Accredited Training

Clinical Internship - Specialist Course in Integrative Couple Therapy

Course overview

Transform your work with couples and gain comprehensive knowledge and skills with our contemporary, client-focused course.

This course gives you the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to confidently assist couples experiencing a range of difficult issues. Designed for counsellors new to working with couples, or practitioners in related fields looking to enhance their skills, our 12-week program is a practical pathway to becoming a highly effective couple therapist.

Career opportunities and professional recognition

Upon completing the course, you will have gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work effectively with couples, helping them overcome challenges and build stronger, healthier relationships.

Course structure

12 weeks involving 7-8 hours a week of study. This includes weekly 2-hour online seminars and independent study time.

 

Course content and topics include:

  • Established couples counselling theories and approaches in use in Australia today
  • Extensive research and expert commentary on why particular approaches work well
  • Ways to enhance your therapeutic skills and apply new theories and competencies to your practice
  • Strategies to support reflective practice
  • Common challenges that couples face, such as infidelity, communication difficulties, life transitions, conflicting use of social media, avoidance patterns, family violence and trauma
  • Ethical decision-making
  • How to support couples who are experiencing complex challenges
  • How couples’ emotional and sexual connection can be affected by identity, including cultural diversity, gender, religion, health, disability and/or neurodiversity
  • The role and impact of single-session consultations when working with couples
  • How to apply assessment processes and develop working formulations which consider couples’ unique narratives, backgrounds and presenting dynamics

Upcoming course dates and enrolment

Our next course intake is scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026.

 

Workshop Time Dates
Interactive Seminar (2 hours) 10am – 12:30pm Week 1 – Thursday, 19 February 2026
Week 2 – Thursday, 26 February 2026
Week 3 – Thursday, 5 March 2026
Week 4 – Thursday, 12 March 2026
Week 5 – Thursday, 19 March 2026
Week 6 – Thursday, 26 March 2026
Week 7 – Thursday, 16 April 2026
Week 8 – Thursday, 23 April 2026
Week 9 – Thursday, 30 April 2026
Week 10 – Thursday, 7 May 2026
"Online Workshop Full Day" 9:30am - 4:30pm Week 11- Friday, 8 May 2026
Week 12-   Saturday, 9 May 2026
Interactive Seminar 2 hours 10am - 12:30pm Week 13-   Thursday, 14 May 2026
Week 14- Thursday, 21 May 2026

Entry requirements

To apply, you must:

  • Have appropriate tertiary qualifications in social services or a related field
  • Have a minimum of one year’s face-to-face experience providing counselling
  • Attend an interview.

You will be notified of the outcome of your application within 2 weeks of your interview.

Preview the course

Register to watch our introductory course video and join an experienced course facilitator for a free, one-hour Q&A webinar. The webinars are a relaxed and informative way to learn about the course, placement programs, and accreditation pathways. We'll answer your questions to help you decide about applying.

The webinar for this course is coming soon. Stay tuned for the launch date and access details.

 

 

Graduate and student stories

A video testimonial will be added here shortly. Stay tuned!

More information

Format

This course offers a unique blend of online, interactive sessions, self-paced learning and practical workshops, ensuring a dynamic and flexible educational experience that caters to different learning styles and schedules.


Interactive, self-paced online modules
Through our learning management system, online modules provide access to evidence-based readings on each topic. Students are expected to complete weekly online modules prior to weekly seminars.


Independent study
Each week of the course builds on knowledge and skills practiced in the previous week. Proactive and self-directed study is required to ensure students keep up with study requirements and can progress through the course.


Assessments
Weekly knowledge checks built into the self-paced modules will reinforce learnings to validate key understandings and foundational knowledge as you progress through the course. Two written essays involving audio visual and case study components form part of the overall course requirements.


Live, interactive seminarsSeminars will include weekly group discussions with peers and expert instructors on each of the self-paced module topics. You’ll also apply weekly learnings through role plays, case studies, group discussions, and recording yourself using audio visual materials so that you can reflect back on your progress.


Practice workshop
Commitment: 2 full days
When: To be advised


Held as a one-off online workshop midway through the course, expert clinical educators will guide you to work with your peers and apply your skills in a range of interactive role plays.

Post-course options

Couple counselling is a highly specialised field and we strongly encourage students who wish to further strengthen their practical skills and experience to consider additional professional development.

Our specialised, post-course options include:

  • A 12-month Clinical Internship
  • Clinical Supervision and Workplace Practice Program.
Accreditation and compliance

All nationally accredited training is delivered by Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV), a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 21977). As an RTO, we comply with the Standards for RTOs 2015 under ASQA regulation. Each course aligns with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), ensuring your qualification is portable and widely recognised.

Assessments and completion requirements?
Our courses are designed to balance theory and practice. Assessment tasks may include written reflections, role-plays, observed practice, online activities, or workplace evidence. Successful completion of all assessments is required to be awarded your qualification or skill set.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL enables students to have their existing skills and knowledge relating to FDR acknowledged and status granted where appropriate.
This is available for people with extensive and relevant experience in family law, mediation, counselling or family and domestic violence.
To apply for RPL, you will need to provide evidence of the competencies needed for FDR by completing our RPL Application and Assessment Form, which we can provide on request.

Learning support
We are committed to supporting every learner. You’ll have access to high-quality resources, guidance from experienced facilitators who are also practitioners, and help from our Centre for Learning and Innovation. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments are available to support diverse learning needs and different learning styles.
Technology and participation requirements
To get the most out of your study, you’ll need a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, webcam, and audio. Courses delivered online or in blended formats require regular engagement in live webinars, discussion groups, and interactive learning activities.
Workload and time commitment
In addition to scheduled workshops, webinars, or placements, you should plan extra time for reading, reflection, and assessment tasks. The weekly study commitment will vary depending on your program, but allowing additional hours each week beyond formal teaching is strongly recommended for success.
Payment options

Course fees differ by program, and flexible payment arrangements may be available. Many students choose instalment plans following the payment of a deposit. Full fee details, including any required upfront payments, will be shared during enrolment.

Policies and student information
All enrolments are covered by RAV’s participant policies, which include information about withdrawals, refunds, conduct, complaints, and grievances. These details will be outlined clearly during your enrolment so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Relationships Australia Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of Australia. We support Aboriginal people’s right to self-determination and culturally safe services.

Centre for Learning and Innovation

FAQs and contact information

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