Health Sciences

School of Public Health

Counselling and Human Services Program

Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Human Services

The Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Human Services is humanistic and experiential in its orientation, the course is designed both for people who wish to practise as counsellors and for those who wish to exercise a major counselling function within another profession.

It has been designed (with additional supervised practice) to meet the criteria for some member organisations of PACFA – The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia. It does not offer accreditation as a psychologist. Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the Master of Counselling and Human Services degree.

The aim of the course is to provide training of sufficient duration and depth to equip the successful student to practise professionally in the role of counsellor. Throughout the year, students will be assisted to:

• achieve a clear theoretical understanding of the implicit and explicit processes that characterise humanistic experiential approaches to counselling.
• develop the attitudes and skills involved in creating the conditions to advance the therapeutic process in counselling relationships.
• learn to utilise the supervision relationship with a personal and group supervisor in ways that safeguard the client and foster the counsellor’s personal development.
• directly advance personal development in a positive direction and in such a way that attitudes and values which might inhibit the establishment and maintenance of a counselling relationship are explored and/or confronted.
• learn how to collaborate with a client in making an assessment of the problem(s) so that an appropriate contract or referral can be made.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should be graduates, but those with other professional qualifications or who can demonstrate appropriate academic skills, will be considered.

In the selection of applicants, preference will be given to those who have prior experience in counselling or in a counselling-related facilitative role.

Course Structure

The Graduate Diploma is offered at the Bundoora campus. Class sizes limited to 27 students. The course can be completed in one year but our normal recommendation is that the four "core units" taught on a Tuesday be comleted as a cohort, whilst the clinical placement component be completed in second year.

In addition, students are required to spend the equivalent of one day per week (26 days) in a counselling placement and to meet fortnightly in small groups with a supervisor. Frequently Asked Questions & Answers on Placement / Fieldwork.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers on the Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Human Services

Guide to Essay Writing in the Department of Counselling and Psychological Health.

Application Process

Selection is by interview, following a completed Application Form and the provision of two written references.

Interviews are normally conducted by a panel consisting of at least one staff member and one current or former student of the course. The panel will be interested in positive answers to the following questions:

• Will the applicant be able to meet the academic demands of the course?
• Does the applicant have prior or preferably current experience in a counselling or related facilitative role?
• Has the applicant undertaken previous counselling skills training?
• Does the applicant wish to work as a counsellor (rather than being primarily
• interested in the personal growth opportunities that such a course can provide)?
• Does the applicant have personal qualities appropriate for the particular orientation of the course and the kind of training it provides?
• In particular,does the applicant demonstrate a willingness to explore and, if appropriate, be challenged on personal issues which may impact on his or her functioning as a professional counsellor?

Contact Details

Course Coordinator

Stephen Andrew
Ph: 03 9479 3697
Email: s.andrew@latrobe.edu.au

Administration

Susan Batur
Ph: 03 9479 5996
Email: s.batur@latrobe.edu.au