Leader: Dr Tom Whelan and Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick

Offered

Caulfield Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Students will receive training in Egan's model of helping and basic counselling micro skills. They will develop their own approach to counselling through reflection on counselling experiences and completion of a personal journal. Some key legal, professional and ethical issues associated with the practice of psychology will be covered including the mutual responsibilities of psychologists and their clients as in the APS Code of Ethical and Professional Standards, and basic education in law as it applies to professional practice. Confidentiality and privileged communications, dual relationships, and appropriate procedures for responding to subpoenas for clinical records will be also included.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a basic level of competence in counselling;
2. demonstrate their approach to counselling;
3. describe the obligations of psychologists and their clients as outlined in the APS Code for Professional Conduct;
4. describe the purpose of legislation relating to the practice of health psychology and how to comply with such legislation.

Assessment

Essay (3000 words): 50%
Counselling tapes (3 tapes): 40%
Personal journal (1000 words): 10%

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Five-day on-campus workshop