Description
This course provides advanced counselling knowledge and skills for professionals working in a range of education, community and service-related industries, including human resources, health, social welfare and education.
It provides a professional qualification and offers authentic counselling experience, taught by academics with extensive experience working as professional counsellors/psychologists.
An integral component of the course is 250 hours of professional experience, where you have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings. The professional experience includes 140 contact hours (e.g. face-to-face, couple, family and group counselling) and 110 non-contact hours (e.g. observation, case notes, meetings, administration). You will complete 35 hours of supervision (which are included in the non-contact hours).
Outcomes
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).
Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge of evidence-based theories and frameworks related to the major schools of counselling and psychotherapy
- relate appropriate therapeutic approaches and strategies to the corresponding developmental stages across childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age
- demonstrate capacity to synthesise and communicate ideas at an advanced academic level
- demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in all aspects of counselling
- develop a deeper understanding of self, personal values and preferred styles of counselling
- assess clients both formally and informally
- apply the knowledge and skills developed in counselling practice in a workplace setting
- recognise the ethical and professional issues in counselling
- write reports and case notes and make appropriate specialist and agency referrals.
On-campus study requirement for off-campus students
If you are enrolled at Clayton via off-campus mode, the unit EDF5530 (Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups) requires compulsory attendance at a three-day (20-hour) residential school on the Clayton campus.
If you are enrolled at Singapore or Hong Kong you are required to attend an intensive 20-hour study block for each unit, except for EDF5534 (Supervised professional counselling practice) which requires attendance for one four-hour block.
Professional experience
This course requires you to undertake 250 hours of professional experience, including a minimum of 140 hours of client contact. Through these mandatory placements, you have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision in clinical settings.
Before participating in professional experience in any setting, you must:
- meet specific security clearances that apply in the state/territory/country where the professional experience is being undertaken
- complete professional experience orientation provided by the faculty.
The Counselling Placement Team source many placements and communicate these opportunities to students. Please note that most placement providers will require you to submit an application and/or attend an interview to secure the placement. You also may have the opportunity to self-source placements and students located interstate, overseas or rurally are particularly encouraged to do this, under the guidance of the Counselling Placement Team.
For advice on professional experience intervention, support and unsatisfactory progress refer to the Professional experience intervention and support policyProfessional experience intervention and support policy (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/policies-and-procedures/professional-experience-intervention-and-support-policy/).
Professional experience expenses
You are responsible for all uniform, equipment, travel, accommodation and any other expenses incurred during professional experience and will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited in Australia by the Australian Counselling Association (ACA)Australian Counselling Association (ACA) (http://www.theaca.net.au/) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) (http://www.pacfa.org.au/).
This course is registered for delivery in Singapore with the Singapore Council for Private EducationCouncil for Private Education (https://www.cpe.gov.sg/) (CPE), and is recognised by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) (http://www.sac-counsel.org.sg/).
This course has registration in Hong Kong with the Non-Local Courses RegistryNon-Local Courses Registry (http://www.edb.gov.hk/en/contact-us/ncr.html).
Structure
The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Orientation to counselling, Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling and Part C. Specialist counselling practice. All students complete Part C. Depending upon your prior qualifications you may receive credit for Part A, or Part A and Part B.
Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points)
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of counselling at an advanced undergraduate level. They examine the major lifespan theories and counselling approaches and familiarise you with the professional side of counselling including the many different ways in which counselling is offered. These studies are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a related discipline.
Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)
These studies will extend your foundational knowledge for the field of counselling. They focus on counselling practice in the areas of mental health and working with young people.
Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)
These studies will advance your knowledge and skill development for counselling. They cover major approaches to counselling, provide training in counselling practice and address the ethical and professional issues in undertaking counselling as a profession.
As part of this core study you will complete 250 hours of professional experience, including a minimum of 140 hours of client contact.
Requirements
The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points), Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points) and Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points).
If you are admitted at:
- entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
- entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
- entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising Part C.
Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.
Units are 12 credit points unless otherwise stated.
The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2019handbooks/maps/map-d6003.pdf) provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Part A. Orientation to counselling (24 points)
You must complete:
- EDF4530 Lifespan development and counsellor identity
- EDF4531 Counselling settings and populations
Part B. Advanced foundations for counselling (24 points)
You must complete:
- EDF4532 Introduction to mental health issues
- EDF4533 Counselling children and adolescents
Part C. Specialist counselling practice (48 points)
You must complete:
- EDF5530 Counselling skills for individuals, couples and groups
- EDF5531 Cognitive behaviour therapies
- EDF5532 Ethics for counsellors
- EDF5533 Informing practice through research
- EDF5534 Supervised professional counselling practice (0 points)
Alternative exits
You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in the master's course:
- Graduate Certificate of Counselling after successful completion of 24 points of study
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling after successful completion of 48 points of study.
Progression to further studies
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to D4004 Graduate Certificate of Educational Research. You must have achieved an average mark of at least 65% to apply.
