{ "availability": true, "data": { "awardTitle": "Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations", "advertisedTitle": "Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations", "totalCreditPoints": 60, "offerYear": 2027, "studentType": "Domestic", "locationDisplayName": "Other", "deliveryModeCode": "MM", "deliveryModeDescription": "Multi-Modal", "cricosCourseCode": "", "isFlexibleLocation": false, "majors": [], "specialisations": [], "virtualRollover": { "enabled": true, "instance": true, "indicativeFees": true, "startDates": true }, "relatedCourses": { "nestedCourses": null }, "startDates": "Semester 1 (March 2027)", "duration": "1 year part-time", "prerequisite": "", "courseDescription": "<p>Enhance your skills in dealing professionally with First Nations families with La Trobe&#39;s Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations.<\/p><p>Delivered in partnership with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latrobe.edu.au\/research\/centres\/health\/bouverie\" rel=\"nofollow\">The Bouverie Centre<\/a> in Brunswick and grounded in the &#39;Black and White&#39; teaching model that keeps culture at the heart of the process, our course gives you a thorough introduction to family therapy theories and practice, with an emphasis on maintaining sensitivity to First Nations families' needs and experiences.<\/p><p>By studying La Trobe&#39;s Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations, you will:<\/p><ul><li>explore foundational family therapy theories and skills, utilising these ideas in the context of cultural safety and responsiveness<\/li><li>examine the importance of First Nations&#39; family and community connections in conducting therapy in a range of contexts<\/li><li>apply theory and skills in real-world scenarios by conducting family therapy sessions<\/li><li>develop a deeper understanding of the ongoing impact of transgenerational trauma on First Nations families and communities, and apply culturally and trauma-informed practices<\/li><li>explore your own culture and experiences, identifying constraints in your work with families to increase your effectiveness in your professional practice<\/li><li>graduate eligible to apply to progress with credit to the Master of Clinical Family Therapy.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"footnote\">The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.<\/p>", "entryReq": { "rse": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "admCriAtarStmt": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCriInAddToAtar": "", "selRankAdj": "", "otherAdmOpts": "" }, "higherEd": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "vet": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "wle": { "isEligible": true, "ineligibleMsg": "", "prerequisite": "", "admCri": "" }, "prerequisite": "<p>Cert IV in health and welfare field or equivalent.<\/p><p>Applicants must have at least 3 years of work experience working in the field with Aboriginal and\/or Torres Strait Islander communities.<\/p><p>Applicants must be currently employed and referred by an approved partner organisation.<\/p>", "academicEntReq": "<ul><li><p>Applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Exceptions may be made to non-Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants who are endorsed by Elders in community.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>", "essentialRequirementsInherent": "<div class=\"ds-block\"><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-0\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-0\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Behavioural and relational skills<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-0\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-0\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students must be able to manage their own responses and behaviour to work effectively in a range of learning environments with diverse people and tasks. This includes the capacity to be receptive and respond appropriately to constructive feedback. Students should also be able to work with others in a team or group environment and make and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals in order to complete tasks or for professional practice.<br \/><br \/>See also <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.latrobe.edu.au\/document\/view.php?id=60\">Student behaviours policy<\/a> for more information.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/><\/p><p>These course-specific requirements are governed by specific ethical standards and requirements set out by The Australian Association of Family Therapy.<\/p><p>Students must be able to manage personal responses, beliefs or preferences such that they can work with diverse groups, for example they must be able to work with clients of any gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ethnicity, disability and cultural background. They must display behavioural stability and manage their personal responses while working with emotionally and physically distressed individuals and family members from diverse groups and backgrounds and in diverse and changing environments. For example, family therapists will be exposed to situations which are challenging and unpredictable and will be required to have the behavioural stability to manage these objectively and professionally. This includes being receptive and responding appropriately to constructive feedback, managing their own emotional state in order to be able to develop and maintain an appropriate relationship with a diverse range of clients. They need to accurately reflect on their professional performance, in order to accept feedback on their professional practice and respond constructively, identifying when an issue is outside one's scope or expertise, or when one's practice may be affected by an impairment. Students must also consistently possess and demonstrate relational skills in order to make and maintain strong therapeutic relationships with a wide range of clients in order to provide effective engagement, assessment and intervention. For example, family therapists must sufficiently demonstrate an ability to make and maintain rapport with clients, engage in effective counselling skills, provide accurate empathy, and effectively manage difficulties arising in the therapeutic relationship.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-1\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Cognition<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-1\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students must be able to locate, acquire, retain and apply knowledge as part of their learning and for assessment. They must have the ability to sustain their attention over a designated period, maintain their focus in a variety of learning environments and remember information long enough to complete tasks in a reasonable and safe timeframe.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p>These course-specific requirements are governed by specific ethical standards and requirements set out by The Australian Association of Family Therapy.<\/p><p>Students must demonstrate consistent and effective knowledge and cognitive skills to undertake safe and competent family therapy practice in culturally safe ways. They must be able to acquire, remember and locate appropriate and relevant information, process information relevant to practice in a timely manner, and then integrate and implement this knowledge in practice. Students must also, consistently and effectively demonstrate and apply sufficient cognitive skills to undertake competent practice that is safe in all aspects, including culturally safe. Adjustments for knowledge or cognitive impairments must not compromise or impede student's ability to demonstrate the minimum acceptable level of knowledge and cognitive skill required to practice safely and sufficiently, and must not compromise the codes, guidelines and policies of AAFT, or client care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-2\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-2\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Sensory (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction)<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-2\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-2\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Students should possess the ability to interact with visual, auditory or tactile inputs sufficiently to manage their learning environment and to meet professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/><\/p><p>These course-specific requirements are governed by specific ethical standards and requirements set out by The Australian Association of Family Therapy.<\/p><p>Family Therapy students must demonstrate the capacity to recognise and interpret auditory and visual information, including, verbal, non-verbal and behavioural cues contextualised in culture, in order to respond appropriately and timely to the dynamic needs of the clients they work with. They must be able to observe and understand auditory and visual cues for safe and effective observation of clients' symptoms and reactions as part of their assessment and treatment, including recognising and responding to non-verbal and auditory cues indicating a change in the emotional and mental state of a client. This capacity to interact with visual and auditory inputs is essential for family therapists to be able to communicate with clients, build rapport, and demonstrate respect and empathy, thus permitting the development of trusting relationships required to work with clients effectively and sensitively. Family therapy students must also be able to process auditory and visual information in classroom situations.<\/p><p>Family therapy students must demonstrate the capacity to recognise cultural nuances in appreciating, interpreting and responding to clients in appropriate, respectful and effective ways. Adjustments for visual impairments must enable the recognition, interpretation and appropriate response to non-verbal cues as well as initiation of effective non-verbal communication in a timely and appropriate manner. Adjustments for auditory impairments must address effectiveness, timeliness, clarity and accuracy of verbal communication issues to ensure safety.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h4> <button id=\"check-core-participation-req-3\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"core-participation-req-3\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\">Strength and mobility<\/span> <\/button> <\/h4> <div id=\"core-participation-req-3\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-core-participation-req-3\"><p><em><strong>Core requirement<\/strong><\/em><br \/><br \/>Gross motor skills: Students should possess the strength, range of motion, coordination and mobility sufficient to manage their learning environment and ultimately, professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/>Fine motor skills: Students should possess the manual dexterity and fine motor skills sufficient to manage their learning environment and ultimately, professional performance needs.<br \/><br \/><em><strong>Course-specific requirement<\/strong><\/em><\/p><p>Family Therapy students must demonstrate sufficient physical capacity and endurance at a consistent and sustained level to undertake and complete common and repetitive tasks, such writing case notes and reports, engaging in client sessions for the duration, in a timely manner and over time in order to provide safe and effective care.<\/p><p>Adjustments must ensure that physical performance is consistent and sustained over a given period, and must not compromise the codes, guidelines and policies of AAFT, or compromise client care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>", "engReq": "", "hasEngReqAlt": true }, "vtacCodes": null, "courseStructure": "<section id=\"course-structure\" class=\"sublayout-1\"><div class=\"ds-block\"> <p><b>To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across 1 year.<\/b><\/p><\/div><div class=\"ds-block ds-block--full-width course-structure-content\"><div class=\"ds-tabs\"><div class=\"ds-tabs-nav ds-block\" role=\"tablist\"><button class=\"ds-tabs-nav__tab\" role=\"tab\" aria-selected=\"true\" aria-controls=\"tab1\" id=\"tab1trigger\" >Year 1<\/button><\/div><div class=\"ds-content-chunk\" data-bg-color=\"lightest\"><div id=\"tab1\" class=\"ds-block ds-tab-content__body\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"tab1trigger\"> <p class=\"lead\"> Year 1 requires the completion of <b><a class=\"pls-explain\" title=\"A credit point is a unit of measurement to indicate the relative study load of subjects, courses, majors, minors, specialisations and other academic items.<br><br>For example, to be eligible for the award of a standard Bachelor's degree, a student must complete 360 credit points.\">60 credit points<\/a><\/b> including:<\/p> <ul> <li><b>60 credit points<\/b> from Core<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ds-block\"><h4>Study options<\/h4><\/div><div class=\"ds-block\"><div class=\"ds-accordion\"> <h5> <button id=\"check-course-struct-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"course-struct-1\"> <span class=\"ds-accordion__title\"> Core subjects <\/span> <\/button> <\/h5> <div id=\"course-struct-1\" class=\"ds-accordion__content\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"check-course-struct-1\"> <div class=\"ds-table-wrapper\"> <p> Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree. <\/p> <table class=\"ds-table--striped\"> <thead> <tr> <th> Subject name<\/th> <th> Subject code<\/th> <th> Year<\/th> <th> Credit points<\/th> <\/tr> <\/thead> <tbody><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/LTU0AIM\" target=\"_blank\">ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE<\/a><\/td> <td> LTU0AIM<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 0<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/FTH4003\" target=\"_blank\">FIRST STEPS IN FAMILY WORK<\/a><\/td> <td> FTH4003<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 30<\/td><\/tr><tr> <td><a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/subjects\/2026\/FTH4004\" target=\"_blank\">TRANSFORMING SYSTEMIC PRACTICES FOR WORK WITH FIRST NATIONS FAMILIES<\/a><\/td> <td> FTH4004<\/td> <td> 1<\/td> <td> 30<\/td><\/tr> <\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>", "workBasedLearning": "<p><strong><em>Compulsory placements (Work Based Learning)<\/em><\/strong><br \/>During this course, you will participate in one or more supervised Work Based Learning (WBL) placements designed to allow you to practice newly acquired skills, behaviours and knowledge while integrating theory with practice. The placements will immerse you in professional work culture, enabling you to develop and further enhance your skills. WBL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience at one or more of our local, interstate or international industry partners or agencies. WBL placements will generally be arranged by the Office of the Provost Placements and WBL Team at La Trobe University. The number of hours undertaken can vary considerably, depending on the requirements of the course. Students may incur additional costs and it may be necessary to travel or relocate to complete a specific placement. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information.<\/p>", "handbookLinkHtml": "<a href=\"https:\/\/handbook.latrobe.edu.au\/courses\/2026\/HC001BV\" target='_blank'>Other<\/a>", "intendedLearningOutcomes": "<ul><li>Appraise the congruence of systemic knowledge and practice for First Nations cultures and its contemporary application<\/li><li>Apply Systems theory and cybernetic principles in culturally congruent family therapy frameworks.<\/li><li>Translate family therapy knowledge to promote positive changes for communities, workers and the broader system to support the implementation of sustainable culturally congruent systemic practice<\/li><li>Critically reflect on own practice and professional development to ensure best outcomes<\/li><li>Implement the application of ethical practices that are culturally congruent<\/li><\/ul>", "careerOpportunities": "<p>Graduates may find work supporting families in the public and private sectors in family violence, disability, drugs and alcohol, residential care and mental health. Those already employed in these areas may find increased opportunities to extend and enhance their work with families and other systems.<\/p><p>Possible roles include:<\/p><ul><li>family therapist<\/li><li>counsellor<\/li><li>case manager<\/li><li>social worker<\/li><li>family therapy teacher or supervisor.<\/li><\/ul>", "professionalRecognition": "<p>The Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy: First Nations is endorsed by the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT). This qualification has been assessed as being an equivalent qualification for the purposes of the <a href=\"https:\/\/safeandequal.org.au\/working-in-family-violence\/minimum-qualifications\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Mandatory Minimum Qualifications<\/a> policy for employment in specialist family violence practitioner roles in Victoria. Graduates may apply for membership with the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.<\/p>", "fees": { "overview": "$13,700 full course duration (per 60 credit points). <br>Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. <br>Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.<BR> Indicative CSP price $4,769 per 60 credit points.", "showFeeLegislationMsg": false, "amountDescription": "$13,700 full course duration (per 60 credit points). <br>Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. <br>Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available.<BR> Indicative CSP price $4,769 per 60 credit points.", "essentialRequirementsSelection": "", "eligibleForCspLoan": false, "eligibleForErpLoan": false } }, "content": { "atarDistributionReport": null }, "softContent": { "contactCta": { "primaryCta": { "link": "https:\/\/consultation.latrobe.edu.au", "text": "Book a 1:1 consultation" }, "secondaryCta": { "link": "#contact-us", "text": "Contact us" }, "overwriteHeadline": "<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h3 style=\"color: black;\">Applications open in August<\/h3>\r\n<p>Enhance your skills in working professionally with First Nations families.<\/p><ul><li>Explore foundational family therapy theories and skills, utilising these ideas in the context of cultural safety and responsiveness.<\/li><li>Examine the importance of First Nations' family and community connections in conducting therapy in a range of contexts.<\/li><li>Apply theory and skills in real-world scenarios by conducting family therapy sessions.<\/li><li>Graduate eligible to apply to progress with credit to the Master of Clinical Family Therapy.<\/li><\/ul>\r\n", "headline": "<p class=\"h2\">Applications open in August<\/p>", "subheadline": "<p>There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.<\/p>", "contactCallBtn": { "show": true, "link": "tel:1300135045", "text": "Call 1300 135 045" }, "contactConsultBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https:\/\/consultation.latrobe.edu.au", "text": "Book a 1:1 consultation" }, "contactChatBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https://www.latrobe.edu.au/contact/chat", "text": "Live chat" }, "contactAskBtn": { "show": true, "link": "https://www.latrobe.edu.au/contact/question", "text": "Ask a question" }, "howToApplyVtacStatusText": "Apply through VTAC", "howToApplyUacStatusText": "Apply through UAC" }, "atarPeriod": "based on the January 2026 ATAR profile", "feeAdditionalDescription": "" } }