Advanced Certificate in Counselling

Support the mental health and personal development of people in their everyday relationships and circumstances. Learn from experts in counselling to better understand clients, their specific needs and help address the issues and problems they face.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Recognised by the International Approval and Registration Centre

The IARC is a globally recognised non-profit organisation committed to quality in education – helping graduates gain employment worldwide. Our Professional Photography Certificate carries IARC recognition upon completion.

Course details

Developed and taught by experts in the industry, this certificate is delivered online to suit your lifestyle which allows you to study at your own pace.

Once you have completed the course you will be able to get started in this industry, as well as opening up a great pathway to a degree such as a Diploma in Psychology.

Where could you work?

School Counsellor
Careers Counsellor
Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
Family Support Officer
Counselling Service Manager
Age Care Worker
Mental Health Administration Worker
Phone crisis support counselling

ASSESSMENT & CREDENTIAL

How you are assessed

Assessment is competency-based and completed progressively throughout the course. Each module concludes with a short knowledge quiz designed to assess your understanding of counselling theories, communication techniques, ethical practice, mental health awareness, and client support strategies.

Throughout the course, students complete practical and scenario-based assignments that demonstrate their ability to apply counselling concepts in realistic situations. Assessments are reviewed by an experienced tutor, who provides detailed written feedback and guidance where further improvement is required.

Upon successful completion of all course assessments, students are awarded the Advanced Certificate in Counselling issued by Careers Collective, together with a comprehensive unit transcript. The certificate is endorsed by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), recognising that the course meets internationally recognised vocational education standards.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Open to all students

No specific entry requirements are needed to enrol in the Advanced Certificate in Counselling. This course is suitable for individuals who wish to develop advanced counselling knowledge and interpersonal skills, whether for professional development, community support roles, or personal growth. No previous counselling qualifications or experience are required to begin.

Students should be at least 16 years of age and have a working level of English language proficiency sufficient to complete written coursework and communicate with their tutor. A reliable computer and internet connection are required to access the online learning platform. The course is delivered entirely online, allowing students to study at their own pace.

Course Modules

8 modules. A design portfolio by the end.

Introduction to Psychology

Topics that will be covered in the Introduction to Psychology module include:

01

The Nature and Scope of Psychology

02

The Neurological Basis of Behaviour

03

Environmental Effects on Behaviour

04

Consciousness and Perception

05

Personality

06

Psychological Development

07

Needs, Drives and Motivation

Certificate in Psychology and Counselling

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Psychology & Counselling module include:

01

Stress

02

Abnormal Behaviour

03

Individual Behaviour

04

Group Behaviour

05

Methods of Dealing with Abnormalities

06

Conflict Resolution

07

Interpersonal Communication Skills

Counselling Skills

Topics that will be covered in the Counselling Skills module include:

01

Learning Specific Skills

02

Listening & Bonding

03

Reflection

04

Questioning

05

Interview Techniques

06

Changing Beliefs and Normalising

07

Finding Solutions

08

Ending the Counselling

Advanced Counselling Skills

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Advanced Counselling Skills module include:

01

The Counselling Session

02

Focus on the Present

03

Telephone Counselling

04

Dealing with Crisis

05

Problem Solving Techniques I – Aggression

06

Problem Solving Techniques II – Depression

07

Problem Solving Techniques III – Grief and Loss

08

Problem Solving Techniques IV – Suicide

Counselling Techniques

Topics that will be covered in the Counselling Techniques module include:

01

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy I

02

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy II

03

Humanistic/Existential Approaches I

04

Humanistic/Existential Approaches II

05

Rational Emotive Therapy

06

Behavioural Therapy

07

Solution Focussed Counselling

08

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Professional Practice in Psychology

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Professional Practice in Psychology module include:

01

Understanding Counselling

02

Ethics & Confidentiality

03

Understanding the Self

04

Personality

05

Emotions & Behaviour

06

Supervision

07

Referral Practice

Course Modules

8 modules. A design portfolio by the end.

01

Introduction to Psychology

Topics that will be covered in the Introduction to Psychology module include:

The Nature and Scope of Psychology
The Neurological Basis of Behaviour
Environmental Effects on Behaviour
Consciousness and Perception
Personality
Psychological Development
Needs, Drives and Motivation

02

Certificate in Psychology and Counselling

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Psychology & Counselling module include:

Stress
Abnormal Behaviour
Individual Behaviour
Group Behaviour
Methods of Dealing with Abnormalities
Conflict Resolution
Interpersonal Communication Skills

03

Counselling Skills

Topics that will be covered in the Counselling Skills module include:

Learning Specific Skills
Listening & Bonding
Reflection
Questioning
Interview Techniques
Changing Beliefs and Normalising
Finding Solutions
Ending the Counselling

04

Advanced Counselling Skills

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Advanced Counselling Skills module include:

The Counselling Session
Focus on the Present
Telephone Counselling
Dealing with Crisis
Problem Solving Techniques I – Aggression
Problem Solving Techniques II – Depression
Problem Solving Techniques III – Grief and Loss
Problem Solving Techniques IV – Suicide

05

Counselling Techniques

Topics that will be covered in the Counselling Techniques module include:

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy I
Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy II
Humanistic/Existential Approaches I
Humanistic/Existential Approaches II
Rational Emotive Therapy
Behavioural Therapy
Solution Focussed Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

06

Professional Practice in Psychology

Topics that will be covered in the Certificate in the Professional Practice in Psychology module include:

Understanding Counselling
Ethics & Confidentiality
Understanding the Self
Personality
Emotions & Behaviour
Supervision
Referral Practice

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Testimonials

Hear from Our Graduates

Testimonials

Hear from Our Graduates

he notes and study tools encourage me to conduct research to develop my knowledge of components in my course. It is very worthwhile. Gives me good feedback and food for thought with her comments and sometimes elaborates on my answers – really value her input.”

Larissa

“Being based at home, it has meant that I have been able to study something that I have wanted to do for a long time without having to worry about childcare etc.”

Louise

“This course is really valuable, because we can imagine and identify people’s behaviour and social/environmental effects on personality. We can be aware of our own children’s psychological aspects and their childhood development. Very good outcome from the course.”

Lanka

Modules

Specialist Learning Areas

The Advanced Certificate in Counselling equips students with practical counselling skills, professional knowledge, and a deeper understanding of human behaviour. Throughout the course, students will explore the following specialist learning areas:

Foundations of Counselling

Develop an understanding of the principles, purpose, and responsibilities of professional counselling, including ethical practice and client-centred care.

Communication & Active Listening

Learn advanced communication techniques, active listening skills, effective questioning methods, and strategies for building trust and rapport with clients.

Counselling Theories & Approaches

Explore major counselling models, including person-centred, cognitive behavioural, solution-focused, and psychodynamic approaches, and understand when each is most appropriate.

Mental Health Awareness

Gain knowledge of common mental health conditions, emotional wellbeing, crisis recognition, and the importance of appropriate support and referral pathways.

Course overview

Payment options

This course can be paid off through an interest free payment plan for $25 per week. It also qualifies for a discount for upfront payments.

Course duration

This course is made up of 6 in-depth modules and includes 45 lessons. The amount of study time required to complete this course is approximately 600 hours of study. There is an option to reduce modules from this program to suit your needs.

Tutor support

You are studying online – but you are not studying alone. Our tutor support service comes with all of our courses and is available to you 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Certification

A Certificate of attainment will be issued upon completion of your course. Also included with your course is a free 12 month membership to the International Association for Counselling.

24/7 Access

Online 24/7 access to your course allowing you to fit your study in with your schedule.

Your Investment

Pay Weekly

From $25/week

Interest-free. Total cost $1,950.

Pay Upfront Save 20%

$1,560

One-time payment. Save $390.

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AU 1300 001 703

NZ +64 98 886 451