Postgraduate - UnitEDF6504 - Developmental psychology and counselling skills

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Synopsis

This unit has been designed to provide the opportunity for students to explore a developmental perspective of the therapeutic process, from both a theoretical and an applied standpoint. This unit comprises three sections. Topics include establishing a professional relationship a professional relationship and appropriate communication and counselling and intervention skills for children, adolescents and families. Students will also be introduced to an advanced theoretical understanding of developmental psychology, focusing on a dynamic perspective of developmental outcomes as the result of person-environment interactions. Discussion will also include the development of children with developmental disabilities in the context of the family, and how to facilitate their education within the community.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the unit, students will have developed an understanding of:

• The fundamentals of the counselling process, therapeutic counselling skills and associated case management issues.
• The developmental process and be able to critically appraise evidence regarding assessment and treatment approaches for non-typical development such as Autistic Disorder.
• Various perspectives in relation to typical and atypical development of children in a community context.

Assessment

Three Assignments (total equivalent to 8000 words)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Andrea Reupert

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Off-campus attendance requirements

Off-campus students must attend a one (1) week Residential school

Prerequisites

Successful completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited four year sequence in psychology and enrolment in MPsych (Educational and Developmental).