Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Addiction)

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

OverviewThe Graduate Diploma of Counselling will introduce you to counselling practice, through a blend of residential schools, online tutorials and foundational courses. Once graduated, you will be eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).With three core courses focussed specifically on your chosen specialisation of Addiction, you will examine different theories of substance and behavioural addictions and examine the biological, psychological, social, cultural and political components of addictions and how they relate to a counselling setting.Develop skills and learn to practice with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches to addiction counselling. Gain foundational understanding into the neurobiological and pharmacological aspects of addiction and how co-existing mental health challenges interrelate with addiction.Explore the emergence of addiction through the lens of colonisation, culture, society, and intergenerational trauma.Further study and Professional accreditationA UniSQ Graduate Diploma of Counselling enables you to apply for membership with the Australian Counselling Association. However, if you wish to gain professional accreditation and practice as a counsellor we recommend you go on to study the Master of Counselling. You may be eligible to transfer to the Master of Counselling once you have completed 50 percent of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (which must include two Foundation of Practice courses).Career outcomesGraduates of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling will be eligible for level 1 registration with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). Your skills will prepare you for positions within counselling, social work, human services, policing and criminal justice, education and health.

School of Psychology and Wellbeing