12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Synopsis
This unit familiarises students with the professional side of counselling. Students are introduced to the different ways in which counselling is offered, including online and distance counselling, individual, couples and group counselling. Students explore the many settings in which counselling takes place including career and vocational counselling, mental health settings, spiritual centres and school counselling. Creative approaches to counselling such as play therapy and art therapy and the counselling of diverse and special populations are investigated. The unit also introduces students to the professional organisations in their area of practice as well as to regulations which govern counselling practice.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:
- understand the many forms of professional counselling
- demonstrate knowledge of the variety of settings and populations in which counselling takes place
- demonstrate familiarity with counselling diverse client populations
- distinguish between the individual, couples and group therapy
- understand, differentiate and critically appraise the varied forms of counselling
- acquire practical counselling experience by learning in the field.
Fieldwork
2 days
Assessment
Professional counselling interview and presentation (4000 words, 50%)
Essay detailing the counselling service provision to a specific client group (4000 words, 50%)
Workload requirements
Flexible mode offers a stand-alone online offering that allows students to learn and engage in content and assessment in a supported way. It also provides a face-to-face component over the semester to engage students with the online learning content, which students can attend if they are able and interested.
Minimum total expected workload equals 288 hours per semester comprising:
- Contact hours for on-campus* flexible students:
- 36 contact hours of face-to-face and/or online activities
- Contact hours for off-campus* flexible students:
- 36 contact hours of online activities
- Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
- one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
- at least 14 hours of online study per term
- Additional requirements (all students):
- independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester
*This refers to the student's course enrolment mode.
See also Unit timetable information