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 2026

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

Available to counselling students only

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 1 2026 Online Facilitation
(Required)
4pm – 6pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Thursday 19 February
Thursday 26 February
Thursday 5 March
Thursday 12 March
Thursday 26 March
Thursday 2 April
Thursday 9 April
Thursday 16 April
Thursday 23 April
Thursday 30 April
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

I’ve loved my ACOM journey! Every unit has brought practical skills and theoretical knowledge I use every day with my counselling clients and beyond. I’ve grown as a person, and my confidence in academic learning has been supported by highly skilled lecturers in their field. The online learning platform has enabled me to work and balance family life and other commitments. Integrating spirituality and faith throughout every unit has been so refreshing and lovely!
Alison Bury – Bachelor of Counselling

Student Stories

As a person who is holding down a job, and volunteering at my local church leading in our youth ministry, my studies would not be possible without the flexibility that studying with ACOM provides. Their understanding of my ‘all of life’ and working with me to participate in study in a meaningful way that flexes to my life circumstances has been amazing. I am not sure I could have pursued my studies without it.
Tessa Sedawie – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

ACOM's flexible delivery has been instrumental in my studies. I have benefited greatly from the ability to read through the coursework in my own time, around my busy schedule. The supportive staff and excellent online resources have also been invaluable.
Natalie Crawford – Master of Theology

Student Stories

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

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