PSS4712

Principles of Counselling ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Catherine Haigh

Offered:
Gippsland Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will help students to acquire relevant skills in Psychological Studies to complement the knowledge-based units that they have already completed. It will include consideration of the theoretical perspectives used as explanatory frameworks in the counselling arena, each of which will be explored in a seminar series. It will also involve an overview of the major contemporary approaches e.g., psychodynamic, humanistic, Psychological, cognitive-Psychological, that will be outlined and demonstrated to students. Students will be given an opportunity to apply counselling techniques in mock therapeutic sessions that will be video-taped and assessed.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students should be able to: 1) outline the major theoretical perspectives relevant to counselling practice; 2) interview potential clients; 3) assess client needs; 4) apply counselling skills within the context of contemporary approaches; 5) prepare and maintain case notes that effectively communicate relevant information.

Assessment: Presentation (2000 words): 20% + Two video-taped counselling sessions (5000 words) 60% + Case notes (2000 words): 20%

Contact Hours: Two hour seminar per week

Prerequisites: Undergraduate degree with Psychological Studies, Psychology or related major