Monash University Education Handbook, 1997

GED1832

Ethical and legal issues in counselling psychology

Associate Professor C F Sharpley

12 points
* 4 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Corequisite: GED1830
* Quota: 10

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to reflect upon the competing demands of various client sources; be aware of the ethical and legal guidelines of relevant professional and statutory bodies and how these apply to everyday casework; be able to evaluate a series of common therapeutic procedures in terms of their efficacy and the knowledge base required to apply them; be able to develop a scientific basis for critically investigating research data concerning therapeutic procedures; be able to access ongoing professional education resources, employment situations, and current research reports.

Synopsis This subject focuses upon some of the issues and demands which face counselling psychologists in professional practice. As well as examining the nature of various employment situations and their specific requirements (eg clinics, hospitals, public health facilities, schools, private practice, institutions), emphasis will be placed upon the ethical and legal constraints of psychological practice in such situations. Consideration will be given to ways in which counselling psychologists can work within multidisciplinary teams. In addition, issues discussed include the nature and quality of various systems of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and reporting to other professionals; ethical and legal responsibility for intervention; taking and making referrals; the necessity, nature, and procedures for upgrading and maintenance of professional expertise; the counselling psychologist's responsibilities to clients, families, institutions, society and self.

Assessment Class presentations (45 mins and 60 mins): 40% and 50%
* Paper (500 words): 10%

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