EDF6503 - Advanced professional counselling psychology: clinical, research, and ethical issues

Leader: Dr J Simmonds

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit builds on core learning from EDF6501, further developing clinical and professional psychological practice in a sound ethical context. In the first part of the unit, topics include ethical, moral and legal responsibilities and dilemmas in clinical practice, assessing professional competencies and managing boundaries and multiple clients, and ethical psychological research and reporting. In the linked topics on 'counselling more than one', couple, family, and group psychotherapeutic interventions are studied and practised.

Objectives

As a result of studying the first part of this unit, students will understand and be prepared to implement the ethical requirements of the Australian Psychological Society and their relevant State Psychologists Registration Boards , develop and demonstrate critical thinking about the higher level conceptualisation of the ethical, legal and psychological issues associated with human behaviour and psychological practice,, and monitor and develop their own abilities and well-being as clinicians. In the second part of the unit, students will develop an appreciation of how 'counselling more than one' differs from individual psychological counselling and acquire some essential concepts of human systems functioning and inter-relational psychodynamics. Through experiential exercises and guided practise, students will develop some initial competencies for psychotherapy with couples, groups and organisations and to assist individual clients in their wider contexts.

Assessment

One research-oriented class presentation and accompanying paper (4000 words): 50%
one essay or case study (4000 words): 50%

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

For Off-campus, students must attend a one-week Residential school

Prerequisites

Successful completion of EDF6501