community services workers who want to help individuals experiencing personal issues that affect their health and wellbeing. Through this program, you'll develop capabilities in building therapeutic relationships using advanced communication techniques, applying evidence-based counselling therapies and developmental theories, facilitating the counselling process, managing crisis situations including trauma-informed care and suicide prevention, and working within legal and ethical frameworks with cultural sensitivity. Students gain hands-on experience through simulated counselling sessions and practical assessments - no traditional exams. The self-paced online format allows you to study anytime, anywhere, with support from Australian-based trainers throughout your learning journey.
Join a Learning Community
Connect with peers who share your goals. Support each other through your studies and benefit from better pricing together.
Connect & Learn
Build relationships with peers in your field
Get Course Intel
Access guides, resources, and peer insights
Save Together
Better pricing as the community grows
Learn more about our communities · Free to join · No obligation
Duration
52 weeks
Study mode
Online & On-campus
Qualification
Diploma of Counselling
Start date
Rolling intake
Who's it for
Community services workers wanting to enhance their counselling capabilities
Individuals passionate about supporting others through personal challenges
Career changers seeking meaningful work in mental health and wellbeing
Healthcare professionals looking to expand their therapeutic skills
Those with lived experience wanting to help others professionally
Support workers seeking formal counselling qualifications
What you'll learn
- Build therapeutic relationships using advanced communication and rapport-building techniques
- Apply evidence-based counselling therapies including CBT, ACT, and person-centred approaches
- Understand personality development theories and their application in counselling
- Facilitate effective counselling processes and support client decision-making
- Manage crisis situations with trauma-informed care principles
- Implement suicide prevention and intervention strategies
- Work within legal, ethical, and cultural frameworks in counselling practice
- Develop case management plans and maintain professional boundaries
- Practice ongoing professional reflection and supervision
Job outcomes
- Family Support Worker ($65,800 - $92,400 annually)
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Community Counsellor ($82,600 - $113,000 annually)
- Youth Counsellor
- Relationship Counsellor
- Addiction Support Counsellor
- Trauma Support Worker
- Crisis Intervention Counsellor
Student success stories
Quality education, professional outcomes
"The community experience was supportive and transparent. Being matched with a quality RTO made all the difference. I completed my qualification and now work in a role I love."
Sarah M.
Melbourne
Now working in aged care
Certificate IV in Aged Care
"NextIntake connected me with an excellent training provider. The transparent pricing and professional coordination made my decision easy. I am now running my own counselling practice."
David L.
Sydney
Started private practice
Diploma of Counselling
"I appreciated the professional approach and quality provider matching. The community support worked perfectly with my schedule, and the education I received was first-rate."
Jessica T.
Brisbane
Career advancement
Certificate III in Early Childhood
Study method
MyUpskilled Learning Platform
Access your course materials 24/7 from any device with internet connection
Video Tutorials & Multimedia Resources
Comprehensive video content, reading materials, and downloadable resources
Interactive Role-Play Exercises
Practice counselling techniques through simulated client sessions
Australian-Based Trainer Support
Get guidance and feedback from experienced trainers throughout your studies
Career Services & Job Portal
Access to health sector job listings and professional career guidance
Professional Membership
Complimentary Australian Traditional-Medicine Society membership
Entry requirements
- No formal prerequisites required for enrolment
- Recommended: Year 12 equivalent English language proficiency
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills for course completion
- Access to a modern computer with reliable high-speed internet
- Audio and video recording capabilities for practical assessments
- Basic computer skills including email, word processing, and file management
Course features
- Comprehensive introduction to counselling and therapy fundamentals
- Learn evidence-based therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, and person-centred therapy
- Develop practical skills through simulated counselling sessions with real-world scenarios
- No traditional exams - assessment through practical, competency-based activities
- Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to online learning materials
- Australian-based trainer support available throughout your studies
- Free Australian Traditional-Medicine Society membership included
- Access to health job portal and career guidance services
Assessment
- Practical competency-based activities and case studies
- Simulated counselling session recordings with role-play scenarios
- Written reflections and professional development planning
- Knowledge assessment questions throughout modules
- No traditional closed-book examinations
Course units
CHCCCS004
Assess co-existing needs
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
Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL006
Apply counselling therapies to address a range of client issues
CHCDIV001
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCLEG003
Manage legal and ethical compliance
CHCMHS001
Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS005
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS007
Work effectively in trauma informed care
CHCMHS011
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCMHS013
Implement trauma informed care
CHCPRP003
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCSOH001
Work with people experiencing or at risk of suicide
Participating providers
These accredited RTOs are offering this course. As a community, you'll benefit from group enrolment pricing and quality standards.
20% community savings
39/12 members • 325% active
Ready to join the community?
Connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and benefit from better pricing together. Join 39 students already in the community.
Join the Diploma of Counselling community
Connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and benefit from better pricing together
Connect with fellow students
Build relationships with peers who share your career goals
Get exclusive course resources
Access guides, insights, and preparation materials
Receive peer support
Study tips, encouragement, and help throughout your journey
Save together
Better pricing as the community grows
Free to join • No obligation • Leave anytime