Ethics and Professional Practice for Counsellors

Unit code: APT6020 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Online Real Time
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study will examine the ethical factors relevant to counselling. The unit will address ethical issues in counselling, ethical principles and ethical dilemmas: the philosophical basis of ethical principles; client rights and responsibilities, reflective practice; counsellor rights and responsibilities; and referrals to other mental health professionals.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Critically reflect upon and formulate ethical responses to dilemmas which may arise in counselling practice;
  2. Plan and implement ethical decision-making in counselling; and
  3. Investigate a range of ethical codes of conduct and apply ethical principles relevant to the Australia Counselling Association (ACA) and/or Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) professional Codes of Ethics.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Short answer and multiple choice test on codes of conduct and ethics applications relevant to a counselling context (60min)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Ethical self-reflection – identify and discuss one potential challenge and barrier to being an ethical counsellor. (1500 words)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
In-class group presentation & student-facilitated discussion on ethical dilemma to a counselling scenario drawing on theory & relevant codes of ethics

Presentation - 30mins (duration)

Required reading

Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Graduate Diploma in Counselling
AGPD | Graduate diploma | Duration: 2 years
Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory and Practice
HGCP | Graduate diploma | Duration: 1 year
Master of Counselling
AMPE | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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