2021

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Graduate Diploma of
Relationship Counselling

Graduate Diploma of Family

Dispute Resolution

5-star student experience

Industry-relevant learning
Nationally accredited courses
 Reshaping lives, one relationship at a time.

“Relationships are core to human existence;

there is nothing more precious than quality
connections with others. When people
need assistance and are in pain, they need
to know that there are well qualified, wise
guides to assist.”

Elisabeth Shaw
CEO Relationships Australia NSW

Relationships Australia NSW delivers these qualifications in partnership

with Australian Institute of Social Relations (RTO 102358), a division of
Relationships Australia South Australia.

www.socialrelations.edu.au

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CONTENTS
Relationship Australia NSW's Commitment, Vision,
Purpose and Strategic Direction 4

There’s Something about Counselling 5

A Growing Need for Family Dispute Resolution 6

Why Choose Us as Your Educational Experts? 7

Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution 8

Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling 10

Entry Requirements & How To Apply 12

Student Information 13

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RELATIONSHIPS
AUSTRALIA NSW’S
COMMITMENT, VISION,
PURPOSE AND
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Our Commitment
As an organisation committed to
reconciliation, we start by acknowledging
the traditional custodians of the lands on
which we live and work today. We pay our
respects to Elders past, present and future.
We wish to express our gratitude that we
share these lands today, our sorrow for
the costs of that sharing, and our hope
and belief that we can move to a place of
equity, justice and partnership together.
Our Vision
Strong Relationships. Strong Communities.
Our Purpose
Reshaping lives together: Connecting
people and communities.
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Our Strategic Direction
Our envisioned future is to be an
independent, inclusive organisation with
a strong reputation for providing tailored,
accessible and responsible services. We
have increased the wellbeing and resilience
of 150,000 people across the lifespan
by delivering quality, research driven,
accessible services. Individuals, couples,
families, and communities, from any
background and from all walks of life can
access our services face-to-face or via our
online and mobile applications.
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Counsellors provide information on, and support through, vocational,

relationship, social and educational difficulties. They have the skills
to facilitate growth in individuals who are stuck on a problem or

THERE’S entrenched in a certain way of thinking or behaving.

SOMETHING Within the space of a decade, the number of people working as

ABOUT counsellors as their primary vocation is predicted to rise by 100% –

from 2014 (19,200 workers) to 2024 (predicted to be around 38,900).*
COUNSELLING Since the COVID-19 pandemic, these figures are expected to have
risen even more drastically, as market demand has grown in these
unprecedented times.

*Sourced from joboutlook.gov.au

“Counsellors in the field know that every client they see
is affected by relationships, and that other people are
always part of their request for help. Working with the
couple and family, instead of the individual, goes straight
to the heart of the matter. Instead of relying on one
person’s report, you can witness the struggle firsthand
and be a significant resource in the architecture for
change.
It is powerful, exciting and rewarding work. Counsellors
who extend their skill set in this way have a much greater
toolkit to build and sustain their private practice, as they
are able to respond capably to a greater array of requests
for help. This course will also qualify graduates to work
in organisations such as Relationships Australia, as it
broadens and deepens their skill set through further, very
well-regarded specialisation.”
“The course exceeded my expectations. Not only was
I able to learn how to support individuals, couples and
families experiencing life and relational challenges, I was
welcomed into a camaraderie of colleagues in which
we’re able to share experiences, resources and support
one another as we progress in our careers. My course
facilitator was highly experienced, knowledgeable
and approachable, and supported us to learn, grow in
confidence and challenge ourselves to keep developing
as counsellors. As a result, I was able to obtain a
counselling role in six months, and I’m grateful for this
opportunity to make a positive contribution in people's
lives and relationships.”
Angela Seo
Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling Alumni

Elisabeth Shaw
CEO Relationships Australia NSW

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A GROWING A Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practitioner is an independent

person who helps people affected by separation or divorce to resolve
NEED FOR their parenting disputes, helping them through situations that can

FAMILY cause distress and suffering for all involved. FDR practitioners
are required to meet accreditation standards with the Family Law
DISPUTE Regulations 2008. By completing our Graduate Diploma of Family

RESOLUTION Dispute Resolution, graduates will be able to apply for accreditation

with the Attorney-General’s Department, which is a compulsory
obligation required to gain employment in the field.

“When people have reached the conclusion that they
need to separate, it is the beginning of a very long
journey. They need a skilled, compassionate, wise guide
to assist them in the early stages of setting up good
arrangements that provide security and comfort, and
which take into account the best interests of their
children. They need to find a way to respect and value
what was between them, and what could emerge, and
a skilled practitioner is key to providing a positive,
hopeful experience. Relationships Australia NSW offers a
great point of difference: our training and experience is
founded in over 70 years of service delivery to couples
and families in need. We have developed a program that
delivers this experience into quality curriculum.”
“I embarked on the course full of uncertainties. I didn't
know what the program would be like, I wasn't sure
if mediation was for me, and I had not had any direct
contact with Relationships Australia before. One year
later, I can say that the program has been an amazing
learning journey, with fantastic coaches and a very
supportive group of classmates. I was fortunate enough
to find a job as an FDR practitioner within Relationships
Australia after finishing my work placement and I couldn't
be more thrilled about my new career path. I cannot
recommend this program enough.”
Jessica Casiro
Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Alumni

Elisabeth Shaw
CEO Relationships Australia NSW

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WHY CHOOSE RELATIONSHIPS
AUSTRALIA NSW AS YOUR
EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS?
Study with trainers who have
real world experience.
Be part of the Relationships
Australia family; a known and
trusted national organisation.
We focus on relationships as
our core business. Part of that is
nurturing our internal relationships
within our award-winning
organisation. By studying with
us, you will be participating in
face-to-face student days via our
head office in Macquarie Park,
and opening yourself up to a rich
learning experience delivered
by diverse trainers with various
areas of strength and practices.
Our blended learning options also
provide you with the flexibility you
need to balance study with your
other commitments.
As a benevolent organisation, it is
our intention that every relationship
is strengthened by positivity in
every interaction. For you, that
means having a Learning Manager,
Learning Advisor and Lead Trainer
in your corner, supporting you
every step of the way. We practice
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what we preach in terms of using
the taught micro skills to facilitate
genuine human connection with
each other. You are not a just a
student number to us.
Relationships Australia NSW
delivers these qualifications in
partnership with Australian Institute
of Social Relations (RTO 102358), a
division of Relationships Australia
South Australia. You will learn
from some of Australia’s leading
practitioners, in a course based on
over 70 years of frontline family
services work by Relationships
Australia.
Our knowledge, experience and
reputation will ensure you graduate
ready to secure employment in this
important and challenging field.
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CHC8115 Graduate Diploma of 2021
Family Dispute Resolution COURSE
GUIDE

Do you have skills and

experience in mediation
and dispute resolution? Our Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution is your path to
a rewarding and worthwhile career as a Family Dispute Resolution
Do you have a passion for Practitioner (FDRP). Your knowledge and skills will qualify you to register
working with families in as an FDRP with the Federal Attorney General, and equip you to provide
specialist advice and support to families struggling to manage disputes.
distress?
Your specialist expertise will include asset and debt identification, property
settlements, parenting agreements, and child wellbeing.
Do you want to make a
difference? If you already work in law, psychology, social work, mediation or related
areas, this qualification will allow you to extend your professional practice
and specialise in family dispute resolution.

Learning Outcomes:
This course will equip you with the skills to help • help separating parties resolve disputes about
couples and families satisfactorily resolve their the wellbeing and care of children
disputes. You will be able to:
• help separating parties identify assets and debts
and decide how they will be shared
• understand and apply the principles of
non-adversarial, child inclusive, family • recognise and respond to evidence of family
dispute resolution violence, parenting stress, mental health issues
and child harm.
• understand and apply the legal principles
underpinning family mediation

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CHC8115 Graduate Diploma of 2021
Family Dispute Resolution COURSE
GUIDE

UNIT OF STUDY 1: Foundations of family dispute resolution

CHCFAM001 Operate in the family law environment

Units of Competency:
CHCFAM002 Work with a child focused approach

UNIT OF STUDY 2: Identifying and responding to wellbeing and safety risks

CHCDFV001 Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work

Units of Competency: Make safety plans with people who have been subjected to
CHCDFV012
domestic and family violence

Manage domestic and family violence screening and risk

CHCFDV013
assessment processes

UNIT OF STUDY 3: Family agreements and professional practice

CHCFAM007 Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements

Units of Competency:
CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context

UNIT OF STUDY 4: Family dispute resolution practice

CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution

Units of Competency:
CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution

DURATION, DELIVERY MODE AND FEES

Blended learning: a mix of online learning and face-to-face
Full fee: $11,000
classroom sessions.
See our Schedule of Fees
Please see the online 2021 delivery schedule for dates of all modules for key dates and payment
12 months
and face-to-face sessions. options.
full time
This program has twelve face-to-face days. This program is equivalent
Course commences
to 15-20 hours per week. Students will be required to undertake
February 2021.
self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.

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CHC81015 Graduate Diploma of 2021
Relationship Counselling COURSE
GUIDE

Do you have skills and

experience in counselling?

Do you hope to specialise Our Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling is recognised Australia-
in the area of relationship wide and will equip you to provide advice and support to those struggling
counselling? with relationship issues. Your specialist expertise will include couples
therapy, family counselling, domestic and family violence, child well-being,
Do you want to support crisis intervention, and grief counselling.
people when they're
stuck? If you already work in counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work,
mediation or related areas, this qualification will allow you to extend your
professional practice and specialise in relationship counselling.

Learning Outcomes:
This course will equip you with the clinical skills,
knowledge and confidence to provide advice
and support to those struggling with relationship
issues. You will be able to:
• recognise and respond appropriately to crisis
situations, and to evidence of family violence,
parenting stress, mental health issues, loss and
grief issues, and child harm

• understand the legal and ethical considerations

• apply the principles of structured, impartial,
applying to relationship counselling
non-judgemental, respectful counselling
• work effectively within a case management
• apply a full range of proven therapy techniques
framework
to assist couples and families
• work effectively within a clinical supervision
• work effectively with more than one client in
framework.
the room

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CHC81015 Graduate Diploma of 2021
Relationship Counselling COURSE
GUIDE

UNIT OF STUDY 1: Family therapy

CHCFCS001 Facilitate the family counselling process

Units of Competency: CHCFCS003 Provide counselling to children and young people

CHCPRP006 Lead own professional development

UNIT OF STUDY 2: Couple therapy

CHCFCS002 Provide relationship counselling

Units of Competency: CHCFCS004 Provide grief and loss counselling

CHCPRP007 Work within a clinical supervision framework

UNIT OF STUDY 3: Domestic and family violence

CHCDFV006 Counsel clients affected by domestic and family violence

CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work

Units of Competency: Make safety plans with people who have been subjected to
CHCDFV012
domestic and family violence

Manage domestic and family violence screening and risk

CHCDFV013
assessment processes

UNIT OF STUDY 4: Current and emerging diversity issue

Units of Competency: CHCCDE004 Implement participation and engagement strategies

DURATION, DELIVERY MODE AND FEES

Blended learning: a mix of online learning and face-to-face
Full fee: $11,000
classroom sessions.
See our Schedule of Fees
Please see the online 2021 delivery schedule for dates of all for key dates and payment
12 months
modules and face-to-face sessions. options.
full time
This program has 15 face-to-face classroom days. This program is
Course commences
equivalent to 10 to 15 hours of study per week. Students will be required
February 2021.
to undertake self-directed online learning outside of classroom delivery.

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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
& APPLICATIONS

Entry requirements So that we ensure all parties are aware of

commitments and responsibilities prior to
Our Graduate Diplomas require you to
official enrolment, a short interview will
have done some training before applying.
take place with your Learning Advisor or
A relevant diploma, advanced diploma, or
Learning Specialist prior to enrollment.
bachelor’s degree is a must have.

For Relationship Counselling, a relevant

How to apply
qualification would be in the field of To apply for our Graduate Diplomas,
Counselling, Psychology, Psychotherapy, head to the Australian Institute of Social
Social Work, and other relevant Social Relations website and enquire by filling in
Sciences/Community Services sector. the online form. We will be in touch with
Life experience also counts, so if you you in a timely manner to walk you through
are formally unqualified, but have been the next steps.
practicing in the field for a while, please
www.socialrelations.edu.au/qualifications
get in touch to see if you could qualify for
enrolment.
If you have questions please get in touch
via the contact details on the back page of
For the Family Dispute Resolution, a
this guide.
relevant qualification would be in the field
of Law, Psychology, Social Work, Conflict
Management, Dispute Resolution, or Family
Law Mediation. Other pathways to entry
include accreditation under the National
Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS),
and/or satisfactory completion of the
mediation skill set from the Community
Services Training Package (CHC). Relevant
experience in the dispute resolution
environment is also valued, even if no
formal qualifications have been obtained,
so please contact us to see if you could
qualify for enrolment.

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STUDENT
INFORMATION
Practical Experience
Any practical experience requirement within your
Graduate Diploma of Relationship Counselling or
Family Dispute Resolution is included with your
all-inclusive course fee.
Graduate Diploma of Family
Dispute Resolution
Your entire requirement of 50 hours of practice
is part of the course. You will have practical
experience at one of our Relationships Australia
NSW sites, where you work directly with clients.
Work placements typically take 3 - 6 months
to complete (longer if you are not able to be
flexible with your availability.) Placements are
a minimum of 50 hours and take place during
business hours. We will try our best to assign
you to a Relationships Australia location closest
to your home or work. Possible locations include
Sydney City, Macquarie Park, Dee Why, Blacktown,
Penrith, and Bathurst. We can’t guarantee a work
placement at a Relationships Australia site in a
different state, however if needed, we can attempt
to make this happen.
Graduate Diploma of
Relationship Counselling
All of your practical assessment tasks and role
plays are included. For the most part, as a student,
you will double as an actor client for your peers.
For one of the final assessment blocks, paid actors
will portray your clients in role play exercises.
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A Pathway to Greater Experience
Following completion of your Graduate Diploma
of Relationship Counselling, you will be eligible to
apply for our Student Clinic.
Do you want some real clients to gain experience
within a supervised environment? We offer 20
to 40 week practicums where you would be part
of a weekly evening student clinic with a group
of your peers and a clinical supervisor, to assist
you with case management. This is a competitive
program and you will need to apply and be
accepted for a place, as well as pay the practicum
fee in order to proceed. Our locations currently
include Relationship Australia sites in Sydney City,
Paramatta and Macquarie Park.
Student Handbook
Our Student Handbook provides information
about enrolment processes, payment of fees,
learning support, assessment processes, deferring
study and our facilities.
Find the student handbook on the Australian
Institute of Social Relations site here -
https://www.socialrelations.edu.au/study-with-us/
student-information/
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STUDENT
INFORMATION
Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL)
Application Fee
The RPL application fee of $500 is payable before
the application can be assessed. The application
fee is non-refundable and may be credited to
the unit/s you have received RPL for if you are
accepted into the course.
Students seeking recognition for all or part of
qualification must follow the procedure as stated
in the Student Handbook.
What is a Credit Transfer?
Credit Transfer means credit towards a qualification
granted to students on the basis of outcomes
gained through participation and achieving
competency in a Vocational Education Training
(VET) package qualification with another
Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Credit
Transfer will only be granted for an entire unit
of competency, not for individual elements of
competency.
Please note: RPL applications must be received 14
days prior to course commencement. Applications
made after this date will not be assessed.
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VET Student Loans
VET Student Loans offers income contingent loan
support to eligible students studying the Graduate
Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (CHC81115).
Eligible students are entitled to loans up to a
capped amount ($10,000 maximum).
All students must read the Institute’s VET Student
Loans Handbook and the VET Student Loans
Information Booklet when applying for a VET
Student Loan.
Defer, Withdraw or Transfer
To defer, withdraw or transfer from a course and/
or module of study students must complete
the Deferral/Withdrawal/Transfer Form and email
to admin@aisr.edu.au as soon as possible.
Please see the Student Handbook for more
information.
Complaints and Appeals
The Australian Institute of Social Relation’s
Managing Complaints and Appeals Policy No: RTO
1.13, outlines the ways in which you can lodge a
complaint and/or appeal regarding an assessment
outcomes. This policy also contains the Institute’s
process for managing complaints and appeals.
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TALK TO US
We would love to connect with you and discuss
options for progressing your studies with us.
Please get in touch and we can answer any
questions you have and encourage you on your
learning journey.

Email: admin@aisr.edu.au
Phone: 08 8245 8100
9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.