Diploma of Counselling

Unfortunately, in today's society there is an increasing need for counsellor support for individuals and families who are victims of different forms of abuse. The Abuse Counselling Advanced Study Major provides a comprehensive insight into the subject of abuse and teaches the counsellor to deal with sensitive Abuse issues in a professional and practical manner.

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• Defining different types of abuse and exploring the societal myths about abuse and abuse survivors

• Exploring partner abuse and domestic violence along with common intervention methods and programs

• The ethical and legal challenges and stresses of the role of abuse counsellor and how to address these challenges

• How to develop a trusting relationship with clients who have been abused

• Therapeutic techniques and approaches are explored

• Recognising when to refer clients who have suffered abuse to another professional, and

• Working with perpetrators of abuse.

The Relationship Counselling and Conflict Resolution Advanced Study Major presents you with a thorough exploration of the complexities of human relationships in such a way that appropriate counselling solutions can be directly related to relationship problems. The Major includes popular therapeutic approaches and counselling techniques, along with application to current significant relationship trends to give this Major a contemporary, hands-on and solution orientated approach.

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, and recognising indications and contraindications for relationship counselling

• types of problems presented at relationship counselling

• the differences between men and women's styles of communication

• key principles for effective work with couples and ways of solving relationship problems

• the process of relationship counselling including understanding client needs and concerns, applying Gottman methodology when working with couples experiencing relationship issues and effectively terminating sessions with couples; divorce counselling and mediation

• exploring the dynamics of same-sex relationships and guidelines for appropriate counselling practice

• and professional and ethical challenges of being a Relationship Counsellor.

The Introduction to Expressive Therapies Advanced Study Major presents you with an introduction to an exciting and growing area of contemporary counselling – expressive therapies. Expressive therapies are approaches that incorporate creative processes (e.g., art, drama, movement, music, writing, play, etc.) into the counselling process.

Topics included in this Advanced Study Major include:

• The rise and evolution of expressive therapies

• The efficacy of expressive therapies

• Key approaches to expressive therapy and expressive therapeutic techniques (such as art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, etc.)

• How expressive therapies can be used effectively with a different client groups

• How expressive therapies can be used effectively with different client issues

The Grief and Loss Counselling Major is a very popular course that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for counselling clients who have experienced a significant loss and grief. All types of losses are considered along with the subsequent grief that occurs. The issues that accompany the loss of health, a loved one or a job must be confronted by all of us at some time or another.

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• the types of loss that can result in a grief reaction

• exploring reactions to loss and grief within the definitions of 'normal' and 'complicated' grieving; the similarities and differences between men and women's grieving behaviour

• key models to explain responses to a significant loss

• principles for assessment and intervention in working with people who experience loss and grief

• practical application of skills in working with grief and loss clients, including self-evaluation

• identifying and arranging effective referral for clients to another professional

• and challenges and stresses in the role of Grief and Loss Counsellor.

Parents perform one of society's most important functions - they raise the next generation. Unfortunately, however, we are rarely taught the skills required for effective parenting. The Child Development and Effective Parenting Major is based upon behavioural principles which when applied are highly effective in bringing about positive and healthy behaviours for both the parent and the child. The program includes an easy to follow, step-by-step approach to effective parenting which can be readily applied or taught to parents by the counsellor.

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• what behaviours to expect from children at different stages and ages

• effective methods for communicating with children

• resolving conflict between parents and children

• helping children to understand and deal with their feelings

• anger management in children

• the role of self, etc.

The Mindfulness-Based Therapies Advanced Study Major explores the key concepts of mindfulness as well as the central theories and techniques of a number of mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches.

Topics included in this Advanced Study Major include:

• The history of mindfulness and how mindfulness was first integrated into counselling practice

• The efficacy of mindfulness-based therapies

• The application of key mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., ACT, DBT, mindfulness-based CBT, etc.)

• How mindfulness-based approaches and techniques can be used effectively with different client issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, problem behaviours, etc.)

• How counsellors can use mindfulness to enhance their own practice.

The Mindfulness-Based Therapies Advanced Study Major explores the key concepts of mindfulness as well as the central theories and techniques of a number of mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches.

Topics included in this Advanced Study Major include:

• The history of mindfulness and how mindfulness was first integrated into counselling practice

• The efficacy of mindfulness-based therapies

• The application of key mindfulness-based approaches (e.g., ACT, DBT, mindfulness-based CBT, etc.)

• How mindfulness-based approaches and techniques can be used effectively with different client issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, stress, problem behaviours, etc.)

• How counsellors can use mindfulness to enhance their own practice.

The Family Therapy Advanced Study Major is specifically targeted to students who want to be able to shift their counselling focus to dealing with families effectively by applying family therapy concepts. Family therapy was brought together as a therapeutic framework by leading theorists that have driven this approach and its role in counselling today. Communication patterns between family members are identified and evaluated in terms of family structures and roles.

Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• The contributions of leading family theorists

• The family structure and multigenerational patterns

• Communication transactions in families

• The fundamental tenants of Postmodernism

• The influence of dominant social and cultural narratives on individuals and families

• Narrative principles in the practice of family therapy

• The use of narrative interventions in family therapy processes

• The use of the narrative techniques in practice

It is essential for counsellors and other helping professions to have an understanding of the history and context of colonisation and how it relates to social and emotional wellbeing and mental health issues experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in contemporary Australia. Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• An introduction to the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia

• Exploring the issues of dispossession, displacement, removal, and control over Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Understanding issues and influences on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing

• An overview of frameworks and practices to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients

• Learning how to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities

• Healing approaches including the Red Dust Healing Program and the Marumali Journey of Healing

• How to use respectful language and participatory processes when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Having children and adolescents as your client brings with it a range of unique rewards and challenges. Their cognitive, emotional, and physical development can occur at a rapid pace, all whilst trying to make sense of the world. This can lead them to be extremely vulnerable. Your counselling space needs to be able be appealing and you need to have a large repertoire of skills and activities to keep your clients engaged. Topics covered in this Advanced Study Major include:

• Understand the main developmental theories and frameworks

• Learn how to quickly develop trust and rapport with young clients

• Work effectively with other stakeholders of your client

• Work with young people with mental health issues or at risk of suicide

• Learn how trauma, abuse and neglect impacts children and teenagers

As a student you have unlimited access to the Institute’s Toll Free 1300 Study Assistance Line. Our degree-qualified education advisers are available 9am and 5pm EST Monday to Friday to provide you with friendly academic support. Their focus is to support you throughout your studies so you can graduate in the time frame you set. This includes answering questions on assignment topics, personal coaching on assignment writing, and giving hints and tips on specific concepts. The Study Assistance Line is there whenever you feel you need a bit of extra guidance.

The structure of the Diploma of Counselling ensures you graduate with sufficient practical skill so you can apply your counselling knowledge with confidence. The course includes a number of practical components that cover a range of topics including Communication, Counselling and Interview Skills, The Counselling Process and Practical Application of Counselling Therapies.

Because we have students all across Australia, and indeed the world, we provide a variety of flexible options to enable timely and effective completion of the practical components. Regular seminars give you the opportunity to apply the theory you have learned in contemporary counselling scenarios. They are also a great opportunity to get together with fellow students and participate in casework sessions under the guidance of a qualified Lecturer. Seminars are held regularly in most capital cities throughout Australia.

Students who may not be able to attend seminars for whatever reason, can elect to complete the practical components through alternate means, such as a one-on-one or small group session with a private assessor. We have private assessors in numerous regional areas across Australia.

Students can also complete their practical components by recording their demonstration of skills and uploading to us. We have guidelines available to assist students compile their recordings and develop effective role plays to demonstrate their skills.

The Institute website is an extremely helpful study resource. Via the website you can access the My.AIPC Student Portal which is your link to numerous study support and e-learning functions. You can:

• Download electronic versions of your workbooks

• Complete your activities and upload for marking

• Contact an Online Education Adviser for study assistance

• Access the Knowledge Base, a massive database of the most commonly asked academic questions, categorised for particular subjects, activities and concepts

• See when seminars are available in your area

• Plus much more.

The Institute has developed a comprehensive range of resources to help you expand your knowledge and practical skills throughout your studies and beyond.

The Institute also has a large reference list of books and resources for students who wish to broaden their reading. This list covers the areas of Counselling, Psychology, Sociology and Behavioural Science.

We have also developed a dedicated blog to complement your studies. At www.aipc.net.au/articles you'll find a plethora of articles covering a wide variety of counselling topics, as well as the latest information about what's happening in the industry — all in one place.

There are also numerous ways to connect with AIPC through social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.