Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of others? If so, counselling might be for you. The role of a counsellor is crucial with more than one in five Australians experiencing a form of mental illness in any given year. This course is ideal for those working in (or aspiring to work in) counselling, psychology, social work, nursing and other health professions.
The Certificate of Counselling Psychology is an online program that will provide you with the vital knowledge and skills used in counselling to support emotional wellbeing and mental health.
In this professional development course, you will learn about interpersonal communication, stress and conflict management, the various types of mental health disorders, as well as differences in individual and group behaviours.
You will also learn the methods used to deal with psychological issues, the critical skills required to counsel individuals, as well as how to facilitate mediation and techniques for professional relationship building.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a solid insight into what is required to be a counsellor.
Course Structure
Psychology and counselling
Unit 1 – Stress
- Introduction
- The mind to body connection
- How to recognise stress
- What happens to the body when you experience stress
- The physiological response
- Chronic and acute stress
- Erikson’s psychosocial stages
- Oral sensory stage
- Anal muscular stage
- Genital locomotor stage
- Latency stage
- Adolescence
- Young adulthood
- Middle adulthood
- Late adulthood
- Social adjustment
- Relationship between stress and heart disease
- What are the basic sources of stress
- Why some people suffer more
- How to deal with stress
- Defence mechanisms
Unit 2 – Abnormal behaviour
- Definition of abnormality
- Deviation from statistical norms
- Deviation from social norm
- Maladaptiveness in behaviour
- Personal distress
- Disability
- Wakefield’s harmful dysfunction concept
- Psychologically healthy individuals
- Deviation in character
- Classification of mental disorders
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Prevalence of depression
- Treatment of depression
- Schizophrenia
- Substance related disorder
- Disorders diagnosed in childhood
- Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic and Cognitive disorders
- Problems with classification
Unit 3 – Individual Behaviour
- Pro social or altruistic behaviour
- When do children first exhibit pro social behaviour
- Socialisation
- Conformity
- Family influence
- Disciplinary measures
- Sibling influence
- Influence of family structure
- Influence of school
- Praise
- Influence of peers
- Heiders balance theory
- Dissonance theory
- Cognitive dissonance
Unit 4 – Group behaviour
- Social considerations
- Temporary group
- Organised group
- Organisational groups
- The influence of groups
- Industrial groups
Unit 5 – Methods of dealing with abnormalities
- Professionals in counselling and psychology
- Therapist techniques
- Transference
- Directiveness and non directiveness
- Systematic desensitisation
- Behaviour therapies
- Psychoanalytical approach
- Psychoanalytic techniques
- Humanistic therapy
- Eclectic approach
Unit 6 – Conflict resolution
- Conflict handling techniques
- Anger
- Negotiation
- Joint problem solving
- Problems with negotiation
- Mediation
- Procedure
- Running a mediation process in a conflict situation
- Agreements or contracts
- Suggested timetable for a mediation session
Unit 7 – Interpersonal communication skills
- Communication channels
- Effective communication
- Awareness
- Communication skills
- Hearing verbal messages
- Perceiving non verbal messages
- Responding
- Verbal and non verbal communication
- Body language
- Communication barriers
- Self awareness
- Self esteem
- Specific skills: listening, paraphrasing, reflective responses, etc
- Conversation development
- Professional relationship building
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- No entry requirements;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- Easy to understand course content;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Certificate of Attainment/Completion issued for your CV (hard copy provided); and
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 100 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Counsellors
- Psychotherapists
- Social Workers
- Health Professionals
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