PSY4140 · Introduction to counselling

Overview

This unit covers all important introductory aspects of counselling. Themes to be covered include theories of counselling, evaluation of how personal beliefs and values influence the counselling process and legal and ethical issues in counselling psychology. You will be provided with a broad overview of the field of counselling psychology and will be expected to be able to compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives and reflect on how these perspectives would influence your (potential) counselling style and practice.

Areas of study: Psychology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss and compare the theoretical foundations and empirical evidence supporting key psychotherapy theories, highlighting their historical evolution and current application in practice.
2. Express the ethical considerations and cross-cultural challenges involved in psychotherapy practice.
3. Critically analyse specific concepts and techniques used by various approaches to counselling.
4. Recognise and reflect upon the influence of personal values and beliefs on the counselling process.
5. Demonstrate fundamental counselling skills, including micro-counselling techniques.
6. Engage in evaluative reflective practice.

Workload

You should expect to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week on this unit to achieve the learning outcomes. This time will cover: a) video lecture materials; b) synchronous & asynchronous discussion; c) synchronous web-based 'class-time' for skills-based activities; d) weekly readings; e) weekly skills-based assessment tasks; and f) content-based assessment, including revision and formative assessment. Each week there will be a one hour ‘Live class’, facilitated by your instructor. This will be followed by a live office hour, where you can ask questions and chat with your classmates and instructor about anything to do with the unit or psychology in general. There is also a 1 hour live chat with the Senior Instructor that you can attend each week for additional discussion and guidance.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.