Counselling for Addictions

Unit code:APT6005Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

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

Location

City Campus

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 is an advanced unit designed to develop students’ knowledge when working with addictive behaviours. The unit builds on the foundation units in the first year of the Master of Counselling to further develop students’ knowledge of working with addictions. The unit will assist students to work effectively with a range of addictive behaviours, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling and internet addiction. The unit will assist students to develop skills in assessment related to addictive behaviours and relevant treatment modalities when working with this population. The unit will utilise a range of teaching methods, including didactic instruction, in class activities, counselling role play and demonstration. It is anticipated that successful completion of the unit will enable students the skills to work effectively with clients presenting with addictive/substance use disorders.

Learning Outcomes

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

Articulate and exhibit knowledge of neurology, pharmacology and classification of psychoactive drugs;
Deduce the key legal issues and ethical principles in relation to drug use;
Critically review the key theories and counselling approaches to addictive behaviours;
Critically examine the different types of addictive behaviours across a variety of contexts; and
Apply evidence-based models of addiction in the formulation of intervention plans, exemplifying counselling skills relevant for treatment of addiction.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%

In class invigilated multiple choice test on drugs and their effects, legal and ethical issues and the theories of addiction (60 mins)

Assessment type: Practical Demonstration | Grade: 35%

Video demonstration of a counselling intervention demonstrating counselling skills, including non-scripted interaction with client (10 mins).

Assessment type: Report | Grade: 45%

Critically analyse case study using relevant counselling theories and develop a counselling intervention plan (2500 words)

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

In person 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.