CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
What you’ll find here:
Delivery
2026 Course Fees
Course Units
Locations Offered
Entry Criteria
CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
The nationally accredited CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling with aifc is accredited with both ACA and CCAA. It is the first phase that equips you for ministry and launches you on your counselling training pathway.
Incorporating a Christian worldview throughout, this course prepares you to work with clients and people in your community, using established counselling modalities whilst considering theological, psychological and spiritual dimensions to people’s problems. There is a deliberate focus on students’ personal growth, spiritual development and equipping that is foundational to helping others.
- Full time and part time options available
- Four enrolments a year
- Biblically based
- Trainers that support you on your academic, spiritual and personal development formation
- Intentional journeying with like-minded peers
The Diploma is nationally accredited, developed to agreed industry standards, and responsive to the current and future demand for counselling skills – both within the local church and more broadly. You will learn essential communication, micro-counselling, interviewing and intervention skills that will equip you to be effective in a number of settings, including faith communities, not-for-profit organisations, community health centres, education agencies and government departments.
- Engage in the learning environment through collaboration, learning and sharing insights with classmates covering the same material
- Consistent progress with feedback given from trainers to enhance learning
- Learn valuable skills in time management with a structured and organised learning experience and set due dates
Research has shown that non-self-paced courses often have higher completion rates than self-paced courses. aifc’s structure, deadlines, and support help students stay on track, complete the course, and achieve their goals.
Delivery
CHC51015 Diploma of counselling is available either as a full-time or part-time study option. aifc is intentional in creating a vibrant and engaging learning community for students. Students have the option of completing all of their training with aifc, online, or they may choose to complement and supplement their online training activities with the highly recommended seminar days, occurring for one Friday and Saturday, of each term, providing a blended learning experience.
Our online systems and processes enable students to study online from anywhere in the world, with a reliable high-speed internet connection. Through the use of video conferencing and learner management platforms, students receive online training lectures, support from staff, and connection with other students to complete practical assessment requirements in an effective, practical manner.
Our courses are delivered through live interactive online training for each unit of competency; these training sessions are recorded for your convenience if you cannot attend live. In addition to specific training for each unit, each term aifc delivers a live skills-based seminar online or face to face. Students are required to attend a certain percentage of seminar days based on your course progression, which will allow you to develop skills and work alongside other students in the aifc community.
The Friday is a student focussed day, offering opportunities such as further practical skills practice, role-play observations of relevant unit content, and the opportunity to complete any current practical assessment tasks. The Saturday is ‘aifc community day’ open to current students, aifc alumni and the wider community. The subject matter is covered by expert guest speakers and staff members who will share sessions and workshops relevant to our accredited course’s training material, and also as professional development for practising counsellors. Again, this presents another value-add and recommended opportunity for our students to engage further in their course content.
Course Units
| Training Module | Topic | Unit Code and Name |
| Cornerstone This group of units lay the foundation for your personal discipleship journey and the learning of basic counselling skills, ethics, and God’s redemptive work in the life of the believer. We look at working with those from other cultures and some introductory interventions around depression and anxiety. Our guiding biblical text is Ephesians 2:19-22 | Establish, build and maintain relationships with clients and others from a Christian perspective, with a focus on the foundational counselling skills of attending, respect and empathy | CHCCOM002 Use communication to build relationships |
| A structured approach to Christian counselling to help determine, establish and confirm the counsellor/client relationship | CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship |
|
| Identify and work within the legal and ethical frameworks that apply to counsellors, community services and health workers | CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically |
|
| Understand and apply a range of personality theories, human development and stages of faith to analyse and understand human behaviour | CHCCSL004 Research and apply personality theories |
|
| Establish relationships, clarify needs, and provide support to people who are living with mental health issues. | CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues | |
| Use advanced and specialised communication skills in the client – counsellor relationship, including principles of effective verbal and non-verbal communication. | CHCCSL002 Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills |
|
| Understand core cultural values and beliefs to respectfully counsel people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations | CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people |
|
| Identify and promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety issues in the helping process | CHCDIV002 Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety |
|
| Assess and promote body, soul and spiritual wellbeing with clients with a focus on God’s redemptive restoration process | CHCMHS011 Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing |
|
| Develop We introduce you to a specific model of Christian counselling and the basics of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which integrates theology, psychology and spirituality. We look at working with those who are suicidal and supporting those in grief. Our guiding biblical text is Ephesians 4:11-13 | Evaluate, reflect and enhance your practice as a Christian counsellor | CHCPRP003 Reflect and improve upon professional practice |
| Recognise situations where clients and others may be in imminent crisis, and then work collaboratively to minimise any safety concerns and make plans to access support services | CHCCCS019 Recognise and respond to crisis situations |
|
| Use techniques from a range of counselling therapies including Christian approaches and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, to confirm the suitability of counselling techniques in a range of client situations | CHCCSL006 Select and use counselling therapies |
|
| Helping clients clarify their goals and requirements, exploring options with clients, and supporting clients to facilitate change that lasts | CHCCSL007 Support counselling clients in decision making processes |
|
| Integrating theology, psychology and spirituality dimensions to apply behaviourism in counselling practice and learn to analyse environmental modelling influences and their outcomes | CHCCSL005 Apply learning theories in counselling |
|
| Conducting practical client management beginning with client meetings, case management plan through to case termination. | CHCCSM005 Develop, facilitate and review all aspects of case management |
|
| Recognise and respond to the needs of people who are experiencing loss, grief and bereavement | CHCCCS017 Provide loss and grief support |
|
| Engaging clients to identify and work through their concerns in a structured way that incorporates theology, psychology and spirituality dimensions to people’s problems | CHCCSL003 Facilitate the counselling relationship and process |
Entry Criteria
Entry Criteria
All students are required to provide a proof of identity document. (a certified copy of drivers license or passport). Be of a mature age (over 18 years)
Students applying for VET student Loans assistance to complete this Diploma are also required to provide evidence of completion of a minimum of year 12 or Certificate IV and above. If unable to provide sufficient evidence, the applicant may be asked to complete a Language Literacy & Numeracy (LLN) test, and achieve a minimum of ‘working at level 4 / exit level 3‘ in the Reading and Numeracy tests.
Seminar Locations
Seminars offered at the following locations:
Twice a year, aifc offers face to face seminars in these locations:
NSW
Stanmore House
53 Harrow Road
Stanmore NSW 2048
VIC
One Church
184 Surrey Rd,
Blackburn VIC 3130
QLD
Springlife
178 Springwood Road
Springwood QLD 4127
WA
Perth Bible College
1 College Court
Karrinyup WA 6018
* View & download more detailed information of 2024 Training Weeks and Census Dates.
2025 Course Fees
For students who enrol in Quarter 1 2025, the fees for the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling are $9,736.00. Click here to see a detailed breakdown of unit costs and availability of VET Student Loan funding.
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Contact Us
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
(02) 6242 5111
1300 721 397 (Toll free)
Enrolments Open!
The Cert IV in Christian Ministry and Theology is a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip individuals to serve with confidence, integrity, and theological depth across a wide range of Christian ministry and community contexts.
This course provides a strong foundation in core Christian beliefs, biblical understanding, and practical ministry skills, supporting both personal formation and applied ministry practice. It is particularly suited to those sensing a call into ministry, those already serving within churches or Christian organisations, and those working in community, education, health, chaplaincy, or care-focused environments who want to deepen their theological understanding and strengthen their capacity to serve faithfully and effectively.
Through the Cert IV in Christian Ministry and Theology, students develop a strong foundation in biblical understanding, Christian belief, and practical ministry skills that can be applied directly within their local church and community.
Study Where God Has Planted You
Delivered online, this course is intentionally designed to support you in developing ministry skills and theological understanding where God has already planted you. Rather than stepping away from your context, you are invited to study while remaining embedded in your local church, workplace, and community—applying what you are learning directly into current or emerging ministry opportunities. This approach recognises that formation, calling, and kingdom impact often unfold in the very places we live, serve, and belong. Learning is supported by experienced trainers who bring both theological depth and lived ministry experience, helping you grow in discernment, faithfulness, and practical impact within your own community.
The Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully across church, parachurch, and not-for-profit settings, and within Christian organisations operating in areas such as education, health, social services, aged care, and community support. It is designed to help you integrate belief and practice—so that theology is not only understood, but lived out in ways that serve others and build God’s kingdom in tangible, local ways.
This qualification also provides a strong foundation for those seeking to pursue further ministry training or study pathways in the future.
Further information regarding course structure, units, fees, and intake dates will be released shortly.
Eastern College Australia and the Australian Institute of Family Counselling (AIFC) have
entered into a partnership arrangement for the AIFC to deliver vocational education and
training courses offered by Eastern College Australia.
-
Download Our Course and Services Guide
-
Book a Course Advisory Session
Contact Us
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
(02) 6242 5111
1300 721 397 (Toll free)
Delivery
aifc is intentional in creating a vibrant and engaging learning community for students. Students have the option of completing all of their training with aifc, online, or they may choose to complement and supplement their online training activities with the highly recommended seminar days, occurring for one Friday and Saturday, of each term, providing a blended learning experience.
Our online systems and processes enable students to study online from anywhere in the world, with a reliable high-speed internet connection. Through the use of video conferencing and learner management platforms, students receive online training lectures, support from staff, and connection with other students to complete practical assessment requirements in an effective, practical manner.
Our courses are delivered through live interactive online training for each unit of competency; these training sessions are recorded for your convenience if you cannot attend live.
Each student is supported by a dedicated trainer and assessor who journeys with you in not only your academic journey but also your spiritual formation journey.
Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Provide proof of identity, such as a certified copy of a driver’s licence or passport.
- All applicants must complete the aifc Pre-Enrolment Questionnaire, which includes a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) self-assessment.
This process helps identify any areas where additional support may be required to ensure students are ready for online study.
All students must have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) before enrolling in any nationally accredited qualification with aifc, as required by the Australian Government.
Student support and wellbeing
aifc is committed to supporting each student’s academic, personal and spiritual wellbeing throughout their study journey. Students are encouraged to inform aifc at the time of enrolment of any additional support needs, including:
- Learning or disability support (e.g. additional time for assessments, assistive technology)
- Cultural or language support
- Pastoral and wellbeing support, available through the aifc Student Services and Abound counselling network
Early disclosure enables aifc to provide appropriate reasonable adjustments and connect students with the right support services from the beginning of their course.
Technology and equipment requirements
Because this course is delivered online and includes recorded workplace-simulated counselling role-plays, students must have access to:
- a computer or laptop with word-processing software (e.g. Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
- a high-speed internet connection
- a webcam and microphone suitable for online classes and recording assessments
- a quiet and private environment for video participation and counselling simulations
Course Units
God’s Story –
While the Bible is made up of many books and letters, it holds themes that run through the Bible which are very important to understanding God and His purposes for the world.
This unit traces the most important theme of salvation through the Old Testament and New Testament, while exploring other important themes as well.
This unit will help you begin to form a solid biblical theology.
(Text – Vaughan Roberts, God’s Big Picture)
Engaging with Scripture –
Practical skills in how to use and interpret the Bible are acquired in this unit, including topics: where did the Bible come from, what was the context and setting of the Bible,
and how do we apply it to today’s cultures. A focus of this unit will be the study of the book of Philippians and the Psalms.
You will learn how to prepare a Bible study.
(Text – Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth)
Remaining in Christ is central to the life of a disciple. Reflection is given to personal Christian formation which considers and practises the spiritual disciplines of a faithful disciple,
with a focus on emotional wellbeing and identity formation in Christ.
(Text – Adele A. Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook)
This unit will help you understand the nature of leadership in Christian communities and develop your own leadership style and skills.
Knowing God –
This unit introduces the student to the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith and to systematic theology.
Topics include: God, the Trinity, the person of Jesus, the work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Church and the spiritual world.
(Text – Various readings)
Through selected readings from the book of Acts, this unit helps students to identify and develop skills for learning about and working with people from other cultures.
We consider the idea of Cultural Intelligence. We also discover what is involved in being a great team member working on a multi-cultural team.
(Text – David A. Livermore, Cultural Intelligence: Improving your CQ to engage our multicultural world)
Understand core cultural values and beliefs to respectfully minister to people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations.
This unit will help you develop the skills and knowledge required to work collaboratively with individuals to assess, promote, and review all aspects of the whole person.
Our most important call is to follow Jesus. This unit helps you to apply the teachings of Jesus to life and ministry through a study of the Gospel of Mark.
Students will also consider what is involved in discipling another disciple and begin to put that in practice.
(Texts – Mark Dever, Discipling: How to help others follow Jesus; Ajith Fernando, Discipling in a Multicultural World)
Study Commitment and course duration
Students will need to allow 10 to 15 hours a week to complete this course.
Student Support and Wellbeing
At aifc, we believe that learning happens best when students are supported personally, academically, and spiritually. Throughout your study, you’ll have access to a wide range of services designed to help you succeed and flourish.
Academic and Study Support
Each student is allocated a qualified trainer and assessor who journeys with them academically and pastorally through each unit of study.
- One-on-one assistance from trainers and assessors is available throughout the course.
- Access to study skills resources, academic writing guidance, and structured feedback.
- Individualised support plans are available for students who need additional academic, learning, or wellbeing support.
- Extensions and reasonable adjustments may be provided where appropriate to ensure equitable participation.
Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
aifc provides a caring, faith-based environment that recognises the whole person.
- Students have access to free counselling sessions through trainee counsellors under supervision, or may choose to access support from Abound counsellors for confidential emotional and wellbeing support.
- Pastoral care is available through the Student Services team and Course Managers.
- Optional group sessions and community-building activities help foster connection and belonging throughout your study.
- Where needed, aifc can assist students in connecting with external support services for specialised care.
Disability, Cultural and Learning Support
If you have a disability, learning difference, or personal circumstances that may affect your studies, we encourage you to let us know early. This enables aifc to provide appropriate reasonable adjustments, develop individualised support plans, and connect you with the right resources to support your success.
Seminar Locations
Seminars offered at the following locations:
Twice a year, aifc offers face to face seminars in these locations:
NSW
Stanmore House
53 Harrow Road
Stanmore NSW 2048
VIC
New Hope Church
3 Springfield Rd
Blackburn Nth VIC 3130
QLD
Springlife
178 Springwood Road
Springwood QLD 4127
WA
Perth Bible College
1 College Court
Karrinyup WA 6018
* View & download more detailed information of 2026 Training Weeks and Census Dates.
2026 Course Fees
The Course fees for the CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care are $4,282.00
Click here to see a detailed breakdown of unit costs.
Payment plans avaible and can be arranged at time of enrolment.
For a full breakdown of payment options, invoicing, and the cooling-off period, please refer to the Course Fees page.
For information regarding refunds, withdrawals, or deferrals, please refer to the Withdraw, Defer or Change Enrolment Process & Procedure.
Why choose aifc?
At aifc we are:
Biblically integrated
Flexible
Supportive
Our experienced and dedicated Trainers and Assessors go the extra mile to make a positive difference in our students' aifc journey. aifc staff support all our students to succeed in meeting the outcomes of their chosen course.
Taught by professionals
Affordable
abound
We are nationally accredited
aifc offers accredited courses, as part of the counselling training pathway, in partnership with the Australian College of Ministries, a AUCD member, for those wishing to pursue or add to professional counselling qualifications. aifc’s CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling and 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian) are ACA-accredited programs. Graduates who fulfil the ACA’s membership requirements may apply for Level 1 Membership.
93.6%
of students were satisfied with the overall quality of their training.88.9%
of students would recommend aifc training.94.8%
of students would recommend their training provider.95.5%
were employed or enrolled in further study after training.
What our students have to say:
- “I have built my confidence and developed new skills.”
- “Genuine trainers who offered lots of help and guidance throughout the year.”
- “The assessors are extremely thorough and helpful.”
- “I love that God’s Word and the Christian perspective is weaved throughout.”
- “I feel well equipped to go out and deliver a professional service.”
Download our course and services guide
We’ve put together a comprehensive course and services guide with everything you need about what aifc offers.
What should I look for when choosing a provider?
When choosing the Provider for your christian counselling education, it is important to ask yourself
Bible-based
Our courses integrate theology, psychology and spirituality. We train and equip Christian counsellors, rather than Christians who do counselling.
Taught by professionals
Our trainers and assessors are all experienced professionals in their field. High quality teaching, combined with one-on-one access to trainers makes the difference.
Flexible
aifc offers both live online and face-to-face training. You choose which delivery mode is best suited to your lifestyle and work commitments.
Accredited
Our courses include a range of VET accredited qualifications and non-accredited short courses. aifc is also the only Christian counselling provider to be accredited by ACA, CCAA and is a member of ITECA.
Affordable
Finding a course that fits your budget is important. With funding options and Austudy & Abstudy available to eligible students, our courses continue to be affordable and within reach of those seeking to become a qualified counsellor.
Membership to aifc Counsel
An innovative online counselling platform, that offers state-of-the-art counselling features with the opportunity to collaborate with your counselling peers and build a thriving counselling practice.
At aifc, our sole focus is to train and equip Christian Counsellors. More than just a counsellor, a Christian counsellor trusts in God and listens to His still small voice above all else.
It’s a big difference.
Nicholas Marks, CEO aifc
Download the Course and Services Guide
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