James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2023

ED5863 - Foundations of Counselling Practice

Available to Post Graduate Certificate of Education [35111], Master of Education [113804]. Core subject for Master of Guidance and Counselling [34704] students.

Subject Description

This subject provides students with advanced knowledge and understandings of basic micro skills for counselling and career development. This subject provides opportunities for intentional practice of basic micro skills in simulated counselling sessions. Students will apply core microskills with cross-cultural ethical scenarios demonstrating understanding of the professional codes of ethical practice. The application of counselling theories within this model will be investigated and students will develop their understanding of the practical application of the model.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding and proficiency using core counselling microskills. Students will apply the microskills hierarchy framework to a variety of counselling scenarios
• proficient in interpretation, evaluation and justification of different counselling perspectives and demonstrate advanced oral, listening, writing and advocacy skills, required of a professional working in the guidance and counselling and career development fields
• demonstrate proficiency using different counselling and communication styles in order to begin to develop their personal counselling and interviewing techniques
• demonstrate knowledge of the current legislation (eg.informed consent, Privacy Act) and ethical requirements outlined in the Code of Ethics in the Australian Counselling Association and the Singapore Association for Counselling
• demonstrate self-reflection and critical self- evaluation of their assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, values, prejudices and biases in order to demonstrate cultural intentionality in well- constructed counselling sessions that enhance their ability to work effectively with clients from a multicultural perspective
• demonstrate advanced problem solving, objectivity, and judgement skills in working with clients with complex life issues and demonstrate communication proficiency with both specialist and non-specialist stakeholders

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (30%) - Individual
• Written > Journal - (30%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

Successful completion of Counselling Videos, Written Analysis and Reflection (Professional Oracy and Professional Literacy)

Availabilities