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Overview of Counselling
Counselling courses are for those who want to get into counselling services, either in a private practice or in a government service. There are many options for counselling studies, including a Diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate counselling qualifications.
Studying Counselling
The most common counselling course is the Diploma of Counselling, a one-year nationally recognised counselling qualification that will allow you to practice counselling in both private and government sectors. In order to enrol in this course, you need to have at least a year of work experience and be at least 21 years of age or have achieved a Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent qualification. |
There is also a Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling), a three-year course, which includes 400 hours of supervised work, as well as a two-year Graduate Diploma of Counselling, along with 200 hours of supervised work placement. These courses are appropriate for those who want to work in more difficult counselling settings, such as prisons or mental health institutions, and will further your counselling skills.
If you want to practice counselling in a government sector, you will need a recognised counselling qualification.
Careers in Counselling
Studying a recognised counselling course will allow you to work in counselling services, either private practice or government sectors, in specific areas such as family support, health issues, outreach support, youth and women’s issues. Many people also set up their own private counselling practice, which gives you more freedom.
Skills needed in Counselling
Counselling is a very emotional industry and, as a counsellor, you will need to have a lot of compassion, patience and good listening skills. Counsellors are people that want to improve lives and be a positive influence on others by offering support and advice.
More information
Psychology & Counselling
Psychology