EDF5504

Counselling theory and practice ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr J Roodenburg

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: This unit provides instruction in a range of psychopathology encountered by counselling, educational and developmental psychologists. Child, adolescent and adult psychopathology are covered, with an emphasis on the developmental psychopathology perspective. Areas of psychopathology covered in the unit include: mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioural disorders, adjustment disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and eating disorders. Counselling theories applicable to these areas of psychopathology and which are covered in the subject include: person-centred therapy, behaviour therapy, cognitive-behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and family systems therapy.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to perform a basic initial counselling interview of about one hour in duration, including effective use of the skills covered in Egan's The skilled helper; be able to describe and apply at least five relevant major therapies to typical counselling clinical cases, with particular reference to the effectiveness of these therapies to specific client presenting issues; and be able to critically evaluate the scientific standing of various therapies according to accepted research and professional criteria.

Assessment: 3 hour examination: 40% + 2 essays (1,500-2,000 words): 30% each

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week

Prerequisites: Completion of an Australian Psychological Society (APS)-accredited major sequence in psychology