Master of Professional Counselling

This course provides advanced counselling knowledge and skills for professionals working in a range of education, community, industrial and service-related settings. It covers major approaches to counselling, provides training in counselling practice and research, and introduces the study of ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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

1. demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of evidence-based theories and frameworks related to the major schools of counselling and psychotherapy
2. relate appropriate therapeutic approaches and strategies to the corresponding developmental stages across childhood, adolescence, adulthood and ageing
3. demonstrate capacity in synthesising and communicating ideas at an advanced academic level
4. demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all aspects of professional counselling
5. develop a deeper understanding of self, personal values and preferred styles of counselling
6. assess clients both formally and informally through individual, family, group and career counselling
7. apply the knowledge and skills developed in counselling practice in a workplace setting
8. recognise the ethical and professional issues in counselling and psychology
9. demonstrate knowledge of appropriate research approaches and apply research and evaluation skills in the contexts of research, report writing, case notes and referrals.

Clinical practice

This course requires students to undertake 504 hours of clinical placements, including a minimum of 192 hours of client contact. Through these mandatory placements, students have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings. For advice on professional experience intervention, support and unsatisfactory progress refer to the Professional experience intervention and support policyProfessional experience intervention and support policy (http://www.monash.edu/education/current-students/policies-and-procedures/professional-experience-intervention-and-support-policy).

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all uniform, equipment, travel, accommodation and any other expenses incurred during clinical placement and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

This course will be submitted for accreditation by the Malaysian Board of Counsellors (Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia).

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Advanced preparatory units, Part B. Core units and Part C. Application units.

Part A. Advanced preparatory units

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of counselling at advanced undergraduate level. They examine the major lifespan theories and counselling approaches and familiarise students with the professional side of counselling including the many different ways in which counselling is offered.

Part B. Core units

These studies will extend your foundational knowledge for the field of counselling. They focus on counselling practice in the areas of mental health and working with young people.

Part C. Application units

These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for counselling. They cover major approaches to counselling, provide training in counselling practice and address the ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.

As part of this core study you will complete 504 hours of clinical placements, including a minimum of 192 hours of client contact.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Advanced preparatory units (24 points), Part B. Core units (48 points) and Part C. Application units (24 points).

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-d6006.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Advanced preparatory units (24 points)

Students complete:

• EDF4536 Counselling practice and theory
• EDF4537 Human growth and lifespan development
• EDF4538 Mental health issues: Grief, trauma and substance abuse
• EDF4539 Counselling in a multicultural context

Part B. Core units (48 points)

Students complete:

• EDF5540 Children and adolescents counselling
• EDF5541 Personnel and career development counselling
• EDF5542 Counselling skills: individuals and couples
• EDF5543 Ethics and professional issues in counselling and psychology
• EDF5544 Group counselling skills and psychotherapy
• EDF5545 Cognitive behaviour therapy
• EDF5546 Advanced personnel and career development counselling
• EDF5547 Counselling research design, statistics and program evaluation

Part C. Application units (24 points)

Students complete:

• EDF5551 Psychological assessment and measurement
• EDF5552 Counselling practicum
• EDF5553 Research project in counselling (12 points)
• EDF5554 Counselling internship (0 points)