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CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling

Study Method Online
Provider The Institute of Applied Psychology Pty Ltd
Start Date Enrol anytime
The Institute of Applied Psychology Pty Ltd

Course overview

At IAP, we teach a nationally accredited CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling.

Our ACA-recognised diploma will equip you with the tools and qualifications to help you fulfil your desire to assist people with the daily challenges of living.

Who's It For?

This course is suitable for those considering a career change, looking to add therapeutic skills and/or to become a qualified counsellor and help people. These may include:

  • Individuals wishing to change careers or enter into a new career OR

  • Existing workers who have over 5 years work experience in any field and wish to upgrade their skills and knowledge into a new and/or existing industry sector OR

  • Existing workers who wish to have their current skills and knowledge recognised

Job outcomes

  • Counsellor

  • Case Manager/Worker

  • Private Practice Operartor

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

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

  • The 12 live topical sessions are delivered via zoom

  • Self-paced – Typically up to 15 hours a week over 24 months. Note: Students will be required to complete activities in their own time and will be required to manage their own study.

Delivery

  • This course is delivered online to students across Australia and the globe. Training will be delivered online using interactive platforms and utilities (Zoom).

Entry requirements

This course requires the following to be enrolled:

  • Year 12 or equivalent

  • Minimum age of 21

  • 5 years of post-secondary school work experience in any field.

  • If there is no Certificate IV (any) previously completed, you may have to complete an LLN Assessment.

  • You complete the Core Skills Profile for Adults online assessment passing at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy. IAP must also reasonably believe that the student displays that competence.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Professional Recognition

This course is nationally-accredited by The Australian Skills Quality Agency (ASQA)

This course is recognised by the following associations:

  • ACA – The Australian Counselling Association (Peak Body)

  • IAC – The International Association of Counsellors (International Peak Body)

  • ACCA – Australian Community Counselling Association

  • CPCA – Certified Practising Counsellors Australia

  • HCA – Hypnotherapy Council of Australia (Peak Body) – with our Certificate of Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnosis Specialisation

  • ISPA – The International Strategic Psychotherapy Association

  • IICT – International Institute of Complementary Therapists

  • HHA – Holistic Health Associations International

Assessment

Different units will require the completion of different assessments across the course. These include:

  • Observation/Practical skills

  • Written responses

  • Third party reports

  • Case studies

  • Simulated / Role Plays

NOTE: MANDATORY ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT

For the performance assessments students MUST have their mock clients physically present in the room during the recorded assessment session. This is a non-negotiable ASQA requirement.

Testimonials

  • I was so impressed with the school’s professionalism, educational approach and passion for what they teach. Gordon is a charismatic trainer and the opportunity to train with the world’s best was hard to pass up.
    Dr Lisa Phillips-Leece
    Diploma of Counselling

Additional information

  • No set assessment due dates

  • Live & facilitated study support groups

  • 100 hours of practical included

  • Ability to apply to join the ACA as a full-level 1 member

  • Ability to join the IAC – the global peak body 

  • Mental Health Support with free EAP counselling sessions.

  • Live & facilitated 3-hour monthly group practice sessions

  • 12 bonus live & facilitated topical masterclasses – live or recorded

  • Specialisation options that are on your official diploma & could help with NDIS work

  • Access to IAP’s knowledge base

Subjects

  • 13 core units & your choice of 4 elective units

  • Choose a mental health, grief & loss or hypnosis specialisation

Core Units
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL004Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL005Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL006Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL007Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
Elective
CHCCCS014 Provide brief interventions
CHCCCS017Provide loss and grief support
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues
CHCCCS003 Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
NAT11271001Work within a clinical hypnosis framework
CHCFAM003 Support people to improve relationships
CHCMHS007Work effectively in trauma-informed care
CHCMHS011Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
CHCCCS018Provide suicide bereavement support
Grief and Loss Specialisation
CHCCCS017Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS018Provide suicide bereavement support
CHCCCS003Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
CHCMHS007Work effectively in trauma informed care
Workplace Wellbeing Specialisation
BSBPEF502Develop and use emotional intelligence
BSBHRM531Coordinate health and wellness programs
BSBWHS432XContribute to organisational mental health response in the context of disruptive events
BSBPEF401Manage personal health and wellbeing
Mental Health Specialisation
CHCMHS001Work with people with mental health issues
CHCMHS005 Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS007Work effectively in trauma informed care
CHCMHS011Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing
Clinical Hypnosis Specialisation (*Additional costs apply + 4 days online)
NAT11271001Work within a clinical hypnosis framework*
NAT11271002Prepare for clinical hypnosis session*
NAT11271003Prepare for clinical session
NAT11271004Monitor and evaluate clinical hypnosis interventions

Want more information about the subjects for this course?

Payment options

  • We offer a range of payment methods, including upfront, interest-free options over 30-36 months on Humm or Zip Money. (Terms apply)

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About The Institute of Applied Psychology Pty Ltd

The Institute of Applied Psychology

Where wisdom meets innovation — redefining education with passion, precision, and a deeply human core.

At IAP, we’re reshaping what professional education looks like — across NLP, Hypnosis, Counselling, Coaching, and Business Leadership. Award-winning, research-supported, and built on an integrative learning model for real-world application and outcomes that create lasting impact. As a registered RTO (No. 70206), we combine rigorous academic standards with cutting-edge innovation and AI-enhanced delivery — without ever replacing the human connection that makes learning meaningful.

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