Foundations of Counselling

Unit code:APT6016Study 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

This unit of study will provide a foundation to the development of counselling microskills, counselling assessment and case formulation. Microskills are basic counselling skills that help build rapport with clients and begin the therapeutic process. Through role plays and class activities, students will practice counselling microskills and the development of case formulations. This unit will also introduce students to range of settings in which counselling occurs.

Learning Outcomes

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

Exemplify competence in a range of counselling microskills by demonstrating the ability to build rapport with clients, begin the therapeutic process, and reflect on your role as a counsellor;
Develop and articulate a foundation level of competence in counselling-based assessment; and
Exhibit knowledge and skills in case formulation.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%

In class invigilated short answer test identifying counselling micro-skills and their application (60mins)

Assessment type: Practical Demonstration | Grade: 50%

Role-play a counselling session demonstrating counselling micro-skills, including non-scripted interaction with client (15 minutes)

Assessment type: Essay | Grade: 30%

Reflective essay on counselling demonstration including an assessment and case formulation (1500 words)

To pass this unit students need to meet the attendance requirement below:

Face to face and ORT workshops in this unit require mandatory attendance of at least 80%, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to this unit containing a significant skills-based competency component, enabling students to foster their development of counselling skills under in-class supervision. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are important for safe counselling practice both whilst on placement and as graduate counselling practitioners.