ACOM / Study / Units / C7102C Counselling Theory and Practice I

C7102C Counselling Theory and Practice I

This unit introduces students to the foundations of ethical counselling practice.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Bachelor

Unit Availability

Year Long 2025

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Prerequisite

N/A

Notes

Counselling spinal unit. 80% attendance at the facilitation is required for this unit. No recordings will be available.

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Year Long 2025 Online Facilitation 4pm – 6pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Tuesday 18 February
Tuesday 4 March
Tuesday 18 March
Tuesday 1 April
Tuesday 29 April
Tuesday 3 June
Tuesday 17 June
Tuesday 1 July
Tuesday 15 July
Tuesday 29 July
Tuesday 9 September
Tuesday 23 September
Tuesday 7 October
Tuesday 21 October
Tuesday 4 November
Kristy Howarth

Unit Details

This unit introduces the field of counselling by examining its historical development, theoretical foundations, and current practice approaches. Counselling in pastoral contexts can be considered a specialised form of soul care in which it is possible to effectively integrate personal theology, spirituality, and counselling theory. The context in which counselling skills may be useful can be quite diverse ranging from church, parachurch, schools, universities, community centres and hospital settings, to name a few. By the end of this course, you will have explored the emergence of counselling in light of Christian faith, been introduced to its practice across the broad offering of therapeutic modalities, and become aware of key ethical considerations within the field.

 

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an introductory knowledge of counselling theories in light of their own faith integration.
  2. Display a sound knowledge of the historical development of the discipline alongside Christian influence.
  3. Identify various components of the counselling relationship as conveyed in different counselling approaches.
  4. Differentiate basic counselling skills in the context of various counselling modalities.
  5. Apply an understanding of the ethics of counselling.

 

  1. Counselling and soul care (self awareness/identity)
  2. Historical context and the church
  3. Active listening and engagement (personality/professional identity)
  4. The therapeutic relationship
  5. Introduction to counselling ethics
  6. Psychodynamic counselling
  7. Person-centred counselling
  8. Cognitive behavioural therapy
  9. Third wave CBT: ACT & DBT
  10. Narrative therapy
  11. Neuroscience and crisis counselling
  12. Family systems counselling/attachment theory
  13. Introduction to genograms
  14. Spiritual direction, counselling and self care
  15. Integrating therapies in the Christian context
  1. Reflective Essay (35%)
    Word Limit: 1750
    Due: Week 12, Trimester 1
  2. Case Analysis (40%)
    Word Limit: 2000
    Due: Week 12, Trimester 2
  3. Reflection on Ethics (25%)
    Word Limit: 1250
    Due: Week 12, Trimester 3

 

  • Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M.B., & Zalaquett, C.P. (2023). Intentional interviewing and counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (10th ed.). Cengage.

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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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