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CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling Practice

Study Method Online
Provider Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
Recognition Nationally Recognised Training
Start Date Enrol anytime
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)
  • Recognised by industry professionals, this course can lead to an industry association membership. Get your free course guide today to learn more about the qualification process
  • FEE-HELP available

Course overview

Our Diploma of Counselling Practice is a flexible, well-designed tertiary program that builds your knowledge and skills step by step. It’s the ideal starting point for your tertiary education.

The course introduces key counselling theories along with ethical and legal practice, personal and professional reflection, supervision, and collaborative practice. Using a scaffolded approach, it progressively develops your competence and confidence in counselling practice.

Who's It For?

This course is extremely applicable to people from all sorts of backgrounds. Whether you are seeking a fresh start in a rewarding profession; or want to acquire counselling skills as an adjunct to your core profession – such as teachers, nurses, ministers of religion, corrective services officers and administrators.

Job outcomes

  • Counsellor.

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

What you'll learn

  • The structures and processes of counselling and the client-counsellor relationships
  • Knowledge of Learning and Behaviour Theories, and application of the theories to counselling processes
  • Broad understanding of human development, including physical, cognitive, social, and moral development, and the lifespan perspective
  • Explore various forms of diversity relating to ethnicity and culture; sex, gender, and sexual orientation; class, wealth, and status; and age, health, and ability
  • Upon completion, you will be able to join as a member of the Australian Counselling Association

Recognitions

Nationally Recognised Training

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia

Study method

  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online

Duration study load

  • 12 months (full-time)
  • Part-time available

Delivery

At AIPC, you’ll study through our Higher Education Learning Portal (HELP), a dynamic online platform designed for flexibility and connection. Whether you’re balancing study with work or family commitments, you’ll have everything you need to succeed at your fingertips.

Access all your study materials, connect with lecturers, join discussion forums, complete assessments and explore the Institute’s extensive Online Library, all within the Learning Portal.

Our toll free 1300 Study Assistance Line puts you directly in touch with your Unit Leader whenever you need guidance on study or assessment questions.

Many units include practical demonstrations where you can apply what you’ve learned in real counselling scenarios. You’ll record and upload role plays through the Learning Portal and receive valuable feedback to help you grow your skills and confidence.

Entry requirements

You can apply for entry to the Diploma of Counselling Practice course if you have achieved one of the following:

  • Completed Year 12, or
  • Completed a Certificate IV qualification (AQF Level 4), or
  • Completed other post-secondary studies from an accredited higher education provider, or
  • Have at least 3 years of post-secondary work experience

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises the skills and knowledge you’ve gained through previous study or professional experience, especially within a counselling environment. If you’ve completed similar units or another counselling qualification, you may be eligible to apply for Credit Transfer.

Professional Recognition

The Institute has a professional affiliation with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). ACA is a peak industry association and the largest single registration body for counsellors in Australia.

Subjects

Core Units
DCP01Foundations of Counselling

This foundational unit provides you with an introduction to the basic processes of counselling, with a focus on core communication skills.

DCP02The Counselling Relationship

This unit introduces the facilitative conditions that form the foundations of the counselling relationship.

DCP03Introduction to Learning and Behaviour Theories

You will learn about the application of relevant theories and concepts to counselling, with a focus on the ways in which knowledge of learning and behaviour can inform understanding of and response to client issues

DCP04Lifespan Development

This unit will provide you with a broad understanding of human development, including physical, cognitive, social, and moral development, and the lifespan perspective.

DCP05Counselling Frameworks I

This unit introduces you to two major counselling frameworks: person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

DCP06Ethical and Legal Foundations

This unit will provide you with an understanding of the foundational ethical and legal considerations for counselling practice.

DCP07Counselling Frameworks II

This unit extends your understanding of counselling frameworks, focusing on more recently developed approaches to counselling.

DCP08Case Management for Counselling

You will learn about current approaches to case management that are consistent with counselling practice and ethics (specifically strength-based and collaborative modes of work), as well as the processes of needs identification and case management planning.

DCP09Reflection & Supervision

This unit prepares you for undertaking professional reflection and supervision activities.

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

AIPC is approved as a Higher Education Provider by the Australian Government so you can choose to finance your unit fees via the FEE-HELP system. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students in paying their tuition fees.

If you choose to pay your unit fees using FEE-HELP, the Australian Government then pays the tuition (unit) fee to AIPC. You then repay the loan through the Australian taxation system once your annual income is at a minimum amount.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

The Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC) is Australia’s largest and longest-established educator of Counsellors. Our specialist training programs include our acclaimed Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Counselling, and Master of Counselling. All our programs are government and industry-accredited.

We are an organisation founded on the principle of enabling people to help others. At the very heart of our logo, designed three decades ago, is the statement “Caring for people.” That’s the core of what we do, and that’s why our work matters.

RTO Provider Number: 0670 | Institute of Higher Education: Provider ID PRV12083.

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