CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling

Learning Mode

Online/Face to Face

Location

Adelaide

Duration

12 Months

Study Load

Full Time

Course Overview

Empower others to overcome life’s challenges and build a rewarding, purpose-driven career in counselling.

The Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) prepares you to support individuals and communities through personal and psychological challenges using recognised counselling frameworks. This nationally recognised qualification develops your ability to apply counselling techniques safely, ethically, and effectively across a range of real-world settings.

Why Choose This Course?

  • Strong Demand for Counselling Skills: The need for qualified counsellors and support professionals continues to grow across Australia, with strong employment opportunities in health, community, and education sectors.
  • Real-World Experience: Build your confidence through simulated counselling sessions and guided practice with experienced facilitators. You’ll participate in 15 face-to-face training days and a 7-day supervised practicum to apply your learning in a supportive, hands-on environment.
  • Flexible, Supported Study: Enjoy the flexibility of blended learning, combining online study with interactive tutorials and in-person workshops. Access e-textbooks, digital learning tools, and ongoing guidance from course facilitators to help you stay on track.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work in counselling and case management roles within community, health, or education settings. Roles may include:

  • Counsellor

  • Case Manager

Students enrolled to study the Diploma of Counselling may be eligible for Student Membership of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), see PACFA website for further details.

Pathways for Further Study

After completing the Diploma of Counselling, you can continue your professional development with:

  • Advanced Diploma of Counselling

  • Graduate Diploma of Counselling

These qualifications offer pathways to higher-level counselling practice, supervision, and leadership roles.

Why Choose AISR?

  • Part of Relationships Australia SA, a respected community service organisation

  • Flexible, online delivery with real-time support

  • Training that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded

This course is accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority. If you have experience or have studied in a relevant field you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Prerequisites

We welcome compassionate and community-minded individuals who are ready to make a difference. Priority is given to applicants with experience in health, community services, or education, as well as those already supporting others in volunteer or paid roles. To ensure this course aligns with your goals and readiness, all applicants will complete a suitability interview with the Course Coordinator before enrolment.

Units of Competency

1 Counselling Fundamentals

  • HCCSL006, Select and use counselling therapies
  • CHCCSL005, Apply learning theories in counselling
  • CHCCSL004, Research and apply personality and
    development theories
  • CHCCSL003, Facilitate the counselling relationship and
    process

2 Inclusivity and Restorative Practice 

  • CHCDIV002, Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
  • CHCDIV001, Work with diverse people
  • CHCCSM005, Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case
    management

3 Navigating Complexities

  • CHCCCS003, Increase the safety of individuals at risk of
    suicide
  • CHCCCS019, Recognise and respond to crisis situations
  • CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support

3 Responding to Client Adversities

  • CHCDFV001, Recognise and respond appropriately to
    domestic and family violence
  • CHCPRT025, Identify and report children and young people at
    risk
  • CHCLEG001, Work legally and ethically

3 Counselling in Focus

  • CHCCSL001, Establish and confirm the counselling
    relationship
  • CHCCSL002, Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling
    interview skills
  • CHCPRP003, Reflect on and improve own professional
    practice
  • CHCCSL007, Support counselling clients in decision-making
    processes

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) credit may be granted for relevant prior study or experience. For more details on the RPL process, visit: RPL page

Fee

$8000 Full Fee

$1,500 Subsidy gap via Training Contract (employer supported traineeship). Learn more about how traineeships work and the support that is available on Skills SA

For more information visit our fees and payments page

Qualification Information Brochure

Expressions of Interest

Are you interested in studying with us? Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with key dates and course information.

Name(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY

Nationally Recognised
Training (NRT)

Nationally recognised training (NRT) leads to vocational qualifications and credentials that are recognised across Australia.

Stay connected for course info, key dates + more

Name(Required)
Address

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the cultural, spiritual and economic sovereignty of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We understand that the ongoing violation of this sovereignty continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

We are committed to strengthening the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

We recognise that respecting and nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a benefit for all Australians.

We especially honour the Kaurna Elders of the Adelaide Plains and the Elders of the River Murray and Mallee Region, which includes: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Erawirung, Ngintait, Ngaraite, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali, and Elders of Barngarla Country in the Far North and Boandik Land in Mount Gambier, upon whose country Relationships Australia South Australia offices are located.

As educators we recognise the Ancient Universities and ways of knowing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have existed for millennia, and we respect and honour First Nations expertise.