ACOM / Study / Units / C7256C Family Counselling

C7256C Family Counselling

This unit introduces students to the issues and potential treatment in family related presentations. Students will examine a range of systemic theoretical positions and learn how to apply this knowledge to specific scenarios.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Bachelor

Unit Availability

Trimester 1

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Dates & Times Facilitator
Trimester 1 2025 Online Facilitation 4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 20 February
4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 27 February
4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 6 March
6pm – 8pm (AEDT), Thursday 13 March
4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 20 March
4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 27 March
4pm – 6pm (AEDT), Thursday 3 April
6pm – 8pm (AEST), Thursday 10 April
4pm – 6pm (AEST), Thursday 17 April
4pm – 6pm (AEST), Thursday 1 May
Chad Loftis

Unit Details

The family unit is foundational in society and is imbued with special meaning by Christians. This unit aims to address the difficulties clients present with, in the context of their relationships with significant others in their lives, including their social networks. Systems work is a well recognised approach primarily aimed at the family system as a social construct, in contrast to other individual based approaches. Within a systemic approach there are different schools of thought that share several principles and guiding assumptions to be explored over the course of the trimester.

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

  1. Determine one’s own family of origin; the implications for practice and conceptualise the use of the genogram as a tool for assessment and treatment in family related presentations.
  2. Identify a range of presenting issues to be addressed from a systemic viewpoint.
  3. Analyse and evaluate the diversity within family structures from inclusive, culturally aware, and social context perspectives.
  4. Critically examine a range of systemic theoretical positions including principles, working assumptions, and techniques of family systemic practice.
  5. Apply skills and theory in family counselling practice.
  1. This unit will focus on the underpinnings of family and systemic practice.
  2. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical frameworks, and will begin to conceptualise the application of family counselling practice that is specific to these approaches.
  3. The process of integration into one’s own professional formation as a Counsellor will also be emphasised.
  4. Several issues pertinent to the presentation of families will be explored, and the application of intervention will be determined; including a Christian perspective as relevant.
  1. Genogram and Personal Reflection (25%)
    Word Limit: 1250
    Due: Week 4
  2. Group Project & Presentation (35%)
    Word Limit: 1750
    Due: Week 8/9
  3. Essay (40%)
    Word Limit: 2000
    Due: Week 12
  • Goldenberg, I., & Goldenberg, H. (2016). Family therapy: An overview. (9th ed.). Brooks/Cole.
  • McGoldrick M., Gerson R., & Petry S. (2020). Genograms, assessment and treatment. (4th ed.). Norton and Company.

Student Stories

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Tessa Sedawie – Bachelor of Ministry

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Natalie Crawford – Master of Theology

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A lot of theology training focuses on helping you know what to do, formation helped me go deeper and learn about who I wanted to become. As someone who learns a lot by doing, the highly practical nature of the ACOM model helped me put theory into practice immediately. The online learning helped me do that in the context I’d grown up in.
Ben Dainton – Graduate Diploma of Arts

Student Stories

My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Admittedly, at first I was nervous about the prospect of Spiritual Formation and what might be involved. But after my first Spiritual Formation retreat, Spiritual Formation very quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and created some of my fondest memories throughout my years studying with ACOM. The relationships I built and the journey I went on with my formation companions, has left a profound impact on my faith, the shaping of who I am, how I lead and my continued involvement in ministry today. I couldn’t recommend Spiritual Formation highly enough as a valuable part of your studies.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

As a relatively young person in an employed ministry position, I have greatly benefited from my degree of Bachelor of Ministry and have observed my growth through undergoing studies. While studying and working full time in ministry, I have found that each unit, in some way or another, is relevant to my job whether that be learning to preach or growing my Biblical literacy skills. Through working full-time in ministry, I have found that the online content and structures of my studies allows me to be flexible in structuring my learning around my busy ministry schedule. Each week I am able to accommodate my studies to fit my needs based on my schedule demands.
Libby Hall – Bachelor of Ministry

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