EDF5544 - Group counselling skills and psychotherapy - 2017

This unit enables students to develop knowledge and skills in counselling groups and individual members in a group. Students understand the role and strengths of group counselling to assist clients with problems such as overeating, substance abuse and grief. Specific topics include group dynamics and processes, group theories, therapeutic techniques for effective group counselling, identifying appropriate group members, ethical issues associated with group counselling, and cultural sensitivity to the multicultural nature of group counselling in Malaysia. Students also have opportunities to reflect on their own attributes and personal development in relation to being an effective group counsellor.

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

1. understand the suitability and strengths of group therapy
2. critically evaluate the theoretical approaches to understanding groups and individual members
3. discuss the challenges and ethical issues associated with group counselling
4. develop cultivate sensitivity to the multicultural nature of group counselling in Malaysia
5. reflect on how to be an effective group counsellor.

Critical analysis of two different models of group counselling (2400 words, 60%)

Self-appraisal of therapeutic practice of an individual client in a group (1600 words, 40%)

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

1. Contact hours for on-campus students:
   • Equivalent to 36 hours of engagement in online, face-to-face or blended platforms
2. Additional requirements (all students):
   • Independent study to make up the required minimum hours during the semester.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Lee Shu Chin

Counselling