Season’s greetings! Our campuses are closed from the 21 December 2024 until Monday, 6 January 2025, but you can still enrol for 2025 at www.tafensw.edu.au or speak to our Student Sales team on 131 601 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (excluding public holidays).

    National code: CHC51015

    Diploma of Counselling

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Provide a diverse range of people with support and the tools to make significant changes in their lives. Develop your communication skills and work in counselling or case management roles in community services organisations.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Micro-counselling and interviewing skills

    • Selecting and implementing counselling theories and therapies

    • Establishing counselling relationships

    • Effective communication

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level

    • A step towards accreditation with various professional associations

    • Credit towards further training and pathways, including a Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Community Services, Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Psychology

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • Please check your preferred delivery option to see if there are additional local entry requirements.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Good computer skills

    • Empathy, patience and the ability to empower others

    • Relevant employment or experience in the community services industry, which can be useful

    Important information

    • This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: counselling roles within organisations, case manager, case coordinator, support worker and mental health support worker.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Diploma of Counselling does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    Further study0 Courses

    Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

    The Diploma of Counselling does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study1 Course

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    Your experience counts

    At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

    UnitsUnits taught in this course

    Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Counselling qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 13 core and 4 speciality units.

    Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

    Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

    • Recognise and respond to crisis situationsCHCCCS019

    • Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case managementCHCCSM005

    • Support counselling clients in decision-making processesCHCCSL007

    • Research and apply personality and development theoriesCHCCSL004

    • ... 4

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support

    TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

    • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

    • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

    • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

    • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

    • TAFE NSW Libraries

    • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

    • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

    • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

    • Student associations – get social with our student community

    Info sessionsWant to know more?

    There are a total of 4 information sessions planned for this course. They'll take place at different locations across the state.

    You can select a study option below to see the sessions available. Or you can view all sessions related to Community and Youth Services

    Study optionsFind a location to enrol