Children are increasingly experiencing mental health challenges and difficulties in their lives which require help from therapists, such as psychologists and counsellors. As a result, therapists need to be aware of the ethical, legal and development considerations required to treat young clients. This course is ideal for youth workers, counsellors, carers and health professionals.
The Certificate of Counselling – Children is an online professional development program that will improve your skillset to offer counselling to children, taking into consideration the legal and ethical issues, as well as a young client’s emotional and cognitive development.
In this children’s counselling course, you will gain an understanding of the type of problems that affect children, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and conduct disorders, as well as how they evolve. You will also explore other counselling approaches, such as medication, virtual reality and art, Lego and play therapy.
You will also learn about what influences childhood mental health conditions, interviewing and assessment techniques and important strategies to assist children with different types of mental health conditions.
On completion of this course, you have developed your understanding of childhood mental health and broadened your knowledge of counselling approaches for children.
Course Structure
Unit - Counselling Children
Unit 1 – Types and Causes of Childhood Problems Childhood Problems
- Causes of childhood problems
- Resilience and vulnerability
Unit 2 – Assessment of Childhood Problems
- Understanding normal development
- Adolescence
- Assessing children
- Significance of prevalence
- Legal issues
- Parental involvement in diagnosis
- Psychological assessments and tests
Unit 3 – Counselling for Internalising Problems and Disorders –Anxiety
- Introduction (anxiety)
- Types of anxiety
- Symptoms of anxiety in adults and children
- Anxiety in children
- Why some children experience anxiety
- Types of treatment
- CBT therapy
- Counselling
- Medication
- Parental help
Unit 4 – Counselling for Internalising Problems and Disorders – Depression
- Depressive disorders in children
- Signs of depression in children
- Bipolar depression signs and symptoms
- Causes of depression
- Getting help
- Counselling treatments for depression
- CBT and depression in children
Unit 5 – Counselling for Internalising Problems and Disorders – Eating Disorders
- What are eating disorders?
- Causes of eating disorders
- Signs and symptoms
- Anorexia nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Diagnosis
- Professional and parental help
- Case study
Unit 6 – Counselling for Externalising Problems and Disorders – Conduct Disorders
- Symptoms of conduct disorder
- Causes of conduct disorder
- Diagnosis and treatment of conduct disorder
- Parental involvement
- Medication
Unit 7 – Counselling for Other Problems and Disorders
- Bedwetting
- Counselling for bedwetting
- Cultural differences
- Cross cultural counselling
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Treatment of ASD
- ADHD counselling and treatment
Unit 8 – Other Counselling Approaches
- Medication
- Virtual reality
- MST
- Art therapy
- Lego therapy
- Play therapy
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 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
I did have a rough time at the start of my course due to my mental health, but completing this course helped me so much. It was an easy-paced and very easily understandable course and taught me what I’d need to know before entering the industry!
A.Miliotis, South Wentworthville, NSW | Certificate of Counselling – Children
I have found from start to finish, instructions to be easy to follow and precise. I have found that overall it has been a very relaxing and positive experience. Thank you
T. Acutt, Mindarie, WAC | Certificate of Counselling – Children
I had absolutely no issues. Quick responses, easy access and very user friendly service
M. Nicholls, Runaway Bay, QLD | Certificate of Counselling – Children
I enjoyed studying my course in counselling children. I’ve learned about a broad base of mental health concerns and possible treatments for children. I’m motivated to study further as I want to learn more.
Diana | South Turramurra, NSW | Certificate of Counselling – Children
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
Professional development for those working or aspiring to work in:
- Youth work
- Child and adolescent counselling
- School counselling
- Child psychology
- Caring roles
- Health care roles