Addiction Counselling PG (10340.1)

In this unit in Addiction Counselling, students will deepen their theoretical understanding and counselling skills through consideration of how addictive behaviours impacts upon the client's situation, either as one of the primary issues or as a related presenting issue. Areas covered will include: assessment and treatment options, understanding of the change process when addiction is involved, and co-morbidity issues. This unit will present some specific theories, models and skills relevant to addiction counselling. Students will be encouraged to develop a research-informed, integrative approach to working with this issue during counselling.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify and analyse assessment and treatment issues in the field of addiction counselling and formulate and implement ethical and professional practices;

2. Demonstrate a high level of competence in a variety of counselling skills and be able to apply these skills in working with clients with addiction issues;
3. Demonstrate a critical in-depth understanding of major theories, models and techniques specific to the area of addiction counselling; and
4. Act responsibly, ethically and professionally as practitioners in the context of counselling practice, and within the current community and societal values and attitudes to this issue.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity

Skills development

Personal Attributes

As students of the University they will develop the qualities of critical thinking, curiosity and reflective practice. They will use foresight, initiative and leadership, and be open to alternative perspectives. As graduates, they will continue to learn and thrive in environments of complexity, ambiguity and change.

 

Prerequisites

Must have passed Counselling Skills and Models PG, 7743, AND Counselling Theories and Concepts PG, 7744.

Corequisites

Must be enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Counselling, 342JA, OR Master of Counselling, 341JA, OR Permission of the Course Convener.

Incompatible units

10340 Addiction Counselling PG is incompatible with 7746 Counselling Applications PG 1 for students who completed 7746 in 2012.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a level of mature life experience and self awareness shown by the capacity to reflect on and learn from experience, including being open to giving and receiving positive and challenging feedback.