National code: CHC51015

Diploma of Counselling

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Overview About 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.

Outcomes What 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

Suitability Is 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.

Pathways Future 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 study 0 Courses

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

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

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

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

Related study 1 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.

Units Units 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 situations CHCCCS019

  • Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCCSL001

  • Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills CHCCSL002

  • Facilitate the counselling relationship and process CHCCSL003

  • ... 4

TAFE NSW services Facilities 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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.