Diploma of Counselling
CHC51015
Step into the calling that aligns with who you are becoming.
You may already have a full life — work, family, responsibility, people depending on you. But if counselling keeps returning as a possibility, it may not be a passing thought. It may be the beginning of a more meaningful next chapter.
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 with ACA and CCAA
Called to Counsel
We are living in a time marked by isolation, anxiety, emotional distress, fractured relationships, and growing pressure on individuals, families, and communities. Many people are carrying more than they know how to name, and the need for wise, grounded, and compassionate support is increasingly clear.
For some, this does more than raise concern. It brings a growing sense that they may be called to counsel — to step toward people with care, support healing, and take part in the work of restoration. The Diploma of Counselling becomes a meaningful and practical way to respond with skill, presence, and purpose.
At tov, this is shaped by a vision of biblical human flourishing. We are preparing counsellors to respond to pain with professionalism and compassion, and to help people move toward greater wholeness, stability, and hope. This is part of our commitment to helping transform lives to flourish.
“How would studying fit with everything I’m already carrying?”
Study is not the only thing in your life. There is work, family, church, finances, and existing commitments. The question is not just whether you want to do this, but whether it can fit within a real adult life.
“Am I the right kind of person for this work?”
You may sense the pull toward counselling, yet wonder whether you have the capacity, temperament, or confidence to do it well. That hesitation is often less about a lack of ability and more about the weight of taking the work seriously.
“I don’t want a random career change. I want my next chapter to mean something.”
This is not only about changing jobs. It is about finding work that reflects your values, your maturity, and the kind of person you are becoming in this season of life.
“Am I too young or too old to step into a counselling career?”
You may wonder whether this path belongs to another season of life — whether you are too established to begin again, or not established enough to feel credible. Beneath that question is often a deeper concern about timing, legitimacy, and whether there is still room to grow into meaningful work from where you are now.
Who This Is Built For
This pathway is designed for people who want meaningful work and a clear way into counselling. It speaks to those who have lived enough life to know that work matters most when it reflects who they are becoming. For people exploring Christian counselling, the Diploma offers a grounded and credible starting point.
It is especially suited to those stepping into a second chapter — people bringing life experience, work experience, faith, responsibility, and a growing desire to move into counselling work that is relational, purposeful, and centred on helping others well. You are bringing a history, a perspective, and strengths that can be shaped for professional counselling practice.
At tov Academy, students are supported to build with wisdom and clarity. The learning journey includes clear pathways, grounded training, and an approach to counselling education that shapes both practice and personhood. For those drawn to Christian counselling, the course sits within a context shaped by Christian wisdom while preparing students for recognised counselling work in real-world settings.
Diploma of Counselling:
1. Start with a clear pathway
Begin with a conversation and a course guide, so you can see the shape of the pathway before making a decision.
The CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling gives you a recognised starting point for counselling study, Christian counselling formation, and future professional development. It is the first phase in the training pathway and creates a foundation for students who want to grow in counselling skills, support others wisely, and explore where this work may lead over time.
2. Study in a way that fits real life
The Diploma is offered full-time or part-time, delivered through live interactive online training, with recordings available for convenience, and supported by seminar days throughout the year to help students build practical confidence and stay connected in the community.
3. Grow into recognised practice
The diploma is nationally accredited, accredited by both the Australian Counselling Association and the Christian Counsellors Association of Australia, and prepares students for counselling work across settings such as faith communities, not-for-profit organisations, community health centres, education agencies, and government departments.
We provide the practice.
You provide the heart.
Step from classroom to vocation through the tov | Centre for Human Flourishing, our community-based professional practice hub.
- 100 Total Hours: Professional supervised experience integrated into your study.
- 40 Direct Hours: Real-world counselling providing care to the community.
- Fully Managed: tov Academy coordinates your entire placement. No external sourcing is required.
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
Many counselling courses look similar on the surface. They often centre on a person’s presenting issues, past experiences, and the immediate symptoms or pressures that have brought them to counselling. These areas are important, and any credible counselling course needs to equip students to work with them well.
Tov counselling courses are shaped by a broader and more integrated vision. Our approach is grounded in a holistic, biblical understanding of human flourishing. Students are taught to see people as whole persons, where emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity, purpose, faith, and everyday life all matter in the counselling process.
This shapes the kind of counsellors we are seeking to form. Students develop counselling skills, professional capabilities, and practical readiness for real-world practice while engaging a richer vision of healing, growth, and restoration. The result is a counselling education that prepares students to work with competence and compassion, and to support change that reaches beyond symptom management alone.
That is part of what makes Tov distinctive. We are preparing counsellors to serve in ways that help transform lives to flouris
Waiting is costing you
Sometimes the cost of waiting is broader than it first appears. It is not only about staying in a job that no longer feels aligned. It is also about the lives that may never be supported, strengthened, or changed through the counselling work you could be equipped to do — including your own life, your family, and the wider community around you.
Delaying a step into counselling can mean more than just postponing a career decision. It can mean postponing growth, contribution, and the opportunity to bring wise and practical support to others. At tov, we speak about being formed to flourish. In this context, flourishing is not private. It shapes how you live, how you serve, and the good you are able to carry into others’ lives.
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 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
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.
Full-time study: 17 units completed over 12 months, with students typically studying 4 units per term (around 30–35 hours per week).
Part-time study: 17 units completed over 24 months, with students typically studying 2 units per term (around 15 hours per week).
All teaching is delivered online, with each unit including two 2-hour live classes at the beginning of each term to support your learning and engagement.
Assessment and Workplace Requirements
All assessment tasks are completed through aifc’s online learning platform and include written responses, case studies, and recorded workplace-simulated counselling role plays.
aifc 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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