Diploma of Counselling
CHC51015
Turn your experience into a meaningful counselling career.
Build the recognised skills, confidence and practical experience to become a professional counsellor. Study live online with face-to-face seminar days, in a supportive Christian learning community, with part-time and full-time options and placement arranged through the Tov Centre for Human Flourishing.
Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
Delivery mode: Live online study, seminar days and fully supported
Funding: options available for eligible students
Accredited: Nationally recognised, and ACA and CCAA accredited
Start your Diploma in Q4 and receive one unit free
Enrol Now
30 years as aifc. Continuing as Tov Academy.
ACA Accredited Course
Called to Counsel
Already the person others turn to?
People may already trust you with difficult conversations. You may be the friend who listens, the colleague who notices when someone is struggling, or the person others seek out in your church, family or community.
That experience matters, but caring deeply does not always mean feeling properly equipped. You may wonder what to say, where the boundaries sit, or whether your support is genuinely helping.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling helps you develop the professional skills, ethical understanding and practical confidence to support people well. Within a Christian learning community, you will learn to bring together compassion, counselling capability and a grounded understanding of the whole person.
For many students, this is where a long-held sense of purpose begins to take the shape of a recognised counselling career.
“How would studying fit with everything I’m already carrying?”
The part-time pathway is designed for adults balancing work, family, church and other responsibilities. It is completed over 24 months, with an expected study commitment of approximately 15 hours each week.
“Do I need counselling experience before I begin?”
You do not need to be an experienced counsellor. Many students begin with life experience, ministry involvement or informal helping experience and want to develop the professional skills and boundaries to support others safely.
“Am I too young or too old to begin a counselling career?”
People enter counselling at many stages of life. Your work, relationships and lived experience can contribute to your development, while structured training prepares you to use that experience appropriately and professionally.
“What are my options for paying for the course?”
VET Student Loans are available to eligible students, allowing you to study without paying your tuition fees upfront. Our team can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
If you choose to self-fund, tuition fees are invoiced each term, allowing you to pay as you progress through the course. Payment plans are also available upon enrolment. Talk to our team about the option that best suits you.
Who This Is Built For
A recognised starting point for people called to help
The Diploma is designed for people seeking a clear and credible pathway into counselling. You may be considering a meaningful career change, returning to study after time away, or wanting to build professional capability around the helping role you already hold.
It is particularly suited to people who bring experience from family life, ministry, education, community work, leadership, health, administration or other people-focused settings. You do not need to arrive as a counsellor. You need a willingness to learn, reflect, practise and grow.
At Tov Academy, your existing experience becomes a foundation for developing counselling skills, professional boundaries and confidence. For those seeking Christian counselling education, the course integrates professional preparation with a biblical understanding of people, relationships, healing and hope.
Diploma of Counselling:
1. Choose a study pace that fits your life
Complete the Diploma part-time over 24 months with approximately 15 hours of study each week, or full-time over 12 months with approximately 30–35 hours each week. A Course Advisory Session can help you decide which option is realistic for your circumstances.
2. Learn and practise counselling skills
Study through live interactive online classes, supported learning activities, case studies and recorded counselling role-plays. You will receive feedback as you develop communication, assessment, ethical decision-making and counselling skills.
3. Move into supervised real-world practice
Complete 100 hours of supported professional placement, of which 40 hours are direct counselling. Placement is coordinated through the Tov Centre for Human Flourishing, helping you move from simulated learning into supported work with real clients.
The Diploma is nationally recognised and accredited by the Australian Counselling Association and the Christian Counselling Association Australia, providing a credible foundation for counselling work and further study.
SUPPORTED PLACEMENT
We provide the practice.
You provide the heart.
Move progressively from simulated counselling practice into supervised work with real clients.
You will complete 100 hours of professional placement, of which 40 hours are direct counselling with clients. Tov supports your placement through the Centre for Human Flourishing and approved partner organisations, so you are not left to navigate the process alone.
Throughout the course, you will receive progressive feedback from trainers and supervisors, helping you strengthen your skills, professional judgement and readiness for counselling practice.
Real-world ready
Ready to Begin?
Book an advisory session to explore whether tov Academy is the right formation pathway for where you are—and where you’re becoming.
Counselling for Biblical Human Flourishing
Professional counselling must equip practitioners to understand presenting concerns, recognise risk, apply appropriate therapeutic approaches and work ethically with each client’s goals. The Diploma of Counselling develops these essential capabilities through advanced theory, practical application, supervised experience and reflective practice.
Tov Academy adds a distinctly Christian understanding of the person. Our approach recognises that emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity, purpose, spirituality, physical health and everyday circumstances can all influence a client’s experience and movement toward change.
This whole-person framework shapes how students learn to listen, assess, respond and reflect. You will develop evidence-informed counselling skills and professional readiness while considering the wider conditions that support healing, resilience, connection and meaningful life. Christian integration is approached carefully and ethically, with respect for each client’s beliefs, values, culture and circumstances.
Human flourishing is therefore the framework beneath the course, rather than a substitute for professional counselling practice. It equips graduates to address immediate concerns competently while remaining attentive to the broader factors that can help people experience lasting growth, stability and hope across the varied professional settings in which counsellors work.
Where This Qualification Can Take You
A recognised starting point for counselling work and further study
The Diploma of Counselling can open several professional directions. You may use it to begin a counselling career, add recognised counselling skills to a helping role, or prepare for further study. Graduates may pursue opportunities across community organisations, schools, churches, pastoral-care settings, not-for-profit services and other people-focused environments, subject to employer and professional membership requirements.
Your existing life and work experience remains valuable within this pathway. You may already be the person others turn to, even if you have never held a formal counselling role. Experience in ministry, education, healthcare, leadership, community services, administration, parenting or supporting others can provide a foundation for understanding people and the settings in which counselling occurs.
The Diploma helps you translate that experience into ethical counselling knowledge, practical skills, professional boundaries, and supervised client experience. For those wanting to move toward private practice, the next step is the Advanced Diploma of Integrative Practice. It also provides a pathway into the Eastern College Bachelor of Counselling, with eligible graduates receiving credit towards the degree.
The Invitation
When you are ready to take the next step, this pathway offers more than a qualification. It is a structured opportunity to grow in spiritual formation, develop core counselling skills, and build practical confidence through professional placement and practice. For those considering a future in counselling or Christian counselling, it is a way to move forward with greater clarity, stronger preparation, and a clearer sense of where this work may lead.
At tov, we believe people are formed to flourish, and that flourishing is never limited to the individual. As you grow in wisdom, skill, and readiness for practice, that growth has the potential to shape your own life, strengthen your family, and bring support and hope to the people and communities you serve. This is part of what it means to prepare for work that helps transform lives to flourish.
Book a Course Advisory Session with our team to talk through your options, ask your questions, and explore whether this counselling pathway fits the season you are in.
Ancient Wisdom,
New Way to Learn
At tov academy, learning looks different. You donʼt just earn credentials—you grow through reflective practice, applied projects, and real-world experience.
AI-simulated learning provides safe, realistic scenarios to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and counselling before stepping into the real world.
Hybrid study and in-person seminars, and fully supported by the training team throughout your time at tov.
Course Details
Minimum Entry Requirements
- Be aged 18 years or over at the time of enrolment.
- Provide proof of identity, such as a certified copy of a driver’s licence or passport.
- All applicants must complete the Tov 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
Tov is committed to supporting each student’s academic, personal and spiritual wellbeing throughout their study journey. Students are encouraged to inform Tov 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 Tov 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
Additional requirements for students applying for a VET Student Loan (VSL):
Applicants must also provide evidence of
- completion of Year 12, or
- evidence of a Certificate IV (or higher) qualification, or
- Complete a formal LLN assessment demonstrating working at Level 4 / Exit Level 3 in Reading and Numeracy, as required under the VET Student Loans legislation.
| 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 |
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling consists of 17 units of competency and can be completed over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.
Part-time study
Complete the course over 24 months, generally studying two units each term. Students should allow approximately 15 hours each week for classes, reading, activities, assessment and skills practice.
Full-time study
Complete the course over 12 months, generally studying four units each term. Students should allow approximately 30–35 hours each week for classes, reading, activities, assessment and skills practice.
Teaching is delivered online. Each unit includes two two-hour live classes at the beginning of the term, supported by online learning materials, practical activities and trainer guidance.
Assessment and Workplace Requirements
All assessment tasks are completed through Tov’s online learning platform and include written responses, case studies, and recorded workplace-simulated counselling role plays.
Tov offers supervised, real-world counselling placements through the Tov Centre for Human Flourishing, our community-based professional practice hub. Students complete 100 hours, of which 40 hours are direct counselling. Students will be fully supported with this, and students do not have to source their own placement opportunities as this is arranged fully by aifc.
Students are encouraged to identify supportive community members who can participate in role-play activities as part of the assessment process.
For Study Dates, see the drop-down menu under Train, Student Information.
At tov, 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
Tov 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, tov 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.
Austudy / ABSTUDY
Some students may be eligible to apply for Australian Government student payments while studying an approved course with an approved education provider.
Austudy provides financial assistance for eligible students aged 25 years or older who are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship. Students generally need to be studying full time and meet Services Australia’s eligibility requirements.
ABSTUDY provides support for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking approved study or training. To receive ABSTUDY, students must be studying an approved course with an approved institution.
Students may be asked by Services Australia to provide evidence of enrolment, such as a confirmation of enrolment letter.
RTO Provider Code: 88037
The following Tov Academy courses are approved for Centrelink/student payment purposes, subject to Services Australia’s assessment of the student’s individual eligibility:
- CHC42315 Certificate IV in Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
- CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling
- 11207NAT Advanced Diploma of Integrative Practice
- 10900NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Christian)
- 11384NAT Graduate Diploma of Counselling
Applying for Austudy or ABSTUDY is the responsibility of the student. Tov cannot determine student payment eligibility or guarantee approval of a claim.
For more information, students should contact Services Australia:
- Austudy / Youth and Students line: 132 490
- ABSTUDY line: 1800 132 317
The fees for the CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling are found in the Course Guide
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.
"I didn’t realise when I began that it wouldn’t just be about learning skills to support others, but also about my own spiritual growth. My time at aifc has transformed me—I’m different in how I respond to people, I feel equipped to listen and support others, and I trust that God is in control of my journey and those around me."
‘God opened my eyes to see how much people are suffering in secret out there and I see that they don’t know how to seek help, who to go to or where to go to. And I listened to God’s calling for my life and after doing research, I was drawn to study at Tov (formally aifc), and since that day, I have never looked back. I know God has transformed me through my time at tov, I am more self aware. God has taught me to rely on him. Every counselling outcome is in His hands. It is really quite humbling and liberating.”
Ready to Begin?
You’ve been considering this for a while. Perhaps sensing a call to helping work, wondering if formal training is right for you, asking whether it’s too late or too soon. The next step is simple: a conversation. Book an advisory session to explore whether tov Academy is the right formation pathway for where you are—and where you’re becoming.
8,000+ practitioners formed through real-world practice
Formation that stays with you.
Across decades, roles, and places — people return to what they learned here.
- 16K+formed through AIFC and tov Academy programmes
- 49countries represented in our learning community
- 1M+counsellings sessions held by our alumni
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