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Diploma of Counselling
Diploma of Counselling
Become a professional Counsellor by learning valuable and effective therapy techniques to make a real difference in people’s lives with the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling will teach you a range of therapy techniques that you can use to get the best result for your clients. It will also give you the skills necessary to communicate effectively, work within a case management framework, and to refer clients to other services when necessary. Upon completion of the counselling course, you will be job-ready and fully qualified for a career as a professional Counsellor.
In this course, you will learn how to:
• Apply core counselling methodologies to assist your clients.
• Establish and maintain positive counselling relationships.
• Communicate effectively with your clients and co-workers.
• Work within a case management framework.
Studying Open Colleges’ CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling provides you with a great mix of theory and practice, ensures you get the most up-to-date training for in-demand treatment areas, and makes certain you are able to deal effectively with paperwork and case management.
Delivered by Open Colleges in partnership with industry leader Integrated Care & Management Training (ICMT), this course is perfect for caring individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in their clients’ lives.
This nationally recognised qualification includes a practical work placement in a setting of your choosing, so you can practice and perfect what you learn.
Open Colleges periodically offers optional Skill Development Workshops in major capital cities across Australia, where you can practice developing active listening skills, self awareness, counselling techniques and value awareness in a safe and supportive setting.
For people wishing to pursue higher education, Open Colleges has formalised a pathway to tertiary study with Charles Sturt University and Southern Cross University, with credit transfers available for selected courses.
This course involves work placement that currently needs to be undertaken in Australia. More information available in our FAQs
If you are an existing worker or have experience in the related industry, please inform our enrolment consultants during your enrolment conversation as you may be eligible to enrol as an existing worker and may be able to complete your studies faster.
Potential career outcomes
Case Worker
Counsellor
Intake Counsellor
Extra benefits
When you enrol in this course you will also receive:
Complete your work placement in Fiji!
Open Colleges have partnered with Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA) Trust Fiji to offer students of the Diploma of Community Services the opportunity to complete their required work placement hours over the course 2 weeks in Fiji.
You’ll volunteer in communities promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity through basic counselling and providing outreach counselling on smaller Fijian islands.
Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand (CMSA)
Open Colleges is proud to announce its affiliation with the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand (CMSA).
CMSA is the national registration and regulatory body for Certified Case Managers, and is also the peak body for professionals employed in case management roles within Australia and New Zealand.
As a result of this affiliation, students now have unlimited access to CMSA’s Tertiary E-Resource Library, which includes:
National Standards of Practice for Case Management, 3rd Edition 2013
National Code of Ethics for Case Management, 2nd Edition 2013
National Self-Assessment for Case Management Practice Handbook, 1st Edition 2015
National Skill Set for Effective Case Management in Australia and New Zealand: Skills Workbook
This means that you will not only be able to gain a thorough insight into the core skill of case management in the health and community services industry, but also have fantastic learning resources to turn to when doing course assessments!
There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Minimum age
You will need to be at least 18 years old.
English
This course involves reading learning content and undertaking a range of written assessments and engaging in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication. As such, entry to the course requires the successful completion of English to Year 12 level.
If you haven't successfully completed English at Year 12 level, you can demonstrate equivalency through one of the following:
Successful completion of a Nationally Recognised Training qualification at Certificate III level or higher; or
3 years relevant industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication
Open Colleges recognises that not all people are able to read, write and perform calculations to the same standard. See the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Considerations section for more information on tools, resources and support services provided to by Open Colleges.
Computing
You will need access to a computer and the internet and have basic computing skills. Minimum specifications for your computer are:
All users:
Microsoft Office 2010 or equivalent
Broadband internet connection
2GB of RAM
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Adobe Reader XI or equivalent
Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Access to printer and associated software
Access to scanner and associated software
Digital imaging software
File compression software
Windows users:
Microsoft Windows 7 or higher (Windows 8 recommended)
1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
Mac OS users:
Mac OSX v10.5 or higher (Mac OSX v10.6 recommended)
1 Ghz or faster processer (2GHz recommended)
Skills
To successfully complete this course, you will require basic computing skills. This includes:
Creating, saving and editing Microsoft Office documents.
Accessing and searching the internet.
Downloading and saving documents from websites.
Uploading documents through websites.
Participating in online discussions.
Compressing image files.
Connecting digital cameras and downloading and storing images.
Physical requirements
The Counselling role demands prioritising situations and managing time. As a counsellor, you may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to interacting with clients in crisis. You will also be responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of others.
Language, Literacy and Numeracy
Our free online assessment tool can help give you an idea of the language, literacy and numeracy skills needed to study a VET course. This tool can also help you determine your learning level and help you plan your future studies. You can access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy tool here.
Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module, which contains the first set of units for the course. When you have successfully completed those units, you'll be given access to the next Module.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
Provide intake counselling legally and ethically
CHCCSL001
Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Use a structured approach to counselling
Establish the nature of the helping relationship
Confirm the helping relationship
CHCLEG001
Work legally and ethically
Identify and respond to legal requirements
Identify and meet ethical responsibilities
Contribute to workplace improvements
Working with diversity
CHCDIV001
Work with diverse people
Reflect on own perspectives
Appreciate diversity and inclusiveness, and their benefits
Communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and situations
Promote understanding across diverse groups
CHCDIV002
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
Identify cultural safety issues in the workplace
Model cultural safety in own work
Develop strategies for improved cultural safety
Evaluate cultural safety strategies
Build the relationship with the client
Therapy covered in this module: Person Centered Therapy
CHCCSL002
Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
Communicate effectively
Use specialised counselling interviewing skills
Evaluate own communication
CHCCSL003
Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
Support clients to identify concerns
Support clients to work through concerns
Monitor the counselling process
Bring the counselling process to an end
Research and apply counselling theories
Therapy covered in this module: Solution Focused Therapy
CHCCSL004
Research and apply personality and development theories
Research theories of personality and human development
Link theories to own practice
Update and maintain knowledge of theoretical trends
CHCCSL005
Apply learning theories in counselling
Research learning theories
Analyse behavioural outcomes of different modelling and reinforcement influences
Formulate a program for change in a counselling context
Use counselling therapies to support people experiencing loss and grief
Therapies covered in this module: Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person Centered Therapy
CHCCSL006
Select and use counselling therapies
Select counselling therapies
Use counselling therapies
Evaluate use of counselling therapies
CHCCCS017
Provide loss and grief support
Recognise reactions to loss and grief
Engage empathically
Offer support and information
Care for self
Review support provided
Manage case plans for the delivery of problem gambling services
Therapy covered in this module: Narrative Therapy
CHCCSM005
Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
Determine appropriate response to case management in accordance with organisation and legislative requirements
Conduct case management meetings
Develop an appropriate case management plan
Monitor and review case work activities and processes
CHCGMB001
Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues
Prepare for assessment
Conduct assessment
Develop a case plan with the client
Refer clients
Support victims of domestic violence
Therapy covered in this module: Acceptance Commitment Therapy
CHCCCS019
Recognise and respond to crisis situations
Identify imminent crisis situations
Address immediate safety concerns
Provide referral for crisis intervention support
Care for self
CHCDFV001
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
Adopt work practices that support interactions with those affected by domestic and family violence
Identify client needs
Respond to client needs
Support people with mental health issues
Therapies covered in this module: Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CHCCSL007
Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
Assist clients to clarify goals and requirements
Explore options with clients
Support client to reach decisions
CHCMHS001
Work with people with mental health issues
Establish respectful relationships with people with mental health issues
Determine the needs of people with mental health issues
Work with people with mental health issues to meet aspirations and needs
If you choose to pay your course fees up-front in full, you’ll benefit from a 15% discount (unless otherwise advertised).
Pay 50% Deposit
If you choose to pay 50% of your course fees up-front, you'll benefit from 50% of the standard (or advertised) discount.
Payment Plan
Pay for your course in weekly or fortnightly instalments. By paying in instalments, you can schedule your payments around your regular outgoings and get ahead without breaking the bank. Open Colleges payment plans are interest-free.
zipMoney Payment Plan
If you need a little more flexibility in your finances, and want to pay off your course fees over a longer period of time, we can assist by organising zipMoney to pay your course fees directly to us on your behalf, and you pay this loan back to ZipMoney over a period of agreed time with them. zipMoney provides you flexible options of selecting a 24, 36 or 48 months interest-free payment plan (dependant on which course you are enrolling into) to suit your lifestyle, giving you more flexibility than ever before.
BPAY®
With BPAY®, you’re able to pay quickly and securely, 24/7 through your Internet, mobile or phone banking service. You can choose when, how much and from which account to pay from - whatever works for you. BPAY® is only available when paying in full. Call an Enrolment Consultant to find out more.
BPAY® is a trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518. Check if BPAY® is right for you by reading the terms and conditions available from your Financial Institution.
Originally from Scotland, Alex has been a Counsellor for 10 years. He worked for four years as a Drug and Alcohol Counsellor at one of Australia’s leading treatment centres. He has also worked for Beyond Blue as a Phone/Chat Counsellor supporting people dealing with anxiety and depression.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Counselling, Diploma of Community Service in Case Management, Certificate IV in Community Services, a Graduate Certificate of Gestalt Therapy and is currently finishing his fourth year Masters of Gestalt Therapy. Alex has a special interest in working with men and their relationships, family systems and eating issues.
Alex has a private practice and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with the students.
Open Colleges has a work placement partnership with these organisation(s):
TLC is a Psychology Services Practice that provides psychology assessments and counselling to the community, residential care facilities, and private clients. The Principal is an accredited supervisor to provisional psychologists, counselling graduates and students on placement.
Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA) Australia is a registered non-government organisation comprising of medical experts and health advocates whom work towards addressing humanitarian crisis, marginalised care, and unmet medical needs in high risk communities. ACATA Australia works to promote healthy life styles and eating habits to influence the health of children and the aged.
Both ACATA Australia and Open Colleges have a partnership agreement whereby students of selected courses are offered the opportunity to participate work placement experiences. Students will be participating as volunteers in Fijian communities in programs coordinated by ACATA Australia.
Open Colleges have partnered with Action for Children and the Aged (ACATA) Trust Fiji to offer students of the Diploma of Community Services the opportunity to complete their required work placement hours over the course 2 weeks in Fiji.
You’ll volunteer in communities promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity through basic counselling and providing outreach counselling on smaller Fijian islands.
Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand (CMSA)
Open Colleges is proud to announce its affiliation with the Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand (CMSA).
CMSA is the national registration and regulatory body for Certified Case Managers, and is also the peak body for professionals employed in case management roles within Australia and New Zealand.
As a result of this affiliation, students now have unlimited access to CMSA’s Tertiary E-Resource Library, which includes:
National Standards of Practice for Case Management, 3rd Edition 2013
National Code of Ethics for Case Management, 2nd Edition 2013
National Self-Assessment for Case Management Practice Handbook, 1st Edition 2015
National Skill Set for Effective Case Management in Australia and New Zealand: Skills Workbook
This means that you will not only be able to gain a thorough insight into the core skill of case management in the health and community services industry, but also have fantastic learning resources to turn to when doing course assessments!
The course contains a minimum of 160 hours of work placement
You will need to secure your own Work Placement, however Open Colleges can provide advice and direction through our Work Placement Support Team.
There are a number of statutory checks that may be required by workplaces, such as a National Police Check, Working with Children Check (or state equivalent), a First Aid Certificate and signing of a Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct. These may vary by state. In addition, individual workplaces may impose additional requirements on students undertaking work placement. You will be responsible for the costs of any such checks or requirements.
Your work placement will need to be completed in Australia, and you will be responsible for the costs of any travel, accommodation, statutory checks or other requirements related to your work placement.
Open Colleges offers this qualification in association with Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd (Provider number: 90197). The testamur will be issued by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd.
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is an Australian multi-campus public university, and is the University with Australia's highest graduate employment rate. CSU has more than 350 courses on offer that can unlock your potential to create a better life for you, your family, your community and the world.
Please note, articulation pathways are at the discretion of the University offering it, and subject to change. You should check the University’s website for any changes to applicable courses and credit available. Eligibility for credit does not guarantee admission, and the final decision to admit a student sits with the University.
Charles Sturt University courses:
Bachelor of Human Services (with specialisations)
18 months of credit transfer into a 3-year degree
Up to 50% of the course
Bachelor of Social Work
12 months of credit transfer into a 4-year degree
Up to 25% of the course
Southern Cross University is one of the Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Universities and one of the world’s Top 50 Generation Y Universities.
Please note, articulation pathways are at the discretion of the University offering it, and subject to change. You should check the University’s website for any changes to applicable courses and credit available. Eligibility for credit does not guarantee admission, and the final decision to admit a student sits with the University.
Course Details
Requirements
Subjects
Payment Options
Trainers
Industry Connections
Extra Benefits
Work Placement
Partnership Details
University Pathways
