James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

SS1111 - Introduction to Counselling

Subject Description

This subject is designed as an introduction to basic counselling concepts and skills. It is intended to provide students with basic communication skills and an awareness of some of the personal and professional issues facing the counsellor. A microskills approach to counselling has been chosen as it offers a foundation which will help students understand and work more effectively with many diverse approaches to facilitating client growth and development.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate knowledge of the issues involved in confidentiality and ethics
• demonstrate knowledge of the nature of counselling, the counselling relationship, the effects of the counsellors values and beliefs on the counselling relationship and the counsellors own needs
• incorporate these microskills in interviews
• awareness of the basic microskills of attending, questioning, client observation, encouraging, paraphrasing and summarising and reflection of feeling

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (50%) - Group
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - 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

Passing requirements: complete and submit all weighted assessment items; achieve a cumulative score of at least 50% after the application of any penalties such as late penalties.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  SS1105

Availabilities