As part of your CHC51015 Diploma of Counselling, you'll complete practical performance assessments that simulate real counselling sessions. These assessments allow you to demonstrate your skills in a safe, supported environment before entering professional practice.
Some of those performance assessments require you to be physically in the same room as your mock client (even though you are filming your sessions). This is a non-negotiable as it is an assessment condition in the units.
All of the performance assessments requiring you to have a mock client physically in the same room as you, are found in modules 2 and 3 of your course.
All other performance assessment that require you to film yourself performing a set of skills, can be done via zoom.
The following information is ONLY for the Performance Assessments found in Modules 2 and 3.
What You'll Do
Module 2: Communication Skills & Counselling Framework
You'll conduct 9 counselling sessions across 3 different mock clients, with each client attending 3 sessions (initial, second, and final). This mirrors the structure of a real therapeutic relationship from beginning to end.
Session Type | Duration | Sessions Required |
Initial Session (Session 1) | 20 minutes (+/- 5 mins) | 3 (one per client) |
Second Session (Session 2) | 30 minutes (+/- 5 mins) | 3 (one per client) |
Final Session (Session 3) | 20 minutes (+/- 5 mins) | 3 (one per client) |
Module 2 Total: 9 video recordings | Approximately 3.5 hours of recorded sessions
Module 3: Personality, Learning Theories
You'll conduct 4 counselling sessions, each with a different mock client presenting a specific issue. These sessions integrate CBT alongside developmental and personality theories.
Session | Presenting Issue | Duration |
Session 1 | Anxiety | 45 minutes (+/- 5 mins) |
Session 2 | Grief and Loss | 45 minutes (+/- 5 mins) |
Session 3 | Family Issues | 45 minutes (+/- 5 mins) |
Session 4 | Self-Esteem | 45 minutes (+/- 5 mins) |
Module 3 Total: 4 video recordings | Approximately 3 hours of recorded sessions
Complete Performance Assessment Summary for Modules 2 and 3
| Module 2 | Module 3 | Total |
Number of Sessions | 9 | 4 | 13 |
Mock Clients Required | 3 | 4 | 7 |
Recording Time | ~3.5 hours | ~3 hours | ~6.5 hours |
Self-Reflections | 2 | 1 | 3 |
What You'll Submit for Each Session
Every session requires:
Video recording (one continuous, unedited session)
Case notes / Client consultation form
Signed Mock Client Consent Form
Photo ID shown at the start of the video
Selected sessions also require written self-reflections evaluating your practice.
Important Requirements
Mock clients must:
Be 18 years or older
Be physically present in the same room (no Zoom or remote sessions)
Present with appropriate, everyday issues (not complex clinical diagnoses)
Sessions must:
Meet the specified time requirements
Be recorded without editing or interruption
Demonstrate natural counselling skills (no scripts)
Preparing for Success
Before attempting your assessments, you'll have access to support videos and example recordings that demonstrate expected standards. These resources help you understand session structure, case note documentation, and assessment criteria.