Diploma in Counselling

Course Overview

The Diploma in Counselling (DC) provides foundational skills in therapeutic techniques, mental health assessment, and client interaction. It covers essential counseling theories, ethics, and practical applications to prepare students for roles in various mental health settings.

Duration:

1 year (2 semesters)

Syllabus:

The syllabus for the Diploma in Counselling is typically spread across two semesters. Below is a sample structure:

Semester 1:

  1. Introduction to Counselling:

    • Overview of counselling: Definition, principles, and scope

    • Different types of counselling: Educational, career, marriage, family, and trauma counselling

    • Roles and responsibilities of a counsellor

  2. Theories of Counselling:

    • Key counselling theories: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centered therapy, etc.

    • Applications of counselling theories in various contexts

    • Understanding human behavior and emotions

  3. Counselling Techniques and Skills:

    • Developing active listening skills, empathy, and rapport building

    • Effective communication techniques in counselling

    • Counselling strategies: Goal setting, problem-solving, and decision-making

  4. Ethics in Counselling:

    • Ethical guidelines for counsellors: Confidentiality, privacy, and professional boundaries

    • Legal considerations in counselling practice

    • Handling ethical dilemmas and maintaining ethical standards

Semester 2:

  1. Counselling for Specific Populations:

    • Counselling children and adolescents: Techniques and challenges

    • Counselling adults and elderly: Focus on mental health, grief, and relationship issues

    • Counselling individuals with special needs

  2. Group Counselling and Therapy:

    • Principles of group counselling and therapy

    • Facilitating group discussions and interventions

    • Techniques for working with families, couples, and support groups

  3. Psychological Assessment and Testing:

    • Basics of psychological assessments: Personality tests, IQ tests, and aptitude assessments

    • Administering and interpreting psychological tests

    • Using assessments to inform counselling approaches

  4. Project Work/Internship:

    • Practical training through internships in counselling centers, schools, or hospitals

    • Project work involving real-life counselling sessions and client case studies

Average Fees:

  • ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 (varies by institution)

Exams to Attend:

  1. Internal Assessments:

    • Regular assessments through assignments, case studies, and practical sessions.

  2. Final Semester Examinations:

    • End-of-semester exams covering theoretical knowledge and practical counselling skills.

  3. Professional Certifications (Optional):

    • Certified Counselling Professional (CCP): Adds professional credibility to counselling skills.

    • Certified Career Counsellor (CCC): Specialization in career counselling and guidance.

  4. Competitive Exams (Optional):

    • Entrance exams for further studies such as a Master’s in Psychology or Counselling.

Top 10 Institutions in India:

  1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

  2. Christ University, Bangalore

  3. Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Noida

  4. Indian Institute of Psychology and Research (IIPR), Bangalore

  5. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

  6. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore

  7. Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Pune

  8. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  9. Delhi University, Department of Psychology, Delhi

  10. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala:

  1. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

  2. Marian College, Kuttikkanam

  3. Farook College, Kozhikode

  4. Kerala University, Department of Psychology, Thiruvananthapuram

  5. Sacred Heart College, Kochi

  6. St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam

  7. Loyola College of Social Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram

  8. Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, Kochi

  9. Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady

  10. Assumption College, Changanassery