PSY3122

Experiential introduction to counselling

Ms Evelyn Scannell

6 points - One 1-hour lecture, one 3-hour workshop per week - Second semester - Caulfield - Prerequisites: PSY2011 and PSY2022 - Prohibitions: APY3070.

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should understand the general issues in psychological counselling, including individual, group and systems approaches; have developed empathic listening skills and increased self-awareness; have experienced the counselling process under supervision; have learnt to analyse a counselling interaction in a critical, evaluative fashion; understand the constraints within which counselling takes place, including ethical issues and confidentiality.

Synopsis Central theme: introduction to counselling theory and practice. Themes to be covered include general issues of counselling, ethics, individual, group and systems approaches to counselling. A strong focus of this subject will be on developing empathic listening skills and increasing self-awareness. Classes will include formal lectures and workshops. Note that workshop exercises require students to take the role of both the counsellor and client. This procedure facilitates an understanding of the applied role of the counsellor. Although this experiential approach may be a new experience for some students, it is an exciting and challenging unit that has the potential to enable participants to develop counselling and communication skills.

Assessment Cumulative, based on tests: 40% - Videotaped interview: 30% - Essay: 30% - 100% attendance at workshops is essential.

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