EDF5530 - Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups - 2019

This unit introduces students to the theoretical and applied aspects of counselling to individuals, couples and groups, and the evidence base which informs them. Students are introduced to basic and advanced micro-skills, concepts and theories that are currently used in counselling practice, and also examine and apply a range of strategies used by therapists to note, track and evaluate the progress of the client in therapy. The unit provides students with the opportunity to develop and practise their micro-skills and techniques over the semester and learn the underpinnings that inform the dynamics of counselling processes. Throughout the unit students draw on their current or previous clinical professional experience to apply theory to practice and to reflect on their cultural awareness, sensitivities and the ways in which their personal development may influence their counselling practice.

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

1. understand, differentiate and critically evaluate the central approaches to counselling and psychotherapy
2. learn and practise counselling micro-skills in a systematic manner
3. understand the dynamics and diversity of individual, couple and group counselling and apply their skills accordingly
4. critically appraise their performance as counsellors
5. apply information about the therapeutic alliance and other relevant strategies for helping clients in counselling therapy
6. cultivate sensitivity to other people's cultural and personal ways and preferences
7. consider and understand their own values and style and their influence on counselling practice
8. develop treatment plans and produce practice notes.

Class activities equivalent to 20 hours of client contact are recorded in the student's log book of clinical professional experience.

Critical essay (4000 words, 50%)

Therapeutic practice with an individual client and self-appraisal (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 flexible students:
   • 20 hours on campus classes, 12 hours online classes and 4 hours directed online learning over the semester, or
   • 24 hours directed online learning and 12 hours online classes over the semester
   • off-campus students are required to attend a compulsory 3-day residential school at Clayton campus
2. Requirements for offshore Kaplan-based students:
   • one intensive block (usually from Thursday to Sunday)
   • at least 14 hours of online study per term
3. Additional requirements (all students):
   • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per semester

See also Unit timetable information

Counselling