Whether you’re considering a career in counselling, psychology or want to apply psychological principles and therapeutic communication skills in any field, this course is ideal professional development for you.
The Advanced Certificate of Psychology and Counselling is a professional development course that explores the science of the mind and human behaviour, preparing you for a career in counselling.
In this online counselling and psychology course, you will explore key areas of psychology, including major theoretical perspectives, research methods, ethical issues, and the impact of social and cultural influences on behaviour. You’ll also explore memory and learning, lifespan development, personality, persuasion, prejudice, and resilience.
You will learn to build strong therapeutic relationships, apply a range of counselling theories and approaches, and promote self-awareness and empathy. You will also develop practical skills for supporting clients with mental health challenges and explore self-care, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, and legal considerations to ensure ethical practice.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to apply psychological and counselling principles to your current role or pursue further studies or career opportunities in related fields.
Course Structure
Certificate of Psychology
Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology
- What is Psychology
- The goals of psychology
- A brief history of psychology
- Biological perspective
- Behavioural perspective
- Cognitive perspective
- Humanistic perspective
- Psychodynamic perspective
- Socio-cultural perspective
- Psychology as a profession
- Psychology for everyday professionals
Unit 2: Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychology as a science
- Quantitative vs qualitative methods
- Common research designs
- Experiments
- Case studies
- Surveys
- Observations
- Ethics in psychology research
- APS code of ethics
- Interpreting psychology research in the media
Unit 3: Biological Bases of Behaviour
- Brain structure and function
- The nervous system
- Hormones: chemical messengers
- The endocrine system
- Genetics: the blueprint of behaviour
- Evolutionary psychology
- Biology and behaviour
- Sleep, stress, and mental health
Unit 4: Cognitive Psychology
- Sensation and perception
- Memory systems: short-term, working, and long-term memory
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Observational learning
- Problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking
- Cognitive psychology applications
Unit 5: Developmental Psychology
- Lifespan development
- Infancy (birth-2 years)
- Childhood (2-12 years)
- Adolescence (12-18 years)
- Adulthood (18-65)
- Ageing (65+)
- Piaget’s cognitive development theory
- Erikson’s psychosocial development theory
- Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory
- Attachment and bonding
- Identity formation
- Cultural perspectives on development
Unit 6: Personality and Individual Differences
- What is personality?
- Trait and type theories
- Freud’s psychodynamic theory
- Humanistic approaches
- The Big Five personality model
- Intelligence, creativity, and emotional intelligence
- Personality assessments and ethical considerations
Unit 7: Social Psychology
- How social context influences behaviour
- Components of attitudes (ABC Model)
- Persuasion
- Prejudice
- Group dynamics
- Conformity
- Obedience
- Leadership
- Cross-cultural social psychology
- Social psychology and marketing
- Social psychology and teamwork
- Social psychology and education
Unit 8: Applied Psychology and Mental Health
- Psychological disorders
- Anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
- Approaches to treatment
- Positive psychology and resilience
- Psychology Iin applied settings
- Health psychology
- Educational psychology
- Business and organisational psychology
- Sports psychology
- Forensic psychology
Counselling Psychology
Unit 1 – Introduction to Counselling
- Introduction to counselling
- What is counselling?
- The counselling role
- The purpose of counselling
- Effective counselling skills
- Personal qualities of an effective counsellor
- Self awareness and counselling
- Developing self awareness
- Values and beliefts
- Balancing personal values
- Understanding yourself
- Counselling misconceptions
- Ethical responsibilities
- Confidentiality in counselling
- Professional boundaries
- Legal considerations
Unit 2 – Counselling Approaches and Theories
- Counselling approaches and models
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Person-Centred Therapy (PCT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Existential Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Reality Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mindfulness Based CBT
- Emptional-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Integrative Therapy
- Choosing the right counselling techniques
Unit 3 – Building a Therapeutic Relationship
- Introduction to the Therapeutic relationships
- Building a strong therapeutic relationship
- Empathy
- Unconditional postive regard
- Authenticity
- Building trust and rapport
- Managing resistance
- Handling difficult conversations
- Counselling relationship challenges
Unit 4 – Practical Counselling Skills
- Communication skills in counselling
- Active listening
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Attending skills
- Responding skills
- Reflection of feelings
- Overcoming barriers to communication
- Role playing
- Stucturing a counselling session
- The counselling process
Unit 5 – Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Mental health conditions and concerns
- Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Phobias
- Depressive disorders and Bipolar
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Psychotic disorders
- Counselling as a holistic approach
- Referrals
Unit 6 – Working With Diverse Clients
- Cultural awareness
- Cultural identity
- Cultural barriers to therapy
- Supporting diverse clients
- Adapting therapeutic approaches
- Cultural competence
- Practical strategies to support diverse clients
- Understanding bias in counselling
- Addressing bias and personal assumptions
Unit 7 – Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support
- Understanding crisis intervention
- Trauma support in counselling
- Trauma informed care
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Trauma
- Somatic Therapy
- Emotional support
- Supporting clients in distress
- Managing emotional impact
Unit 8 – Self-Care for Counsellors
- Stress management
- Stress management strategies
- Creating a self-care plan
- Preventing burnout
- Preventing compassion fatigue
- Emotional resilience
- Supervision and peer support
Study Hours
Estimated duration 100 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. 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.
Approval and Recognition
Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.
Testimonials
I found the course very easy to navigate. My assignments were returned in a day and I felt confident to move on to next half. The tutors online where at hand with help with any clarification needed. Overall a great experience and I would highly recommend studying with them again.
L. Gallagher Colasante, Melbourne, VIC | Advanced Certificate of Psychology and Counselling
Great experience – thank you! System is easy to navigate, and tutors feedback is prompt and practical! Thank you
Denille | Rockhampton, QLD | Advanced Certificate of Psychology and Counselling
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
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;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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:-
- Counsellor
- Community Services
- Health sector professionals
- Psychotherapist
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