James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED5310 - Practicum in Guidance and Counselling

Available only to students enrolled in the Master of Guidance and Counselling.

Subject Description

This subject is designed to meet the accreditation requirements in Australia of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and in Singapore of the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). The practicum is the culmination subject for the Master of Guidance and Counselling. It is where the threads of the core subjects come together in real counselling situations. Field-based placements assist the novice counsellor to develop the skills necessary for quality ethical practice. Students are supported to negotiate placement/s appropriate to their intended counselling practice and are monitored throughout.

Learning Outcomes

• students must critically reflect on issues relating to the tropics, sustainability and Indigenous, rural and regional wellbeing, disabilities and other forms of vulnerability relevant to their practice in guidance and counselling
• students must investigate, critically review, analyse and synthesize complex theoretical propositions and demonstrate appropriate use of research principles and methodologies in guidance and counselling
• students must demonstrate the skills to interpret, theorize, evaluate, and generate solutions to complex issues in guidance and counselling practice contexts, as well as the ability to justify professional conclusions, decisions and recommendations to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders using advanced speaking, writing, listening, numeracy and advocacy skills
• students must demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on one's own counselling practice to facilitate individual skill development with a high level of autonomy and accountability
• students must critically reflect on their own counselling practice to facilitate individual and team skill development. Students must achieve development as a counsellor according to the accreditation requirements of the Australian Counselling Association or Singapore Association for Counselling

Subject Assessment

• Performance/Practice/Product > Professional placement performance

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

Satisfactory completion of Portfolio of Professional Competencies: required hours, documentation, and receive a satisfactory practicum report (Professional Oracy, Professional Literacy, Professional Numeracy)

Availabilities