Acknowledgement of Country

The Yagilaith Djerring acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Diploma of Counselling

Support Community through life’s challenges and kickstart a rewarding career? It’s a win-win with the Diploma of Counselling at Yagilaith Djerring – uniquely designed for Mob, by Mob.

Register now

COURSE CODE

CHC51015

At a glance

Duration

18 months

(3 days per month)

Class type

Face-to-face classes three days per month from 9am-5pm.

Enrolling on behalf of your team?

Find out how we work with ACCOs

Course Overview

Mob carry deep knowledge of healing, connection and care. This course gives you the skills to make that knowledge count.

The Diploma of Counselling prepares you to support individuals through personal, social and emotional challenges – using established counselling modalities in a way that’s grounded in cultural safety and person-centred practice.

You’ll graduate ready to step into entry-level counselling roles within ACCOs and community services settings, working alongside a supportive team rather than independently. It’s a strong foundation – and a meaningful next step for your practice.

This course is well suited to you if you’re a community services or SEWB worker looking to build your counselling skills, or someone ready to strengthen the way you show up for the people you work with every day.

Who is this course deadly for?:

Graduates can work in roles across the ACCO and mainstream sector, such as:

  • Counsellor (in supervised or supported roles)
  • Case Worker
  • Family Support Worker 
  • Intake and Assessment Worker  
  • Community Services Worker
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Worker

Course Details

How you will learn

This course combines classroom learning with real-world experience:

  • Face-to-face training (3 days per month)
  • Group discussions and peer support
  • Workshops led by industry experts, including Elders and Community leaders
  • Practical assessments and reflective learning tasks

Clinical placement

No formal placement required.

However, students are encouraged to be working or volunteering in a SEWB-related field to deepen their learning and apply their skills in context.

Further study pathways

Graduates may continue their studies with:

  • CHC62015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
  • CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services
  • CHC81015 Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling (subject to entry requirements) 

Assessment methods may include:

  • Written questions
  • Observation/demonstration
  • Case studies

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • apply trauma-informed, person-centred counselling techniques
  • support clients through grief, loss, identity and mental health challenges
  • use ethical and culturally safe approaches in your practice
  • build trust and rapport in a helping relationship
  • work within boundaries and refer clients to appropriate services.

Course fees

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria can access the Aboriginal access fee waiver – no tuition fees required.

Travel and accommodation costs may be subsidised through the AbStudy funding program if you’re eligible.

See Yagilaith Djerring Course Fees.

Course Structure

To graduate, you must complete 17 units of competency – 14 core and three elective:

Core Units

CORE UNIT NAME

CORE UNIT CODE

  • Work with diverse people CHCDIV001
  • Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety CHCDIV002
  • Work legally and ethically CHCLEG001
  • Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCPRP003
  • Establish and confirm the counselling relationship CHCCSL001
  • Facilitate the counselling relationship and process CHCCSL003
  • Research and apply personality and development theories CHCCSL004
  • Apply learning theories in counselling CHCCSL005
  • Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills CHCCSL002
  • Support counselling clients in decision-making processes CHCCSL007
  • Select and use counselling therapies CHCCSL006
  • Recognise and respond to crisis situations CHCCCS019
  • Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management CHCCSM005

Elective Units

ELECTIVE UNIT NAME

ELECTIVE UNIT CODE

  • Work with people with mental health issues CHCMHS001
  • Provide loss and grief support CHCCCS017
  • Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide CHCCCS003
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence CHCDFV001

HLTAID011 – Provide first aid (NOTE: Students need to complete this unit externally and provide a valid First Aid certificate for a credit transfer prior to completion of course).

Why study at Yagilaith Djerring?

Self-determined
training

Training is co-designed with ACCOs and the Aboriginal health sector to ensure your learning is connected to current sector needs.

Expert
educators

Subject matter experts with current industry experience and Community leaders will shape your learning.

Support every
step of the way

A dedicated support team will walk with you throughout your journey – from enrolment to graduation.

Culturally safe
learning

Training that respect and reflects your cultural identity and lived experience.

Entry Requirements

Below are the entry requirements for this course:

To enrol, you must:

  • be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment
  • complete a Learning, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment and Pre-Training Review (PTR) to assess your suitability, leadership readiness, and workplace access requirements
  • have wide-ranging skills and knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of living
  • have basic digital skills, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

You must also be:

  • working or volunteering in a relevant role providing support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, or
  • working or volunteering for an Aboriginal health organisation, or
  • able to access an appropriate workplace to complete practical assessments.

If you’ve completed similar units or gained relevant skills through work or study, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer. Our team can guide you through this process during enrolment.

This training is delivered under the Skills First Program and may be free for eligible students.

Eligibility is assessed individually before enrolment, and tuition fees may vary depending on your circumstances.

Check your eligibility here.

Additional Information

Yagilaith Djerring (RTO No. 20739) is responsible for the quality of training, assessment and the issuing of nationally recognised certification.
Completion of this course does not guarantee employment.
Yagilaith Djerring supports inclusive education and welcomes learners from all backgrounds, including people with a disability.

Ready to make a difference?

Register now