CHC80208 Vocational Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling

This qualification applies to workers who are employed in a family and/or couples
relationship counselling role. This qualification has particular relevance to counsellors
working in independently or in organisations, providing counselling interventions, (rather
than counselling support), for families and/or couples experiencing relationship issues of a
complex nature.

Counselling contexts may include pre- or post- separation and divorce or where the client has
involvement with the Family Law system. Counsellors at this level are making high level,
independent, complex judgements in highly specialised contexts.
Counselling occupations may also involve full responsibility and accountability for all
aspects of work of self and others and functions including, program planning, budget,
strategy, design and analysis.

Entry requirements
Candidates seeking entry to this qualification must provide evidence of one of the following:
• An undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy,
Psychology, Social Work, Social Science or equivalent
OR
• An accredited qualification in counselling at Diploma or Advanced Diploma level
OR
• Previous experience in a family counselling environment in a job role involving the self
directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, the exercise of
independent judgement and decision making, and a range of technical and other skills.

Occupational titles for these workers may include:
• Child and family counsellor • Family counsellor
• Contact service practice manager • Family relationship counsellor
• Couples counsellor • Marriage counsellor
• Divorce counsellor • Separations counsellor

PACKAGING RULES
11 units of competency are required for this qualification, including:
• 5 core units
• 6 elective units
A wide range of elective units is available and may include:
- Relevant electives listed below the core units for this qualification – these electives
have been grouped to facilitate selection
- Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of
this qualification or higher in Community Services and/or Health Training Packages
- Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, units of competency packaged
at this level or higher in other relevant Training Packages