Counselling Theory and Practice

Unit code:APP3015Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

Footscray Park

Prerequisites

APP2013 - Psychology 2A
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit of study includes an overview of the principles and practices of counselling from a range of paradigms (e.g. psychodynamic, existential, cognitive behavioural, etc.). The therapeutic approaches of these differing paradigms are explored in relation to their historical background, theoretical premises, therapeutic techniques and strengths and limitations in clinical practice. Students are also challenged to explore their own understanding of therapeutic change and to interface this personal perspective with the models presented. This unit will also provide students with the opportunity to further develop their basic counselling skills.

Learning Outcomes

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

Contextualise the application of counselling theoretical paradigms to a range of psychological problems;
Conceptually map therapeutic techniques aligned to a range of psychotherapies and identify common skills; and
Critique counselling theories/therapies in relation to key assumptions, goals, strengths and limitations.