Life is full of ups and downs. You may not know it, but the people around you may be struggling to deal with something in their life. Whether it’s stressful situations, loneliness, unhappy relationships, or something entirely different, sometimes it’s a good idea to have an objective perspective to help you figure out how to work through an issue.
At Central Regional TAFE, our counselling courses are designed to not only equip you with the right knowledge for informed practice but are also designed to develop your skills by means of completing two supervised field placements. You’ll gain industry knowledge and experience working in one of 170 government and community agencies that CR TAFE has partnered with, which means that even before graduating, you’ll have valuable experience and supervision to help you hone your skills. Take the first step on your journey to a fulfilling and meaningful career today. After all, at CRTAFE, trailblazing starts here.
If you’re considering Counselling courses in WA, and have prior experience working in a counselling role, you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning. Your experience can then go on towards a highly valuable qualification that can help you find more opportunities in the field of counselling. To find out more, talk to our career advisors to register your interest, and learn more about our recognition of prior learning processes
Counselling Courses
Diploma of Counselling
Helping people could be your professional gift.
You'll learn the skills and knowledge to work with clients experiencing complex situations requiring advanced interviewing and communication skills in a community services setting.Study modes:
Your career in listening and helping others is here.
This nationally recognised qualification provides the first step towards a career in Counselling and entry into the counselling profession. During the course you will gain industry experience and grow your expertise by completing two supervised field placements with one of 170 government and community agencies.
You may work in the areas of mental health, drugs and alcohol abuse, family and domestic violence, housing, adolescent development, or parenting and relationships - giving you a competitive edge to secure employment in this fast-growing industry.
Counsellors work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. They use communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients. At this level, the counsellor will be working in defined and supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice.
This course may be of particular interest to graduates of Diploma or higher in community services, youth work, mental health, allied field or applicants with more than two years work/volunteer experience in community services. If you have not already completed the above you may be able to complete a combined Diploma of Community Services and Diploma of Counselling.
The course is delivered over 12 months and is grouped into 3 stages (approx. 40 weeks). Each stage comprises of a grouping of units which sequentially builds skills and knowledge for the qualification.
Stage 1 comprises of units relating to workplace safety, compliance, diversity and communication which provide the knowledge and foundation for the remaining units
Stage 2 comprises of units which relate specifically to the specialist areas of these qualifications in the areas of Counselling, Community Development and Youth Work.
Stage 3 comprises of units that relate to working with complex individuals and managing services for clients in crisis.
Enhance your employment options by doing a dual qualification
If you enrol at the Geraldton campus and you choose to enrol in additional units you can gain a dual qualification with one of the below. These options are discussed with students prior to enrolling.
CHC52015 | Diploma of Community Services(opens in a new tab)
This qualification reflects the roles of community services and case management workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communities. At this level, workers have specialised skills in community services and work autonomously under broad directions from senior management. Workers are usually providing direct support to individuals or groups of individuals. Workers may also have responsibility for the supervision of other workers and volunteers and/or case management; program coordination or the development of new business opportunities.
CHC50413 | Diploma of Youth Work(opens in a new tab)
This qualification reflects the role of people with responsibility for the development and the outcomes of programs and services for young people managed through a range of agencies and designed to meet the social, behavioural, health, welfare, developmental and protection needs of young people. This work may be undertaken through employment in community, government and welfare agencies.
Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set
Provide care to clients experiencing mental health illness
This skill set is suitable for those currently working in community services looking to upskill, or for those wanting to gain an introduction into the sector.Delivered at:
Study modes:
Gain the skills to work with clients experiencing a mental health illness
This short course will provide those working in the community services sector with the skills to assist clients who are experiencing mental health concerns and respond to the increasing need for mental health awareness.
The community mental health sector values employees with strong ‘soft’ skills and the capacity to provide person-centred, recovery-focussed care. This skill set provides people who are interested in working in the sector the opportunity to determine if it is the right fit for them and understand and develop foundational skills for entry into the sector.
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Make a career out of understanding mental health.
Learn to improve the mental health of others and help people put practices in place to keep them safe. Your skills will be in demand across health-care industries, respite care, clinical settings and more.Study modes:
Make a career of caring when it matters most.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide self-directed recovery-oriented support for people affected by mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work involves implementing community-based programs and activities focusing on mental health, mental illness and psychiatric disability. Work is undertaken in a range of community contexts such as community based non-government organisations; home based outreach; centre-based programs; respite care; residential services, rehabilitation programs; clinical settings; or supporting people in employment. Work is carried out autonomously under the broad guidance of other practitioners and professionals.