Give your counselling career the edge with a course combining core counselling methodologies with addiction support skills. Whether you’re interested in helping people through trauma or recovery from dependency, this course is ideal for you.
Certificate of Counselling and Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs) is a dual professional development course that will develop your counselling skills and knowledge of complex dependency issues.
In this drug and alcohol counselling course, you will explore theories of addictive behaviours, practical and social substance abuse issues, and how to assist clients with complex dependence problems. You’ll also learn how to support clients in decision-making and apply specialist interpersonal and counselling skills within a structured counselling and case management framework.
On completion of this course, you will have developed essential counselling skills and intervention strategies to support those with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
WHY CHOOSE A DUAL PROGRAM?
With a dual certificate program you can:
- save money – our dual programs are cheaper than studying two certificates separately, making studying more affordable;
- combine two areas of interest giving you greater variety in your studies;
- graduate with a competitive advantage, with a broader range of skills and knowledge; and
- seek a career in either of your study areas, or in a field that combines both, giving you greater flexibility.
Course Structure
Certificate of Counselling
Unit 1 - Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
- Structured counselling approach
- Analyse existing client information
- Initial session guidelines
- Assessment interviews
- Standardised assessments
- Engaging with clients
- Communication techniques
- Building rapport
- Active listening
- Effective questioning
- Client goals
- Establishing the helping relationship
- Counselling service information
- Client rights and responsibilities
- The counselling process
- Professional boundaries
- Expectations and commitment
- Anxiety or concerns
- Referral process
- Collaborative processes
- Confidentiality and privacy
- Conflicting interests
- Person-centred approach
- Options and approaches
- Counselling contracts
- Counselling plans
- Informed consent
- Records management
Unit 2 - Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
- Counselling interview sequence
- Environmental / personal factors
- Cultural considerations
- Disabilities / impairments
- Client-counsellor relationship
- Counselling skills
- Person-centred approach
- Client-centred interactions
- Establish rapport
- Empathy, honesty and openness
- Conflict resolution
- Learning styles
- Communication styles and skills
- Key objectives
- The initial session
- Structured approach
- Specialised counselling skills
- Negotiation techniques
- Promoting self-advocacy / self-care
- Coping strategies
- Responding to distress or crisis
- Self-evaluation / self-awareness
- Professional development plan
- Action learning
- Networking / professional memberships
Unit 3 - Facilitate the counselling relationship and process
- The clients story
- Counselling environments
- Legal and ethical requirements
- Mandatory reporting
- Child protection
- Duty of care
- Engaging with clients
- Immediate action
- Conflicting interests
- Client concerns
- Reframing technique
- Referral processes
- Client uncertainty / ambivalence
- Experience and process difficulties
- Recovery stages
- Emotional intelligence
- Interventions
- Support mechanisms
- Strengths-based counselling
- Perceptions of client feelings
- Active listening
- Identifying underlying issues
- Dealing with life changes
- Monitor counselling process
- Hopes and expectations versus reality
- Action planning
- 12 signs of good counselling
- Counselling conclusion
- Emotionally dependent clients
- Professional boundaries
- Records management
Unit 4 - Apply learning theories in counselling
- Research learning theories
- Access current information
- Workplace polices
- Privacy principles
- Distilling key themes and messages
- Behaviorism
- Antecedent behaviour consequence (ABC)
- Punishment
- Ignoring the behaviour
- Reinforcement
- Cognitivism
- Current and future practice
- Record security
- Record retention
- Legal and ethical considerations
- Professional boundaries
- Behavioral outcomes
- Modelling influences
- Modelling or behavioral rehearsal
- Role playing
- Role modelling
- Analyse responses
- Responses to reinforcement
- Primary reinforcement
- Secondary reinforcement
- Environmental differences
- Dysfunctional environments
- Learning environments
- Socioeconomic barriers
- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
- Formulate a program for change
- Achieving identified outcomes
- Client rights
- Identify practical goals
- Setting SMART goals
- Barriers to achieving outcomes
- Stimulus and response techniques
- Delayed reinforcement
- Aggressive behaviour
- Reviewing change programs
- Problem solving
Unit 5- Select and use counselling therapies
- Analysing client needs
- Holistic approach
- Problem-solving techniques
- Goal setting
- Developmental status
- Piaget’s cognitive development
- Freud’s psychosexual stages of development
- Erikson’s psychosocial development
- Kohlberg’s moral development
- Individual differences
- Coexisting issues
- Normal and abnormal behaviour
- Drug use and psychological illness
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Behaviour Therapy
- Gestalt Therapy
- Solution-focused therapy
- Miracle questions
- Scaling questions
- Coping questions
- Self-care plans
- Stress
- Managing re-traumatisation
- Breathing control exercises
- Managing vicarious trauma
- Personality theories
- Applying Freud
- Applying Maslow
- Applying Erikson
- The counselling process
- Client expectations
- Communication skills
- Communication barriers
- Active listening
- Effective questioning
- Reframing
- Paralanguage
- Specialised counselling techniques
- Self-advocacy
- Building resilience
- Integrative therapy
- Empathy and sympathy
- Self-reflection
- Evaluate therapies
Unit 6 - Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
- Clarifying goals and requirements
- Law and ethics
- Professional boundaries
- Setting SMART goals
- Referral processes
- Exploring options
- Ethical decision-making model
- Client-centred decision-making model
- Collaborative decision-making model
- Counselling plans
- Counselling contracts
- Informed consent
Certificate of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Unit 1 - Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
- Historical contexts
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
- Cultural patterns of alcohol consumption
- Alcohol misuse
- Social, political and economic contexts
- Alcohol and drug use
- Gender differences
- Age differences
- National drug strategies
- Economic costs of misuse
- Types of drugs
- Drug and alcohol dependency
- Models of treatment
- Critical incidents
- Crisis situations
- Managing clients
- Daily living assistance
- Residential support
- Day programs
- Mandatory reporting
- Abuse and neglect
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Medical / public health models
- Cognitive Behavioural Treatment
- Bio-Psycho-Social Model
- AOD practice values
- Harm minimisation
- Vulnerabilities and risk areas
- Access and equity
- Values in AOD practices
- Health promotion
- Communication skills
- Sharing information
- Effective work practices
- Law and ethics
Unit 2 - Work with clients who are intoxicated
- Intoxicated client services
- Assessing intoxication
- Statutory requirements
- Health and safety
- Signs and symptoms
- First aid
- Alcohol and the brain
- Injuries
- Safe environments
- Document services provided
- Privacy
- Reduce harm and injury
- Calm and confident approach
- Risk management
- Safety measures
- Infection control guidelines
- Seeking emergency assistance
- Long term needs
- Assisted daily living
- Service needs
- AOD client information
- Family support networks
- Signs of relapse
Unit 3 - Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
- Assessing clients’ needs
- Review client records
- Confidentiality
- Purpose of assessment
- Assessment flow chart
- Drug assessment
- AUDIT assessment
- Conducting assessment
- History and pattern of drug use
- Co-existing issues
- Co-morbid disorders
- Psychological illness
- Self-harm
- Client contract
- Familial and social relationships
- Assess current status
- Substance abuse
- Alcohol dependence
- AOD assessment tools
- Symptoms of specific drug use
- Interview questions
- AOD consequences
- Detoxification units
- Homeless youth services
- Client referral needs
- Identify client issues
- Referral protocols and procedures
Unit 4 - Develop strategies for alcohol and other drugs relapse prevention and management
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Personal factors
- Individual treatment plan
- Drug and alcohol terminology
- Coping mechanisms
- Signs of relapse/triggers
- Stimulus-control techniques
- Intoxication / alcohol
- Aggressive behaviour
- Stimulants and amphetamine psychosis
- Self-harm
- Impaired decision-making
- Client risk assessment
- Enhancing self-efficacy
- Support strategies
- Cognitive restructuring
- Lifestyle strategies
- Urge-management techniques
- Relapse management plan
- Harm minimisation
- Contingency plan
- Permission thoughts
- Self-help groups
- Stress management strategies
- Coping with cravings
- Client skills and strengths
- Client interventions
- Counselling and support
- Law and ethics
Unit 5 - Provide interventions for people with alcohol and other drugs issues
- Preparing for intervention
- Intervention requirements
- Individual treatment plans (ITP)
- Signs of abuse and addiction
- Required resources
- Client emotional well-being
- Identify client’s strengths
- Psychological interventions
- Planning an intervention
- Self-help groups
- Twelve step programs
- Drug and alcohol education
- Therapy
- Early intervention
- Crisis intervention
- Support networks
- Confirm intervention with client
- Intervention features
- Guide and support client
- Drug / alcohol withdrawal
- Negotiation
- Manage issues
- Compliance
- Referrals or emergency assistance
- Self-harm
- Client progress reports
- AOD terminology
- Implement interventions
- Client referrals
Unit 6 - Provide advanced interventions to meet the needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues
- Client needs and goals
- Complex and multiple needs
- Co-morbidity
- Drug use and psychological illness
- Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)
- Autism
- 3 assessment categories
- AOD assessment tools
- Genograms
- Drug assessment
- Risk assessment checklists
- SMART goals
- Goal setting
- Models and techniques to meet outcomes
- Three counselling models
- Behaviour therapy
- Intervention and support strategies
- Goal recognition
- Negotiation
- Short-term programs
- Long-term programs
- Motivational interviewing
- Cessation of drug use
- Self-help groups
- AOD age relevant treatments
- Indigenous people and AOD
- Developing rapport with clients
- Involving family and carers
- Legal and health issues
- Addictions and overdoses
- Nutrition
- Self-harm
- Mandated treatment
- Counselling competencies
- Advanced therapeutic techniques
- Group facilitations
- Documenting client interventions
- Personal and agency liability
- Case management plans
- Client social and emotional needs
- Sexuality issues
- Socio economic issues
- Isolation, rural and geographical issues
- Grief and loss
- EEO agencies
- Limits and role boundaries
- Client referrals and services
- Monitor client progress
- Client relapse
- Problem-solving techniques
- Supporting client needs
- Family sensitive practices
Unit 7 - Provide services to people with coexisting mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues
- Co-existing mental health
- AOD issues
- Dual diagnosis
- Substance abuse
- Alcohol and drug dependence
- Normal and abnormal behaviour
- Behaviours of mental illness
- Drug use and psychological illness
- Service provision and agency programs
- Service delivery models
- Dual diagnosis treatment models
- Treatment phases
- Motivational interventions
- Medication
- The shared care model
- Four-step programs
- Treatment for individual disorders
- Best practice model
- Client assessment
- Impact of AOD and psychological issues
- Physical conditions
- Societal impact
- Readiness for recovery
- Research specialist services
- Effective working relationships
- Recovery plans
- 5 stages of change
- Facilitate further care
- Addressing AOD addiction
- Treatment services
- Eligibility criteria
- Support and referral processes
- Informed consent
- Suicidal ideation
- De-escalation techniques
- Conflict resolution
- Reporting incidents
- Emergency situations
- Response strategies
- Records management
- Communication
- Assessment and self-evaluation
- Achievement of goals
- Advice, supervision and debriefing
- Burnout prevention
- Client risk assessment
- Law and Ethics
Study Hours
Estimated duration 150 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
Excellent
Z. Symes, Birkdale QLD | Certificate of Counselling – Certificate of Addiction Support – Drugs and Alcohol Dual Program
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during 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
- Counselling – Alcohol and Drugs
- Drug and Alcohol Nurse
- Counsellor
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Trauma Counsellor
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