University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Delivers a dynamic, research-informed curriculum that empowers practitioners to respond compassionately and effectively to trauma across diverse populations and clinical settings.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Counselling (Trauma Focused Practice) is designed for those already in the field or with a specific interest in extending their knowledge and expertise in the specialist area of trauma-focused practice.
You will undertake four units within the Trauma-Focused Practice specialisation, covering topics such as the impact of trauma and the various models and approaches to recognising and treating trauma.
Explore recent developments in neuroscience literature related to complex trauma and how this will inform best therapeutic practice.
Guided by experienced academics and industry professionals, prepare for a career you can sustain by learning about vicarious trauma and the ability to recognise signs of burnout to ensure you’re skilled in sustainable self-care practice.
Further study
After completing the Graduate Certificate of Counselling, you can take the credit from your studies and complete UniSQ’s Graduate Diploma of Counselling or the Master of Counselling.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete this degree, students must take four units. Each course is worth one unit.
Core courses
- Trauma-Informed Care and Practice
- Presenting Issues and Mental Health
- Counselling and Diversity Across the Lifespan
- Trauma Theories and Introduction to Treatment Modalities
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian university three-year bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in any area.
English language requirements
Applicants need to meet the applicable English language requirements, and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. This will help reduce the number of courses you need to take to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of specialised theories and models fundamental to fields associated with counselling.
- Demonstrate advanced interpersonal, written and oral communication skills appropriate from a decolonising perspective when communicating with culturally diverse audiences, including clients and professionals, utilising person-first language.
- Demonstrate critical reasoning, judgment and problem-solving to explore professional, legal and ethical practice issues.
- Foundations of Practice: Consolidate theory and practice within an integrative framework to effectively provide client-centred, trauma-informed counselling within diverse contexts and client groups, including Indigenous Australians.
- Trauma-Focused Practice: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for individuals who have been exposed to a range of traumatic experiences.
- Addiction: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for clients impacted by a variety of addictions.
- Child, Youth and Family Therapy: Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centred, trauma-informed counselling interventions for working with children, youth, couples and families within diverse contexts and groups.
- Mental Health Practice: Consolidate theory and practice within an integrated framework to effectively provide client-centred, trauma-informed counselling to individuals with mental health difficulties, utilising person-first language.
Career outcomes
Graduates may find roles as a:
- Trauma‑informed case worker
- Refugee and asylum seeker support worker
- Victim support officer
- Correctional services officer
- Support officer for services relating to grief and loss, crisis intervention, domestic and family violence
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $14,880 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of four units (normally four courses) per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.
