ACOM / Study / Units / C9222C Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) & Positive Psychology (PP)

C9222C Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) & Positive Psychology (PP)

This unit demonstrates the practical and philosophical components of Solution Focused Brief Therapy & Positive Psychology and provides a comprehensive foundation for integrating these principles with theological perspectives into their counselling practice.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 1 2025

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 2025 Online Facilitation 11am – 2pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Thursday 27 February
Thursday 13 March
Thursday 27 March
Thursday 10 April
Thursday 24 April
Dr Art Wouters

Unit Details

This unit studies the significance of the turn in the helping professions away from a traditional problem-defining and problem-solving paradigm and a shift from structuralism to post-structuralism in therapy. We unpack the positive psychology paradigm and practitioner mindset which embraces what is positive about healthy human beings instead of what is wrong with them and assesses what it means to structure counselling and psychotherapy, not as problem-solving but as solution-building. The unit covers the philosophy, theory and research associated with the paradigm changes as well as theological responses for Christian practitioners. Opportunities are provided for students to familiarise themselves with various positive practices, to learn and practice solution-building skills, and reflect on the implications for integrating these ideas and practices into their counselling practice.

 

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

  1. Display a perceptive understanding of the philosophy behind PP and SFBT while applying and evaluating the theories and the practice of these therapies.
  2. Investigate and analyse the empirical validation of these therapeutic interventions.
  3. Explore and analyse the role of happiness and meaning in positive psychology.
  4. Conduct interviews drawing on PP and SFBT and demonstrate well-developed proficiency in integrating PP with therapy.
  5. Apply professional competence in the process of integrating spirituality with the ideas and practice of PP and SFBT.

 

  1. The Positive Practitioner
  2. Philosophical Shifts in Psychology and Psychotherapy
  3. Inspiring Change, Instilling Hope and Promoting Meaning
  4. Amplifying What Clients Want and Exploring for Exceptions
  5. Trauma, SFBT and PTG
  6. PP, Virtue and Vice
  7. Flourishing, Shalom and Solution-Focused Practice
  8. Online Practice, Formulating Feedback, Amplifying Client Progress
  9. Interviewing Involuntary Clients (Focus on Youth)
  10. Client Outcomes, Therapeutic Effectiveness and Integration
  1. Positive Psychology Practice and Video (30%)
    Due: Week 5
  2. SFBT Practice and Video (30%)
    Due: Week 8
  3. Positive Psychology and Faith (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Week 10
  4. Reflective Practice Assessment (10%)
    Word Limit: 600
    Due: Week 12

De Jong, P., & Berg, I. K. (2013). Interviewing for solutions (Fourth Edition). Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

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Tessa Sedawie – Bachelor of Ministry

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Natalie Crawford – Master of Theology

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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.
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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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