Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
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.


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Course Duration
12 Months
AQF Level
5
Study Mode
domestic
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
07
April
2025
05
May
2025
02
June
2025
07
July
2025
04
August
2025
01
September
2025
06
October
2025
03
November
2025
Additional Details
Course Overview
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.
Why study Diploma of Counselling at IHNA?
- Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
- 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.
Course Structure
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 |
Mode of Delivery
Blended and Face to Face
Entry Requirements
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.
How is the Course Assessed?
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer(CT)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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.
Credit Transfer(CT)
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.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
Bachelor of Counselling

- Advanced Diploma in Counselling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mental Health
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Explore opportunities
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Case Worker
-
Intake Counsellor
-
Family and Marriage Counsellors
-
Rehabilitation Counsellors
-
Addiction Counsellors
-
Business and Life Coaches
Fees & Funding
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
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.
Awards Received by IHNA