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Counselling & Social Science

Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling

CRICOS: 108382F

Can you picture yourself supporting people who are navigating the impact of trauma? The Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling at Alphacrucis University College is designed to equip you with current, trauma-informed counselling practice to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by trauma.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 2 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live
Study Locations
Online
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2)
Fees
$3,000 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
4
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling?

The Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling provides specialised training to enhance the practice of healthcare professionals. This program is ideal for accredited counsellors, registered psychologists, social workers, chaplains and other healthcare professionals with prior qualifications and experience. The course covers the development and implementation of trauma-informed care and counselling, based on best practices for addressing trauma across the human lifespan. Topics include responses to childhood trauma, domestic and family violence, human trafficking, and natural disaster recovery. This course will help you build skills in trauma-informed approaches to counselling, treatment, and recovery management, based on the latest research.

Who is this for?

Accredited Counsellors: Are you looking to provide counselling to people impacted by trauma and enhance your practice with advanced skills?

Registered Psychologists: Do you want to integrate trauma-informed theories into your psychological practice?

Social Workers: Are you aiming to provide better support for individuals and communities impacted by trauma?

Youth Workers: Do you seek specialised training to address trauma in young people?

Healthcare Professionals: Are you interested in expanding your expertise to include trauma-informed care?

Outcomes

Become a Trauma Counsellor: being able to provide dedicated support and recovery strategies for trauma survivors.

Enhance your role as a Psychologist: Integrate trauma-informed care into your practice, ensuring evidence based care for your clients.

Advance as a Social Worker: Provide more specific and effective support to those affected by trauma.

Studying at AC helped me tremendously in being better at pastoral care situations and conversations. I am excited for how it can open up new opportunities for our church to reach our communities.

Caleb Dwyer, Senior Pastor, Generocity Church, NSW

Accreditation

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
4 Subjects
40 Credit Points
Trauma Informed Practice I SSC447

Gaining a deep understanding of trauma and its pervasive impacts is beneficial for supporting those affected. This unit equips students with the knowledge to develop and critique trauma-informed care principles and apply evidence-based interventions. By exploring cultural and social factors, students learn to approach trauma with sensitivity and insight, preparing them to support recovery and growth within varied contexts.

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Trauma Informed Counselling I SSC550
This unit prepares you to address trauma with an understanding of the multifaceted nature of trauma on the individual and community. Students will explore trauma symptoms, treatment and recovery; including insights from neuroscience and post-traumatic growth literature. You will think carefully through assessment of physiological, social and psychological impacts of trauma to inform treatment plans ensuring best practice.
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Trauma Informed Practice II SSC548
Building on Trauma Informed Practice I, this subject is important for professionals aiming to provide effective support to trauma survivors. This unit focuses on assessing and supporting individuals, families, and communities, using trauma-informed principles to guide interventions. You will also explore community resources, develop strategies for client-centred care, and learn to manage professional wellbeing.
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Trauma Informed Counselling II SSC551
Building on Trauma Informed Counselling I, this subject deepens your understanding of trauma-informed therapies, focusing on both theoretical and practical applications. It encourages ongoing professional development and equips you to design effective, evidence-based treatment plans. Students will gain proficiency in assessment and working with evidenced based trauma modalities such as Trauma-Informed Acceptance and Committment Therapy.
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Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Download Graduate Certificate in Trauma Counselling Handbook

What people say

  • I just love the different dynamics of how people interact with each other, and how research is brought to life with practical examples and experiences. In classes, we break out into groups and complete exercises together, getting to know each other in the process. Everyone is so welcoming, and lecturers show a genuine interest in you and your wellbeing during your studies.

    Katie Cronin

    Master of arts (Counselling)

  • I have been pastoring for over 20 years and am passionate about the deliberate care for pastors and leaders. I love that this formal learning will better equip me to pastorally care for church leaders and pastors in the future. 

    Michelle Fredericks

    Grad Cert of Professional Supervision, Scripture Union

  • The course was amazing and fully online, allowing me to study without traveling, fitting perfectly with my family life. In our church, pastoral care handled simple cases, but now, with my new knowledge, we can manage more complex cases professionally, balancing pastoral care and professional services.

    Karen Barnett

    Master of Counselling

    • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Integrated understanding of key issues, theoretical concepts and practices within trauma counselling context.
    • Knowledge of various approaches used in trauma counselling within the Christian worldview framework.

    Skills

    • Critically apply knowledge developed for use in trauma counselling.
    • Use critical, evidence-based and innovative thinking skills to analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to trauma counselling.
    • Effectively communicate ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences.
    • Identify and critically evaluate new developments and scholarship in trauma counselling.

    Ability

    • Articulate appropriate solutions to emerging trauma counselling challenges.
    • Evaluate broad conceptual frameworks in trauma counselling.
    • Critically and independently apply the knowledge and skills required as an informed trauma counselling practitioner.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 6.5 (with no score below 6.0 in any of the four skills areas).

    Statement of Purpose

    A 200-word (minimum length) Statement of Purpose is a short summary of why you wish to study this program.

    Professional Entry – Applicants who do not meet academic requirements

    Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in a related field.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.

    


    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline by an authorised institution, as determined by the Program Director.

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November