Graduate Certificate in Counselling

Please note: this subject is delivered wholly online and only open to students enrolled in the mixed mode courses Master of Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and the wholly online Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Subjects in this course are delivered in an online accelerated learning model and therefore, students typically enrol in one 12.5 credit point subject per online teaching term.

This subject introduces foundational and contemporary counselling theories that underpin ethical and effective practice. It explores a range of contemporary frameworks, including psychodynamic, person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and narrative approaches. Students will examine the philosophical assumptions, core concepts, and techniques associated with each model, developing the capacity to critically compare and apply them to diverse counselling contexts. These frameworks provide a strong theoretical foundation for those pursuing future professional counselling practice, supervision, or research, and serve as a basis for integrating culturally responsive and evidence-informed approaches.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Please note: this subject is delivered wholly online and only open to students enrolled in the mixed-mode courses Master of Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and the wholly online Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Subjects in this course are delivered in an online accelerated learning model and therefore, students typically enrol in one 12.5 credit point subject per online teaching term.

In this practice-based subject, students focus on developing interpersonal, reflective, and communication skills required for counselling. Through experiential learning, including role-plays, peer feedback, and structured simulations, students will build confidence in applying foundational micro-skills such as active listening, empathy, summarising, and questioning. Students will also begin to explore their own values, responses, and presence in the counselling process. Guided by feedback from peers and facilitators, students will have opportunities to reflect on their communication style and areas for growth. This subject prepares students for future residential and placement by building their capacity to form safe, ethical, and collaborative therapeutic relationships.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Please note: this subject is delivered wholly online and only open to students enrolled in the mixed mode courses Master of Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and the wholly online Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Subjects in this course are delivered in an online accelerated learning model and therefore, students typically enrol in one 12.5 credit point subject per online teaching term.

This subject introduces students to the ethical, legal, and professional foundations of contemporary counselling practice. Students examine national and international codes of ethics, statutory obligations, and regulatory frameworks that guide decision-making and protect client wellbeing. Through case studies and discussion, students consider confidentiality, record-keeping, informed consent, and boundary management, and evaluate how culture, power, and intersectionality shape ethical responses. Practical activities encourage students to apply ethical-reasoning models to complex scenarios and to reflect on their emerging professional identity and responsibility for self-care and supervision. The unit equips students to uphold culturally competent, accountable practice in placement and beyond.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Please note: this subject is delivered wholly online and only open to students enrolled in the mixed-mode courses Master of Counselling, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and the wholly online Graduate Certificate in Counselling. Subjects in this course are delivered in an online accelerated learning model and therefore, students typically enrol in one 12.5 credit point subject per online teaching term.

In this subject, students develop skills in comprehensive client assessment and psychosocial formulation. Students will have opportunities to practice identifying presenting concerns, evaluate risk and protective factors, and attend to cultural, developmental, and systemic contexts. Evidence-based frameworks guide students in transforming assessment data into coherent case conceptualisations that inform collaborative goal setting and intervention planning. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, and clear professional documentation. By the end of the subject, students possess a structured approach to understanding complex client experiences and articulating rationales for evidence-based counselling strategies.

View detailed information in the Handbook