There are many perspectives and schools of thought in counselling and psychotherapy – each offers a working ideology and framework. This course is ideal for anyone interested in the fields of counselling, psychology, healthcare, teaching and research.
Counselling Strategies & Techniques is a professional development course that will provide an overview of counselling theories, approaches and therapies from influential practitioners.
In this online counselling course, you will learn about elements of personality, recent developments in psychoanalytical theory, as well as psychoanalytic techniques, approaches and counselling.
You’ll also discover humanistic approaches, including Gestalt techniques and person-centred counselling. Cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy and strategies in solution-focused counselling are also covered in this online counselling course.
On completion of this course, you will understand the different approaches in counselling and psychotherapy and gain insight into the techniques you’d like to adopt in your work.
Course Structure
Unit - Counselling Strategies and Techniques
Unit 1 – Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy l – Freud, Erikson, Jung
- Value and relevance of psychotherapy
- Emergence of psychoanalytical theory
- Principles of psychoanalytical theory
- Elements of the personality
- The notion of conscious and unconscious
- Anxiety and psychoanalysis
- Inbuilt psychological coping and damage repair mechanisms
- Defence mechanisms
- Freud’s psycho-sexual theory and Erikson’s psychosocial theory
- Jung’s perspective on personality
- Archetypes
- Recent developments in psychoanalytical theory
- Goals of psychoanalytical approach
- Psychoanalytic techniques
- Analytic framework
- Free associations
- Interpretation
- Dream analysis
- Resistance
- Transference
- Psychoanalytic approach and counselling
- Personality disorders
- Critique for psychoanalytic theory
Unit 2 – Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy ll – Adler
- Alfred Adler
- Adler’s key concepts
- Inferiority vs superiority
- What makes people self interested
- Social interest and community feeling
- Individual psychology
- Psychological types: ruling type, leaning type, avoiding type
- Sibling relationships
- Only child
- First child, second child, youngest child
- Use of Adlerian theory
- Applications to counselling
- Freud and Adler
- Critique
Unit 3 – Humanistic/Existential Approaches I – Gestalt Therapy; Fritz Perls
- Introduction
- Human nature
- Holistic approach
- Field theory
- Figure-formation process
- Organismic self-regulation
- Focus on the present
- Resolving dilemmas
- Personal maturity
- The effect of contact
- Effect of energy
- The experiment
- Confrontation
- Gestalt techniques: Internal dialogue, reversal, rehearsal, exaggeration, dream work, etc.
- Critique
Unit 4 – Humanistic/Existential Approaches II – Person-Centred Counselling; Carl Rogers
- Humanistic therapy
- Principles of person centred approach
- Personal attitude of the counsellor
- Goals of therapy
- Assessment techniques
- Areas of application
- Critique
Unit 5 – Rational Behavioural Therapy – Albert Ellis
- Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT
- Ellis’s view of human nature
- Personality theory
- Goals and techniques of therapy
- Therapeutic techniques
- Cognitive techniques
- Emotive techniques
- Use of REBT
- Critique
Unit 6 – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Aaron Beck
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and REBT
- Premises of CBT
- Cognitive distortions
- Use of cognitive therapy
- Family therapy
- Modifications to CBT
- Stress inoculation training program (SIT)
- Stages of SIT
- Constructivist modification
Unit 7 – Behavioural Therapy
- Contemporary behavioural therapy
- Behavioural approach
- Goals and techniques
- Goals of therapy
- Use of behaviour therapy
- Basic ID
- Critique
Unit 8 – Solution-Focused Counselling
- Introduction
- Strategies in solution focused counselling
- Engaging the client
- Constructing pathways for change
- Generating creative solutions
- Critique
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
The learning materials are easy to understand
B. Nils Santos, Bataan, Philippines | Certificate of Counselling Strategies & Techniques
It was a wonderful experience. The information contained in the course was excellent, it was well written, easy to follow and contained relevant information.
J. Greenhill, Mildura, VIC | Certificate of Counselling Strategies and Techniques
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:
- Counsellors
- Psychotherapists
- Social Workers
- Health Professionals
Related Blogs
