Counselling Psychology PG (9815.1)

Please note these are the 2027 details for this unit
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Counselling Psychology PG
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 Bruce, Canberra
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Health
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
Psychology Post Graduate Level Band 1 2021 (Pg Clinical Psychology)
Band 2 2021 (Prof Pathway Psychology-After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 2 2021 (Prof Pathway Psychology-Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 2 2021 (Standard Course Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
Band 4 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan Social Work_Exclude 0905)
Band 4 2021 (Standard Course Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
This unit explores theory, knowledge and methodology in the professional practice of psychology and prepares students for entry to professional psychology programs. The unit focuses on advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in the history and philosophy of psychological interventions (including psychoanalytic, behavioural, phenomenological, and cognitive-behavioural models) and develops practical interviewing and counselling skills. The unit examines evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention and counselling models and critiques the philosophical, theoretical, cultural and empirical bases of evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. Critical analysis of the theoretical, empirical and cultural bases underpinning evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention;
2. Appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations relevant to psychological practice, such as active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, informed cultural responsiveness and empathic responding; and

3. Reflective practice through reviewing their own practice of interviewing and counselling.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
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 - 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 - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development


Skills development

This is a practical hands on unit and requires students to participate in class in order to achieve learning outcomes. Practice and participation in class is an essential part of completion of assignments also. Students are expected to attend all workshops for the whole allotted time. 

If students are not able to attend class due to illness, they are strongly encouraged to make contact with class members to organise practice of skills outside of class time virtually or in person. 



Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

Enrolment in 769AA Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours).

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

6491 Advanced Psychological Topics B PG.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Availability for enrolment in 2027 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2026 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Vivienne Lewis
2027 Bruce, Canberra Semester 2 09 August 2027 On-campus Dr Vivienne Lewis
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

Students are encouraged to read widely on basic counselling theories and principals as well as the use of evidence based cognitive behavioural strategies. Here are some suggestions of easy to read learner texts. 

Suggested textbook (available in the library):

  1. Geldard, D., Geldard, K., & Foo, R (2022). Basic Personal Counselling. A training manual for counsellors (9th ed). Melbourne: Cengage Learning.

Other suggested books:

  1. Simmons, J, and Griffiths, R (2018). CBT for Beginners. 3rd edition. London: SAGE. 

  2. Australian Psychological Society (2007). Code of Ethics. Melbourne : Author.  https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/d873e0db-7490-46de-bb57-c31bb1553025/18aps-code-of-ethics.pdf.

  3. American Psychiatric Association (2013).  Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental    Disorders, 5th Edition

  4. Working Together.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice. https://www.telethonkids.org.au/globalassets/media/documents/aboriginal-health/working-together-second-edition/working-together-aboriginal-and-wellbeing-2014.pdf

  5. Ethical guidelines for research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/research-policy/ethics/ethical-guidelines-research-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples

Required readings for workshop on cultural competence and professional issues: See module for this week in Canvas

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Artificial intelligence

Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit, except for Studiosity Writing Feedback Plus.

GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:

  1. the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment.
  2. the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow.
  3. the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.

Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.

The GenAI for Students Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI.

Special assessment requirements

In order to pass the unit, students must receive a pass mark of 50% overall. Please see rubric on Canvas for details. 

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Learner engagement

Students need to participate in all workshops in order to learn the skills taught and complete assessment items. Failure to participate in workshops will sigificantly affect performace in assessment items. 

Inclusion and engagement

NA

Participation requirements

This is a face to face unit. It is a practical, skills based unit and requires participation. Student are strongly encouraged to participate in all workshops. This is essential for achivement of assessment items and learning in this unit. Failure to participate will significantly affect assessment completion. 

Where a student is unwell and not able to attend class, it is their responsibility to ensure they make contact with peers to engage in the practice tasks set each week. 

Required IT skills

No special IT skills are required for this unit, although it is expected that students will have reasonable word-processing skills and be able to record and share a video.

See the UC Library if you are unfamiliar with searching specialist databases for access to psychology journals.

It is also assumed that all students are familiar with the university's learning management system. 

In-unit costs

The text book and cost of recording mock counselling session. 

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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