Enquire Now Refer a student

CHC51015 – Diploma of
Counselling

  • I am a Domestic Student

    IHNA considers you as a ‘domestic’ student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen, or a holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.

  • I am an International Student

    IHNA considers you an ‘International’ student if you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of Australia; not a citizen of New Zealand; or not a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

  • Enrol Now
CHC51015 - Diploma of Counselling

Study from anywhere and become a counsellor within 52 weeks with our IHNA Australia online training and live streaming.

Introduction

Counselling is one of the most sought-after jobs in Australia. The nationally recognised CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling equips you with the basic knowledge and skills to embark on your counselling career.

This course provides the training and necessary theoretical knowledge to counsel and improve the quality of life of clients struggling to cope with life stressors. At this level, the counsellor will work in specified and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice.

If you are new to counselling or want to pursue your career in behavioural sciences, CHC51015 Diploma in Counselling is an excellent stepping stone for a bright future. It gives you real-world skills and knowledge, underpinned by a strong philosophical framework that can be applied in your personal and professional life.

*IHNA’s Diploma of Counselling course won’t lead to direct membership with ACA.

Choose Online Theory Classes

On-Campus Simulation Workshops

Assured Professional Experience Placement

Enrol Anytime

Morning and Evening Sessions Available

Course Details

Course Duration : 12 Months
AQF Level : 5
Mode of Delivery :  Blended
Delivery Locations :  Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
Professional
Experience
Placement (PEP): 
NIL
IHNA Policies, Procedures & Forms
Check this course currency on the National Register of VET
Accreditation
HLT33115 – Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (Assisting in nursing work in acute care)

The Diploma of Counselling provides individuals with the skills to offer professional support and guidance to people experiencing personal or psychological challenges. This course covers vital communication techniques, counselling methodologies, and ethical practice. Graduates are prepared for roles such as Counsellor or Support Worker, providing care and advice in community services, healthcare, or educational settings.

  • Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
  • Assured Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
  • Monthly Intakes: Enrol anytime with flexible start dates.
  • Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
  • Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments

17 units of competency are required for this qualification.

  • 13 core units
  • 4 elective units

CORE UNITS

CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality and development theories
CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations
CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling
CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies
CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate, and review all aspects of case management
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice

ELECTIVE UNITS

CHCFAM003 Support people to improve relationships
CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support
CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
13
January
2025
03
March
2025
05
May
2025
07
July
2025
01
September
2025
03
November
2025

Pathway from this qualification

Bachelor of Counselling

Graduates may progress to higher level qualifications within and/or across the community sector.

Potential pathways within the Counselling sector are identified below:

  • Advanced Diploma in Counselling
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Occupational titles may include:

  • Counsellor
  • Case Worker
  • Intake Counsellor
  • Family and Marriage Counsellors
  • Rehabilitation Counsellors
  • Addiction Counsellors
  • Business and Life Coaches
  • Student Counsellors
  • Youth and Refugee counselling
  • Bereavement counsellors
Course Fees for Full-Fee Paying Students
Was $4,999 Now $4,499
*Save $500 on this course with IHNA and IHNA Online!
Pay Upfront Offer
Was $4,999 Now $4,249
*Save $750 discount on this course with IHNA and IHNA Online by opting for upfront payment!

Currently, no funding is available; please get in touch with us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here

Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here

Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here

We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.

Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.

For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.

Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.

For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.

Attention Students!

We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.

Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.

For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.

Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.

For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.

BLENDED DELIVERY:

(Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)

20 contact hours per week will be delivered through synchronised Online learning and simulation based training.

Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do approximate 10 hours per week of unstructured learning.

The blended delivery mode is only available to domestic students on selected campuses and subject to eligibility.

*Please call your respective campus location for more details.

There are no pre-requisites or any other training package entry requirements for this course.

IHNA Admission Requirements

IHNA has in place admission criteria for courses in its scope as required by its ‘Application and Enrolment Procedure for VET Courses’ to ensure that candidates meet industry requirements.

  • Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification or equivalent.
  • In addition to meeting the academic requirements applicants must demonstrate their competence in literacy and numeracy levels in an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) at exit Level 3 and participate in a pre-training review when enrolling into the course.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

  • Should possess basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.
  • Students should be in possession of their own laptops to facilitate the training and assessment.

Our approach is to collect evidence on whether the student can perform to the standards of the workplace. This is based on the relevant unit of competency, and you’ll find these tools being used:

  • Theory Assessments (TA)

The questions or knowledge-based assessments are made up of a series of relevant short to medium length questions and multiple-choice options for learners to respond.

  • Simulation Based Assessments (SBA)

The simulation assessments are supervised -online (real time) simulated activities consisting of various methods. They may include the following: Group and individual role plays, individual and group activities including presentations.

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.

When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

  • Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
  • Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
  • Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
  • Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
  • Evidence of creativity and performance
  • Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
  • Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

  1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
  2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
  3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
  4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
  5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

Related Blogs

Student Testimonials

A Respected Institution

At IHNA, we are committed to elevating the student experience by pushing the boundaries of vocational education, whether online or on-campus

View all our Awards and Rankings

Diploma of Nursing

One of the largest providers of Diploma of Nursing in Australia

1,000+

IHNA Shapes 1,000+ healthcare leaders annually.

300+

Industry partnerships

30,000+

Students studied with IHNA operation

Acknowledgement

IHNA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.