Bachelor of Counselling

A core first year subject that introduces students to the important area of academic writing and study skills. Successful completion of this subject develops the skills and knowledge required to write research reports and literature reviews according to APA guidelines and allows for a foundational understanding of how to present information verbally and in poster form to the scientific community, professional colleagues and peers. This subject equips students with essential skills to meet the demands of written and verbal assessments throughout this degree program while also establishing a foundation for ongoing academic writing and presenting that is required in postgraduate study and in future careers.

Communication Skills is a core, first year subject that examines the crucial role of negotiation and conflict resolution in the professional consulting and/or managerial environment. Specifically, three areas of professional interaction are examined. They include; (i) communication skills that aim to facilitate and enhance sound understanding and mutual respect between colleagues, superiors and subordinates within any professional work environment, (ii) negotiation strategies that encourage collaborative work environments to enhance mutually beneficial team outcomes and (iii) conflict resolution skills to deal efectively with professional disagreements and clashes around critical issues of concern. 

Through lectures, tutorials, microskill practice activities and assignment tasks students are encouraged to integrate theory and specific skills within those areas of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution literature most pertinent to optimising their contribution as a professional within a range of work environments. 

This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice.

Introduction to Counselling provides a foundational framework to analyse issues in contemporary counselling practice. You are introduced to the history and philosophy of counselling theory and practice. Through critical analysis, you are encouraged to develop an awareness of the role and responsibilities of the contemporary counsellor and an understanding of client rights. You are required to reflect on the value of evidence-based practice and understand the significance of the counselling relationship, and reflect on the impact of cultural difference and diversity on the formation of a therapeutic alliance. This first year subject also provides an overview of counselling and the role of the counsellor and provides a foundation on which to build more specialised skills and knowledge in subsequent subjects.

Theoretical Foundations of Counselling introduces the key theoretical perspectives that underpin counselling practice. You examine each major theoretical approach in terms of its concepts and applications in counselling. An integrative framework is considered and case studies are analysed to facilitate the application of theory to practice. This first year subject provides a foundation on which to build specialised knowledge and practice through second and third year studies.

Group Work is a core, first year subject that introduces students to the principles of leadership, the dynamics of teams and the processes of group work. Particular focus is given to an understanding of diversity and the effects of such on group and team cohesion. Power dynamics and the management of conflict within groups is considered from both participant and leader perspectives. This subject sets a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the functioning of teams and groups across an array of contexts, and also provides key theoretical models which students can operationalise through participation in group projects and future practice across a abroad range of professions.

Social Frameworks is a core, first year subject that provides students with knowledge to study real world issues through the application of theoretical frameworks such as Functionalism, Interactionism, Marxism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These frameworks are expanded upon and applied to the role of the state, social inequality, the family, health, mass media, gender and ethnicity and their impact on individual’s and groups within society. Various theoretical perspectives are explored and applied to contemporary issues to ensure students understand the social structures and issues impacting on individuals and groups within society.

The Counselling Process overviews the process of counselling from initial contact with the client to case closure. You explore personal fears, expectations and beliefs about what it means to be a counselling professional. The process of referral and case closure are considered along with strategies to monitor and evaluate your effectiveness as a counsellor. The requirements for completing paperwork and case documentation are also discussed. This second year subject provides a framework for practice that enables the application of more complex concepts in counselling, required in subsequent subjects.

Micro-counselling skills are essential for many professionals, particularly those working within the human services area. This subject explores the application of the key counselling micro-skills to therapeutic practice. You are required to demonstrate all key skills in roleplay scenarios and are assessed on your ability to integrate these skills into a counselling interview. You are encouraged to critically evaluate your use of each counselling micro-skill and assess the effectiveness of your application of the skills in facilitating client change.

Developmental Psychology I: Childhood and Adolescence is a core second year subject that examines the broad theoretical domain of development from infancy to adolescence. Various aspects of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development are examined through reviewing theoretical and empirical data pertaining to specific areas of research and topics in the area. This subject complements the content of Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging which examines physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood onwards. This subject is an important component of undergraduate psychology training with benefits to future practice application in the profession.

This subject facilitates a general exploration of the social divisions of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexuality and ability. These divisions are explored in relation to their effect on the availability and access of support and counselling services to marginalised groups in Australia. Barriers in the application of appropriate counselling interventions are considered and you are encouraged to explore your own values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to marginalised groups and their portrayal in the media.

Counselling Therapies I introduces the practice of Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Both approaches are considered in terms of their underpinning philosophy and assumptions about human nature. You demonstrate the application of each approach in a role-play scenario. This first year subject builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

This subject develops a reflective and analytical understanding of the ethical, legal and practice issues emerging in, and specific to, the counselling profession. You cover the legal and ethical responsibilities of the counsellor and analyse dilemmas from the perspective of best practice. Relevant laws and ethical codes are analysed in relation to real-life examples from practice. This second year subject provides you with the ethical and legal framework to work in community and private settings.

Developmental Psychology II: Adulthood and Aging is a core second year subject that examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development from early adulthood and beyond. This subject includes a focus on the psychology of aging as wel as issues of death, dying and bereavement. Theoretical and empirical research pertaining to specific areas of mid-life are also critically examined and students are required to develop a research proposal on a selected area of focus area.

This subject encourages reflection on personal experiences, values and beliefs within the context of counselling practice. You are required to analyse the use of Self in counselling and establish strategies for effective reflective practice. This subject teaches the value of reflective practice and provides foundational reflective skills for incorporation into future learnings in the second and third years of study.

Counselling Therapies II introduces the practice of collaborative, competency-based counselling. Students are required to develop an understanding of social constructivism as it relates to the role of the counsellor. Specific techniques from the narrative and solution-focused approaches are explored. This is a second year subject that builds a foundation for more complex application in subsequent therapy subjects.

Family and Couple Counselling is a core second year subject that introduces interpersonal and systemic approaches for working with couples and families. This subject examines major theoretical concepts and therapeutic processes of family and couple counseling, helps to develop understanding of the dynamics of intimate relationships, and helps build the skills and confidence required to work with interpersonal issues.

This subject introduces the process of working with clients on issues of grief and loss. The major theoretical models of the grief process are examined and specific techniques and strategies for the facilitation of uncomplicated grief are applied. You learn the distinction between normal and complicated grief responses and reflect on the challenges of working with a family system in response to grief. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in a specialised treatment area.

This subject provides an understanding of how to apply the strengths-based approach to facilitate change in children, adolescents and their families. This approach can harness individual and collective resources, facilitate change and empower families to shift ineffective behavioural patterns. This third year subject builds on the foundational counselling frameworks and approaches acquired through first and second year studies to develop professional skills in working with specific client groups.

This subject provides the opportunity to work within the human service industry, providing invaluable experience and exposure to practical issues. You will develop assessment and intervention skills and further explore your own practice framework under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. During the placement, you attend 24 hours of supervision to further develop your skills in reflective practice and intervention.

This subject equips you with the skills to research counselling issues, interpret reports and research papers, and collect and analyse outcome data. The development of these skills enable you to have an informed understanding of the benefits of research for the counselling industry, as well as developing practical skills in critical evaluation of existing research. With this knowledge, you are able to source empirical evidence to support methods of practice and keep up-to-date with industry standards.

This subject provides an insight into mental health conditions and their presentation in counselling. You will develop an introductory knowledge of indicators and support options for people with a variety of mental health issues. A variety of case studies will be considered from the perspective of support options and appropriate referral pathways.

This subject builds on the introduction and experience of practical issues offered in Counselling Practicum I. You will further develop your counselling skills in a relevant human service environment under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner. Individual and group supervision via teleconference is also included to continue development of skills in reflective practice and intervention.