- 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
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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
Potential career outcomes could include:
-
Counsellor.
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
Recognition
Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual 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
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
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.
