CHC51015
Diploma of Counselling
Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake dates.
Duration
12 months
Delivery Method
Online
Units
17
Counselling Counts.
In the last two years, statistics have shown that around 46% of Australians between the age of 16-85 would experience mental health struggles in their lifetime. The growing need for more counsellors to help assist these people therefore cannot be ignored.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides a hands-on introduction to the skills and practises needed to become a qualified counsellor. In this course, students will get practical experience in a range of practices used by counsellors. This includes providing services for clients, diagnosing areas of concern or crisis, and effective and ethical forms of communicating with individuals, families and other health organisations.
Next Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake dates.
Duration
12 months
Delivery Method
Online
Course Overview
Study the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
In the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, you will acquire the skills, practises and knowledge needed to become a qualified counsellor. You will receive up-to-date practical training in providing effective and ethical counselling services to people from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiencing various issues.
During this course, you will be introduced to the various methods required to diagnose clients with mental health conditions and respond to situations of crisis. You will also learn how to properly build upon your own practises, through research and applying various learning, personality and development theories into your practice.
By studying this course, you can use these skills to accelerate your career as a counsellor/ mental health worker, in a variety of environments and organisations. These organisations include community services organisations, private practices and employment services. You can also use this course for entry into future study pathways.
Is the Diploma of Counselling for you?
To work in the industry of counselling, it is highly advisable that you possess the following qualities:
- Good active listener
- Ability to sit back and ask questions while letting people understand their own problems
- Empathetic
- Ability to work independently
- Self-reflective
Study Requirements:
- 15-20 hours per week commitment for study and classes for a duration of 12 months
- Active participation in online classes
- Active participation in role plays
- Professional and respectful behaviour in the classroom and on placement
- Taking responsibility of own learning and reaching out when needing support
What will you learn in the Diploma of Counselling?
The Diploma of Counselling course is guided by our four pillars of learning.
- Pillar 1: Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- Pillar 2: Research and apply learning, personality and development theories in counselling practice
- Pillar 3: Provide services to people from a diverse community and with a range of needs e.g. mental health and alcohol and other drugs
- Pillar 4: Support people through crises and loss and grief situations
Core Community Services Skills You’ll Gain:
- Social Perceptiveness – Understanding why people react the way they do
- Questioning – Asking the ‘right’ questions to understand people and the core of the issue
- Active Listening- Listening to others, what’s being said and how it’s being said
- Critical Thinking – Identifying central issues and different ways to solve a problem
- Active Learning – Being able to use what you’ve learned to solve both current and future problems
- Building Rapport – Forming connections by talking to others in an empathic, fully engaged manner
How will you study the Diploma of Counselling?
This course will be delivered through a blended learning approach which combines the flexibility of online learning with the practical support of live training via web tutorials, online forums, and interactive eLearning. All learning whether that be online or face to face, is overseen by a qualified trainer and assessor.
This course is also supported by our Purpose Practical’s service, where students can complete practical assessments in a safe, controlled and simulated environment.
How long is the Diploma of Counselling?
This course runs over a 12-month period. It is delivered under the Trainer-Directed Learning Model to ensure students can complete the course within the given timeframe.
Entry Requirements
Prior to being enrolled into the VSL eligible course, TrainSmart Australia must reasonably believe that the applicant is academically suited and displays competence for the course requirements including meeting any of the set entry requirements. This is determined by either:
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of an Australian year 12 certificate of education; or,
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of a Certificate IV qualification (or above) that was delivered as a part of the AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) that can be verified by the issuing organisation or the USI (unique student identifier) transcript or,
- The student completing 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. TrainSmart Australia must also reasonably believe that the student displays that competence.
Please note, we are unable to enrol international students at this time.
Delivery Method
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling course is delivered fully online with 17 units to complete.
Knowledge Based Assessments
17
Case Studies
17
Practical Assessments
17
Modules
This qualification is made up of the following units of competency. All units of competency must be completed in order to successfully attain the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is broken up into the following Modules.
Counselling Module 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Work ethically and legally
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Counselling Module 2
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Support clients in the decision making process
CHCCSL007
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Counselling Module 3
Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS017
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services and health contexts.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Counselling Module 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Work ethically and legally
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Counselling Module 2
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Support clients in the decision making process
CHCCSL007
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Counselling Module 3
Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS017
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services and health contexts.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Job Outcomes
Diploma of Counselling Career Opportunities
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling qualification can lead to an array of career opportunities with job titles such as;
- School Counsellor
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- Case Worker
- Youth Worker
- Guidance Officer
- Disability Respite Worker
TrainSmart Australia has a number of standing agreements in place with universities across Australia, which guarantees student entry and credit transfers upon completion of this Diploma.
Expected Salary and Biggest Employment Opportunity
$63,600
SALARY
38.5%
JOBS
56.5%
INDUSTRY
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Payment Options
$7,500
The maximum tuition fee for this course is $7,500. Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- VET Student Loans – Australian government income contingent loan which allows you to study now and pay later †.
- Interest Free Payment Plan – No deposit, no interest payment plans.
- Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
†VET Student Loans are subject to students meeting eligibility requirements. VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth.
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call between an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through these recorded sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diploma of Counselling all I need to be a counsellor?
Essentially, yes. Counselling is an unregulated title, meaning there are no regulations around calling yourself a counsellor.
However, you will not be eligible for Professional Indemnity Insurance , which is viewed as the sign of a qualified and experienced professional, able to run their own Private Practice. This requires further studies at a Bachelor’s Degree level.
A Diploma in Counselling can open doors for agency positions, meaning students will be working under more qualified supervisors.
Is this course ACA accredited?
The Diploma of Counselling is not accredited with the ACA due to their policy of not permitting student membership. However, other registered counselling organisations such as CPCA and PACFA offer free student membership opportunities. By joining these organisations, students gain access to a wealth of industry news, valuable insights, and access to job boards to enhance their professional journey.
Is this course nationally recognised? What does that mean?
Completing a nationally recognised qualification (or training) means that your qualification and credentials are recognised all across Australia by other registered training organisations and employers. All accredited courses must adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA). According to ASQA, accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- Is nationally recognised
- Meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- Provides appropriate competency outcomes and satisfactory basis for assessment
- Meets national quality assurance requirements
- Is assigned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) where it leads to a qualification.
How many hours do I need to study each week?
To achieve this qualification within the given timeframe, students are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of study per week.
Can I get course credit for previous study?
Students enrolling into a Trainsmart Australia course can receive recognition for previous studies completed at a Certificate and Diploma level. Students can be awarded a credit transfer if:
- The student already holds a unit (or units) for the they’re enrolling into,
- The student holds an old unit which is deemed equivalent to the new unit they’re enrolling into
Receiving credit transfers will reduce the overall cost of your qualification as well as the duration to complete your remaining units.
University qualifications are not backwards transferrable, which means no credit transfers can be awarded. However, you can still apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate or Certificate IV qualification or higher, you may be required to complete an Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test to gain entry into your course of interest. This test is offered online, free of charge, after you have submitted your application.
Are TrainSmart courses Centrelink approved?
All of our courses are Centrelink approved through AUSTUDY.
Trainers
Other Courses
Related Content
Counselling counts.
In the last two years, statistics have shown that around 46% of Australians between the age of 16-85 would experience mental health struggles in their lifetime. The growing need for more counsellors to help assist these people therefore cannot be ignored.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides a hands-on introduction to the skills and practises needed to become a qualified counsellor. In this course, students will get practical experience in a range of practices used by counsellors. This includes providing services for clients, diagnosing areas of concern or crisis, and effective and ethical forms of communicating with individuals, families and other health organisations.
Next Start Date
Please contact us for the next intake date.
Duration
12 months
Delivery Method
Online OR Face-to-Face & Virtual Classes* (*with WA Subsidy)
Course Overview
Study the Diploma of Counselling
In the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, you will acquire the skills, practises and knowledge needed to become a qualified counsellor. You will receive up-to-date practical training in providing effective and ethical counselling services to people from a diverse range of backgrounds and issues.
During this course, you will be introduced to the various methods required to diagnose clients with mental health conditions and respond to situations of crisis. You will also learn how to properly build upon your own practises, through research and applying various learning, personality and development theories into your practice.
By studying this course, you can accelerate your career as a counsellor/ mental health worker, in a variety of environments and organisations. These organisations include community services organisations, private practices and employment services. You can also use this course to help kickstart your own practice or help build your skills throughout your future study pathway.
Is the Diploma of Counselling for you?
To work in the industry of counselling, it is highly advisable that you possess the following qualities:
- Good active listener
- Ability to sit back and ask questions while letting people understand their own problems
- Empathetic
- Ability to work independently
- Self-reflective
Study Requirements:
- 15-20 hours per week commitment for study and classes for a duration of 12 months
- Active participation in online classes
- Active participation in role plays
- Professional and respectful behaviour in the classroom and on placement
- Taking responsibility of own learning and reaching out when needing support
What will you learn in the Diploma of Counselling?
The Diploma of Counselling course is guided by our four pillars of learning.
- Pillar 1: Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- Pillar 2: Research and apply learning, personality and development theories in counselling practice
- Pillar 3: Provide services to people from a diverse community and with a range of needs e.g. mental health and alcohol and other drugs
- Pillar 4: Support people through crises and loss and grief situations
Core Community Services Skills You’ll Gain:
- Social Perceptiveness – Understanding why people react the way they do
- Questioning – Asking the ‘right’ questions to understand people and the core of the issue
- Active Listening- Listening to others, what’s being said and how it’s being said
- Critical Thinking – Identifying central issues and different ways to solve a problem
- Active Learning – Being able to use what you’ve learned to solve both current and future problems
- Building Rapport – Forming connections by talking to others in an empathic, fully engaged manner
How will you study the Diploma of Counselling?
This course will be delivered through a blended learning approach which combines the flexibility of online learning with the practical support of face-to-face or live training via web tutorials, online forums, and interactive eLearning. All learning whether that be online or face to face, is overseen by a qualified trainer and assessor.
This course is also supported by our Purpose Practical’s service, where students can complete practical assessments in a safe, controlled and simulated environment.
How long is the Diploma of Counselling?
This course runs over a 12-month period. It is delivered under the Trainer-Directed Learning Model to ensure students can complete the course within the given timeframe.
Entry Requirements
Prior to being enrolled into the VSL eligible course, TrainSmart Australia must reasonably believe that the applicant is academically suited and displays competence for the course requirements including meeting any of the set entry requirements. This is determined by either:
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of an Australian year 12 certificate of education; or,
- The student providing TrainSmart Australia with a copy of a Certificate IV qualification (or above) that was delivered as a part of the AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) that can be verified by the issuing organisation or the USI (unique student identifier) transcript or,
- The student completing 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. TrainSmart Australia must also reasonably believe that the student displays that competence.
Please note, we are unable to enrol international students at this time.
Delivery Method
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling course is delivered through a blended learning approach with 17 units to complete.
Knowledge Based Assessments
17
Case Studies
17
Practical Assessments
17
Modules
This qualification is made up of the following units of competency. All units of competency must be completed in order to successfully attain the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling is broken up into the following Modules.
Counselling Module 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Work ethically and legally
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Counselling Module 2
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Support clients in the decision making process
CHCCSL007
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Counselling Module 3
Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS017
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services and health contexts.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Counselling Module 1
Manage personal stressors in the work environment
HLTWHS006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services settings, in particular work roles that operate in high stress situations and circumstances.
Reflect on and improve own professional practice
CHCPRP003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development.
Work with diverse people
CHCDIV001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This unit applies to all workers.
Work ethically and legally
CHCLEG001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to an individual job role. This unit applies to community services and health workers who play a proactive role in identifying and meeting their legal and ethical responsibilities.
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL001
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL002
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client-counsellor relationship. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Counselling Module 2
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL003
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to support clients to identify and work though concerns, and to manage the overall counselling process to its conclusion. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL006
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCSL004
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research key concepts and constructs of theories of personality and human development, and link those to counselling practice. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Support clients in the decision making process
CHCCSL007
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action. This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues, within established policies, procedures and guidelines.
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCDIV002
The unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the workplace, model cultural safety in own work practice, and develop strategies to enhance cultural safety. This unit applies to people working in a broad range of roles including those involved in direct client service, program planning, development and evaluation contexts.
Counselling Module 3
Provide loss and grief support
CHCCCS017
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement. This unit applies to workers in a range of community services and health contexts.
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCCS019
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, and then to work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access required support services. This unit applies to any community services worker involved in crisis intervention. Management of the crisis may involve face-to-face, telephone or remote contact with persons involved.
Implement trauma informed care
CHCMHS013
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to promote trauma informed care, and to develop strategies to address people’s specific trauma needs. Trauma informed care involves providing services that are informed by the knowledge and understanding of the impact of trauma, in particular interpersonal violence and varying service practice to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatisation. This unit applies to work with people with mental illness in a range of community services work contexts.
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
CHCMHS005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess capacity to support people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues and to work collaboratively to provide support and facilitate links to other services. This unit applies to work with people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) assessments in a range of community services work contexts.
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
CHCCSM005
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake case management meetings to plan, monitor and review service provision. Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for own outputs within organisation guidelines. This unit applies to work in a range of health and community services contexts.
Job Outcomes
Diploma of Counselling Career Opportunities
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling qualification can lead to an array of career opportunities with job titles such as;
- School Counsellor
- Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
- Case Worker
- Youth Worker
- Guidance Officer
- Disability Respite Worker
TrainSmart Australia has a number of standing agreements in place with universities across Australia, which guarantees student entry and credit transfers upon completion of this Diploma.
Expected Salary and Biggest Employment Opportunity
$63,600
SALARY
38.5%
JOBS
56.5%
INDUSTRY
All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Based on national surveys.
Available subsidies for this course
Was $ 15,750. Save up to 95% off the standard cost of this course with the Jobs & Skills WA Subsidy!
Attendance Requirements
Along with meeting the eligibility criteria, students must attend scheduled classes to gain the Jobs and Skills WA discounted course fees. From 1st January 2023, changes to the class attendance requirements have been made for Existing Workers and Job Seekers applying for the Jobs and Skills WA funding.
Existing Workers: 1 Day/per week
For the target group ‘Existing Workers’, 1 day per week of face-to-face training is timetabled to cover the knowledge and skills transfer requirements for the 17 units, as follows:
- Initial 10 weeks of mandatory live remote/virtual classes for the 5 highly theoretical/research based units.
- Thereafter, mandatory on-campus face-to-face classes for the 12 specialist units.
- Delivery is over a 12-month period.
Jobseekers: 2 Days/per week
For the target group ‘Job Seeker’, 2 days per week of face-to-face training is timetabled to cover the knowledge and skills transfer requirements for the 17 units, as follows:
- Initial 9 weeks of mandatory live remote/virtual classes for the 5 highly theoretical/research based units.
- Thereafter, mandatory on-campus face-to-face classes for the 12 specialist units.
- Delivery is over a 12-month period.
For detailed information, including concession eligibility criteria and annual cap fee please visit our Lower Fees, Local Skills Information Page*. Learn more about the Jobs and Skills WA Subsidy on our Jobs and Skills WA Website here.*
*Please note, you can only enrol and claim ONE Jobs and Skills WA subsidy at a time. If you are currently enrolled in another course through Job’s and Skills WA (including Lower Fees, Local Skills AND Skills Ready), you must either complete or withdraw from that course before enrolling in a new course.
Payment Options
- $7,500
STANDARD RATE
The maximum tuition fee for this course is $7,500. Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- VET Student Loans – Australian government income contingent loan which allows you to study now and pay later †.
- Interest-Free Payment Plan – Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
†VET Student Loans are subject to students meeting eligibility requirements. VET Student Loan creates a debt that must be repaid to the Commonwealth.
- $444.00*
CONCESSION RATE
If you meet one of the eligibility criteria AND hold a concession card, the JOBS & SKILLS WA Government-subsidised total course fees for the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling are;
$444.00* or $400 per year* (based on annual cap fee)
Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- Interest-Free Payment Plan – with a $50 deposit.
Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
*You must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student service and resource fees.
- $1,498.50*
NON-CONCESSION RATE
If you meet one of the eligibility criteria AND don’t hold a concession card, the JOBS & SKILLS WA Government-subsidised total course fees for the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling are;
$1,498.50* or $1,200 per year* (based on annual cap fee)
Your fee payment options are:
- Upfront payment
- Interest-Free Payment Plan – with a $100 deposit.
Find out what your repayments may be using our Payment Plan Repayment Calculator
*You must meet eligibility criteria to qualify. The Student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student service and resource fees.
Simulated Practicals
Gain Practical Experience In a Safe Environment
As a part of studying Health and Community Services at TrainSmart Australia, some units require students to complete practical assessments that simulate a counselling setting. These assessments give students opportunities to practice counselling skills and techniques before entering the workplace.
Simulated Practicals provides a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and develop essential counselling skills for future health care professionals.
Simulated Practicals simulates a counselling environment through an online Zoom call which involves a Health and Community Services assessor, an actor and the learner/student. In these sessions, the actor takes on the role of resembling a real-life client, in which an issue or traumatic event is retold from the actor’s perspective.
Based on the assessment criteria, the student is tasked with responding to the client with the focus on utilising skills taught in the unit.
Through the sessions, students can gain valuable feedback and be prepared to handle complex situations before entering the real-world environment.
We know that Counselling is an incredibly important skill, which is why we implemented Counselling units throughout more courses than just our Diploma of Counselling. TrainSmart Australia students studying Health and Community Services have access to our Simulated Practicals service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diploma of Counselling all I need to be a counsellor?
Essentially, yes. Counselling is an unregulated title, meaning there are no regulations around calling yourself a counsellor.
However, you will not be eligible for Professional Indemnity Insurance , which is viewed as the sign of a qualified and experienced professional, able to run their own Private Practice. This requires further studies at a Bachelor’s Degree level.
A Diploma in Counselling can open doors for agency positions, meaning students will be working under more qualified supervisors.
Is this course ACA accredited?
The Diploma of Counselling is not accredited with the ACA due to their policy of not permitting student membership. However, other registered counselling organisations such as CPCA and PACFA offer free student membership opportunities. By joining these organisations, students gain access to a wealth of industry news, valuable insights, and access to job boards to enhance their professional journey.
Is this course nationally recognised? What does that mean?
Completing a nationally recognised qualification (or training) means that your qualification and credentials are recognised all across Australia by other registered training organisations and employers. All accredited courses must adhere to the standards set by the Australian Skills and Quality Authority (ASQA). According to ASQA, accreditation is formal confirmation that the course:
- Is nationally recognised
- Meets an established industry, enterprise, educational, legislative or community need
- Provides appropriate competency outcomes and satisfactory basis for assessment
- Meets national quality assurance requirements
- Is assigned appropriately to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) where it leads to a qualification.
How many hours do I need to study each week?
To achieve this qualification within the given timeframe, students are required to commit to a minimum of 15 hours of study per week.
Can I get course credit for previous study?
Students enrolling into a Trainsmart Australia course can receive recognition for previous studies completed at a Certificate and Diploma level. Students can be awarded a credit transfer if:
- The student already holds a unit (or units) for the they’re enrolling into,
- The student holds an old unit which is deemed equivalent to the new unit they’re enrolling into
Receiving credit transfers will reduce the overall cost of your qualification as well as the duration to complete your remaining units.
University qualifications are not backwards transferrable, which means no credit transfers can be awarded. However, you can still apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?
If you are unable to provide a copy of an Australian Year 12 Certificate or Certificate IV qualification or higher, you may be required to complete an Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test to gain entry into your course of interest. This test is offered online, free of charge, after you have submitted your application.
Are TrainSmart courses Centrelink approved?
All of our courses are Centrelink approved through AUSTUDY.
When do I receive my timetable and Training Plan Outline (TPO)?
At induction, the students will be provided with a timetable and TPO via email. If changes are made to a timetable, the students will be issued with a new timetable and TPO.*
*Note: TrainSmart Australia reserves the right to change a student’s timetable due to extenuating circumstances.
If I cannot attend class, what should I do?
If unable to attend class i.e. sickness, you MUST email your Trainer and provide a medical certificate for the absence.
Is my attendance monitored?
Yes. Your attendance and absence will be monitored and poor attendance could result in you losing the eligibility to continue under the WA Government subsidy. Should this happen, the JSWA Student Support Team will be in contact with you to discuss your options.
What is the maximum duration allowed to complete all the requirements of the qualification?
The maximum course duration to complete any qualification is 24 months.
However, to be considered for an extension beyond the scheduled delivery, you must have completed a minimum of 50% of your total units. For example, if a student was enrolled in the Diploma of Mental Health and wanted an extension of 3 months, the student must have completed a minimum 10 of the 20 units, to be considered for the extension.
When should I start the assessments?
As soon as the delivery of the theory has commenced, you MUST start the assessments. For the assessments to be graded, we recommend that you submit all the assessments for that unit.
Trainers
Other Courses
Related Content
- Kickstart your career in Community Services today!
Applying online is easy and only takes 5-7 minutes! Once your application is submitted our friendly Career Advisors will contact you at your chosen time.
