EDF5533 - Advanced counselling practice - 2017

This unit extends students' counselling practice through a focus on three elements of professionalism: evidence-based practice; advanced intervention, assessment and reporting skills; and reflective practice. Students examine applied and academic research and evaluation in relation to mental health issues and counselling, and evaluate the quality of, and approaches used to gather, research evidence. Reflecting and drawing on their current or previous clinical professional experience, students consolidate their skills in case formulation, documenting evidence-based interventions and choosing appropriate assessment tools and instruments. Under supervision, students take up opportunities for self-reflection on their own professional development as counsellors.

Upon successful completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of professional counselling practice
2. examine research-based evidence and evaluate it according to quality indicators
3. demonstrate advanced intervention planning to address client needs
4. extend familiarity with a variety of assessment instruments and tools and implement these in practice
5. demonstrate skills in case formulation, reporting and maintaining clear case notes which convey a depth of professional knowledge
6. recognise the need for appropriate specialist and agency referrals and engagement with local human services systems
7. reflect on the legal, ethical and professional principles and practices relevant to counselling.

10 hours of group supervision are recorded as non-contact hours in the student's log book of clinical professional experience.

Literature review of a mental health issue (4000 words, 50%)

Case report (4000 words, 50%)

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:

1. Contact hours for on-campus* flexible students:
   • 36 contact hours of face-to-face and/or online activities
2. Contact hours for off-campus* flexible students:
   • 36 contact hours of online activities
3. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 14 hours of online study per term
4. 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

Mr Michael Di Mattia

Counselling

EDF5534