Undergraduate - Course4110 - Bachelor of Counselling

Psychological health, or wellness, is increasingly considered as a scale, ranging from severe and debilitating mental illness at one end, up to existing in something like a state of one-ness with the world at the other. Most of us cluster somewhere around the middle, moving back and forth within a sub-range as we deal with daily hassles, relationship issues (forming, maintaining and ending relationships), the occasional traumatic event, work-related concerns, chronic and acute stress, self-esteem and body image, milder forms of mental illness, and trying to decide who we are and what we want from life. The world is an increasingly competitive and uncertain place, and we both want and fear change. Bookshops have whole sections devoted to pop-psychology and self-help, and those books sell well. But most purchasers are disappointed with the results. What's missing is the personal touch, someone to help explore underlying problem(s) rather than just the symptoms, someone to help navigate a path to greater success, happiness and a more comfortable place in the world.

In an increasingly time-pressured society, with more and more things to be anxious about, many are looking for help - life coaches, navigators, counsellors. The Bachelor of Counselling provides a solid psychological background as well as in-field placement to prepare counsellors to utilise a range of techniques to assist clients with a wide variety of issues. The course is not aimed at debilitating mental illness, but rather at a much larger cross-section of clients, from those with less severe but high impact problems, through to those who might consider themselves mentally healthy but are seeking to gain an edge at work or are simply wanting help to kick a habit, deal with relationship or self-esteem issues, or just wring more satisfaction from life. The course is practical, research-informed, and responds to contemporary issues such as the mental health implications of an increasingly online world. Graduates are prepared for what is a strongly growing industry, and their skills and knowledge will be valuable for a wide range of careers and employers, both in Australia and internationally.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a deep understanding and high practical level of interpersonal communication, both verbal and non-verbal
• adapt and apply a range of counselling and therapeutic techniques in a considered, systematic and eclectic manner across a variety of clients, situations and environments
• strive to improve mental health across the community, understand the issues associated with labelling, and strive to combat stigma and prejudice
• develop a working knowledge of mental illness, and how it is classified and diagnosed via the DSM and alternative means of assessment
• understand both the scientific and practical aspects of psychology as a science and their everyday application
• critically evaluate information to appropriately and independently assemble, understand and apply knowledge in personal and professional spheres
• exhibit a strong commitment to, and a deep understanding of, the various codes of ethics as they relate to the practice of counselling
• be fully prepared to practice as an effective and professional counsellor in a range of environments and situations.

This course consists of fifteen core units, a complementary arts first-year sequence, and additional elective units from arts or another faculty.

Compulsory major

• Counselling

Complementary sequence disciplines

• Australian Indigenous studies
• Community welfare and counselling
• Criminal justice
• Psychological studies
• Sociology

Students must complete:

(a.) an extended major in counselling (96 points):

(b.) a first-year Arts sequence (12 points) in one of the complementary disciplines listed under 'Areas of study'

(c.) a further 30 points of elective units (from Arts or another faculty)

Elective units can be identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) and indexes of unitsindexes of units (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/) in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. Note: Some non-arts units may require permission from the owning faculty.

No more than 10 units (60 points) are to be completed at first-year level.

Bachelor of Counselling