In a nutshell
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling offered by ICM Training through Open Colleges provides students with the formal qualifications and training to counsel and assist people in crisis or facing difficulties.
The course teaches students how to develop, facilitate and monitor all aspects of case management, and how to build an effective working relationship with their clients.
The counselling course is designed for any number of professionals, from individuals wishing to make a career change into counselling, to professionals looking to advance their skillset and acquire formal credentials in the area.
Available 100% online this course provides a comprehensive program of study, ideal for those looking for a practical, entry-level education.
Gain practical skills
The course’s inclusion of a structured workplace learning component also means students will have the chance to gain valuable industry experience and work with a range of diverse clients.
What you’ll need
There are no formal education entry requirements for this course.
Age requirements:
Students are required to be at least 18 years of age.
English requirements:
- Have successfully completed English at Year 12 level; OR
- Have successfully completed a nationally recognised qualification at certificate III level or above; OR
- Have at least three years' experience in a role that requires written communication and documentation.
Computing:
- You will need access to a reliable computer and an internet connections, as well as basic computer skills.
Subject summary
In this counselling course, the units of competency you may study include:
- CHCCSL001 – Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- CHCLEG001 – Work legally and ethically
- CHCDIV001 - Work with diverse people
- CHCDIV002 – Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
- CHCCSL002 – Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- CHCCSL003 – Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- CHCCSL004 – Research and apply personality and development theories
- CHCCSL005 – Apply learning theories in counselling
- CHCCSL006 – Select and use counselling therapies
- CHCCCS017 – Provide loss and grief support
- CHCCSM005 – Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management
- CHCGMB001 – Assess the needs of clients with problem gambling issues
- CHCCCS019 – Recognise and respond to crisis situations
- CHCDFV001 – Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence
- CHCCSL007 – Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
- CHCMHS001 – Work with people with mental health issues
- CHCPRP003 – Reflect on and improve own professional practice
Why Open Colleges?

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Open Colleges has been helping Australians realise their potential for over 125 years, and they're now one of Australia's leaders in online education. In the last decade alone, they've helped over 450,000 students gain the skills to launch, change or take the next step in their careers.
The common misconception is that studying online means that you’re studying alone, but at Open Colleges, they take great pride in the superior support provided to their students. They make it easy for you to get support when you need it with their student support team available Monday to Friday via email, phone and Live Chat and on the weekends, via Live Chat (when available). They’re here, in tandem with trainers and assessors, to make sure you’re supported the whole way through your course, from the time you enrol right through to your graduation.