Microcredential – Apply Specialist Interpersonal and Counselling Interview Skills
This course focuses on enhancing your ability to communicate effectively in a counselling setting. You will learn to identify and overcome communication barriers, use specialised interviewing techniques, and respond to both verbal and non-verbal cues to build strong client relationships. The course also emphasizes self-reflection, helping you evaluate and improve your communication skills to better support client growth and development.
Course Structure
Unit - Apply Specialist Interpersonal and Counselling Interview Skills
- Overcoming communication barriers
- Communication models
- Environmental factors
- Cultural issues
- Overcoming communication barriers
- Use of language
- Hearing impairments
- Visual impairments
- Signage and symbols as communication strategies
- Facilitate the client-counsellor relationship
- Behaviours and/or interpersonal skills
- Behaviours that may compromise rapport
- Listening skills
- Active and passive listening
- Good communication checklist
- Questioning skills
- Open, closed and probing questions
- Observation skills
- Noting and reflecting skills
- Person-centred approach
- Client-centred interaction requirements
- Establishing rapport
- Effective communication in work practices
- Empathy and sympathy
- Honesty and openness
- Conflict resolution
- Learning styles
- Auditory learners
- Visual learners
- Kinaesthetic learners
- Respond to non-verbal communication cues
- Physical contact and personal space
- Facial expressions and eye contact
- Paralanguage
- Context of communication
- Formal and informal context
- Organisational and group communication
- Rules of communication
- Rules of talking
- Different communication techniques
- Case note taking
- Records management
- Confidentiality of records
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Australian privacy principles
- Duty of care
- Sequence of a counselling interview
- Key objectives of a counselling interview
- Assessment interview structure
- Standardised assessments
- Engaging with clients
- A structured approach to counselling
- Humanistic counselling
- Challenging your client
- Reframing and focusing
- Solution-focused questioning
- Scaling questions
- Exception seeking questions
- Coping questions
- Problem-free talk (solution-focused therapy)
- Changing client behaviour
- Goal setting
- Self-advocacy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Ability to self-care
- Shifting the client’s feelings
- Coping strategies
- Respecting the client’s immediate concerns
- Responding to distress or crisis
- Skillset assessment – self-evaluation
- Self-awareness
- Evaluate client communication
- Seeking feedback
- Values and beliefs
- Respecting the client’s rights
- Managing your own values and attitudes
- Mutual respect
- Organisational values and guidelines
- Skills and knowledge development
- Mentoring
- Action learning
- Self-development plans
- Developing and implementing goals
- Skills and knowledge development
- Professional memberships
Study Hours
Estimated duration 15 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.
Testimonials
About Us
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 individuals working or aspiring to work in the education or community services sectors.