Diploma of Counselling

About this course

Start a rewarding new career helping others find meaning with this practical online Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015) course from St Mark's National Theological Centre.

Designed for people seeking to begin a career in counselling and pastoral care, this qualification provides the foundation skills and knowledge required to work in the challenging and deeply rewarding field of counselling. You'll develop practical and relevant skills in communication, listening, interviewing and other counselling techniques, and gain insights and experienced from industry-connected professional counsellors as your trainers.

If you're interested in a people-focused career and want to help others, a career in counselling may be for you. Grounded in a theological and spiritual setting, this qualification will enhance your career prospects in pastoral care, spiritual leadership and contemplating meaning together with clients in a religious setting.

While this qualification is not a psychology qualification, and separate study is required in order to work as a registered psychologist, this course will equip you with the skills, insights and knowledge required to build a rewarding career helping others find meaning, purpose and hope.

Eligibility

To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

• Have achieved educational level of year 12 or above; AND
• Provide a letter from your church minister, indicating that the minister considers you to have the potential for introductory training in theology and lay ministry.

Areas of study

In this counselling course, the subjects you may study include:

Core subjects:

• CHCCCS019 - Recognise and respond to crisis situations
• 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
• CHCCSL005 - Research and 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 subjects:

• CHCCCS017 - Provide loss and grief support
• CHCPRT001 - Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
• CHCCCS003 - Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide
• CHCDFV001 - Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

Why study with St Mark's National Theological Centre?

Discover what theological learning is all about when you sign up to a course at St Mark’s National Theological Centre. Since 1957 St Mark’s has been a leader in theological learning, offering students from all different backgrounds a rich, vibrant and supportive educational environment. St Mark’s is a proud partner of Charles Sturt University (CSU) and offers nationally recognised and academically rigorous undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in counselling, ministry and theology, pastoral studies plus more.

Student Support

St Mark’s National Theological Centre pride themselves on offering a supportive and high-quality theological education experience, while keeping the students’ interest at the forefront at all times.

As a partner with CSU, students of St Mark’s will be able to access the same great range of support services, including counselling services for any support you may need along your study journey or in your personal life.