Counselling RPL

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for the Certificate in Counselling is designed to reflect the role of counselors who work with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counseling modalities. Here are the key aspects mirrored in the program:

1. Engagement with Clients: Counselors engage with clients in a therapeutic relationship, providing support and assistance with personal and psychological matters. This includes creating a safe and confidential space for clients to express themselves and explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
2. Counseling Modalities: The program acknowledges the use of various counseling modalities and approaches by counselors. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic/existential therapy, solution-focused therapy, and others. Counselors are trained to apply these modalities based on the needs and preferences of their clients.
3. Communication and Micro-counseling Skills: Counselors leverage effective communication skills to establish rapport, actively listen, empathize, and communicate understanding and acceptance to clients. Micro-counseling techniques, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and reflection, are used to facilitate deeper exploration and clarity in client sessions.
4. Interviewing Skills: Counselors utilize interviewing skills to gather relevant information, assess client needs, identify goals for counseling, and develop personalized treatment plans. They conduct thorough assessments to understand clients' backgrounds, strengths, challenges, and goals for counseling.
5. Range of Counseling Therapies: Counselors draw upon a range of counseling therapies and techniques to address clients' concerns and promote personal growth and well-being. These therapies may focus on areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, grief, and more.
6. Assistance and Support: The primary goal of counselors is to provide assistance, support, and guidance to clients as they navigate challenges, explore insights, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change and personal development.

By reflecting the role of counselors and emphasizing these key aspects in the RPL program, aspiring counselors can demonstrate their readiness and competence in providing effective counseling services. The program acknowledges the diverse skills, knowledge, and ethical considerations involved in the counseling profession, preparing candidates to meet the needs of clients in a professional and ethical manner.

At this stage, counselors typically function within clearly defined and supported counseling roles within established agencies rather than operating independently in private practice. Here are the key aspects of this stage:

1. Guidance and Support: Counselors receive guidance, supervision, and support from established organizations or agencies where they work. This includes receiving supervision from senior counselors or clinical supervisors, participating in team meetings, and accessing resources and training provided by the organization.
2. Collaborative Counseling Process: Counselors contribute to the counseling process within the framework of the agency or organization. They collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists, social workers, or mental health practitioners, to provide holistic support to clients. This collaborative approach ensures that clients receive comprehensive care and support.
3. Utilizing Established Resources: Counselors make use of established resources and protocols within the agency. This may include using standardized assessment tools, following evidence-based counseling practices, and adhering to organizational policies and ethical guidelines.
4. Professional Development: Counselors engage in ongoing professional development and training opportunities provided by the agency. This could involve attending workshops, seminars, or obtaining certifications to enhance their counseling skills and knowledge.
5. Client-Centered Approach: Counselors maintain a client-centered approach while working within the agency's framework. They prioritize the well-being and needs of clients, tailoring counseling interventions and strategies to meet individual client goals and preferences.
6. Ethical and Legal Compliance: Counselors adhere to ethical and legal standards relevant to their counseling practice within the agency. This includes maintaining confidentiality, respecting client autonomy, obtaining informed consent, and addressing ethical dilemmas through consultation and supervision.

Overall, counselors at this stage benefit from the structure, guidance, and support provided by established agencies or organizations. They contribute to the counseling process while collaborating with colleagues and accessing resources that enhance their effectiveness in supporting clients' mental health and well-being.

• 100 points of ID
• Resume
• Payslips/ABN if self-employed
• Letter of Employment
• Current employment contracts
• Referee Testimonial
• Videos and photos (If Applicable)
• Evidence of overseas qualifications
• Transcripts or assessments from related previous qualifications
• Career Development Programs
• Case Management Notes
• Policies and Procedures
• Behavioural Reports
• Research Tools
• Feedback Sheets
• Safe Work Practice Forms
• Individual Development Programs

The skills in Counselling is applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Counsellors who work with client on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities can consider:

• CHC52021 - Diploma of Community Services
• CHC62015 - Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management
• CHC51015 - Diploma of Counselling