ACOM / Study / Units / C9229C Ethical and Professional Issues in Pastoral Counselling

C9229C Ethical and Professional Issues in Pastoral Counselling

This unit examines the critical ethical and legal issues relevant to pastoral care and counselling.
Register Key Dates
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 2 2026

Study Mode

Online Facilitation, In Person Facilitation (NSW), In Person Facilitation (VIC), In Person Facilitation (QLD), In Person Facilitation (WA)

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Graduate Counselling Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

Available to counselling students only

Schedule
Availability Dates & Times Location
Trimester 2 2026

Attendance at facilitation sessions is compulsory for this unit

 Saturday 6 June, 9:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) Online
Saturday 13 June, 9:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) Online
Saturday 20 June, 9:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) Online
Monday 6 July, 9am – 5pm (AEST) In Person Practicum:
– Springwood Church of Christ, QLD
– Camberwell, VIC
– Sydney, NSW
– Perth, WA
Tuesday 7 July, 9am – 5pm (AEST) In Person Practicum:
– Springwood Church of Christ, QLD or
– Camberwell, VIC
– Sydney, NSW
– Perth, WA

 

Unit Details

This unit aims to examine the critical ethical, legal and professional issues faced by ministry professionals, and particularly pastoral counsellors, in a wide variety of contexts. It explores how the study and application of ethics grounds effective and safe ministry and counselling practice by inviting us to become the kind of person who naturally and consistently does the right thing. As we develop a coherent approach to ethical reasoning, it provides us with a toolkit to use in effective pastoral counselling, abiding by the profession’s codes of ethics, practice, and standards.

 

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

  1. Show a critical appreciation of the importance of ethics in the organisation and regulation of pastoral counselling practice.
  2. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the ethical responsibilities of pastoral practitioners and pastoral counsellors.
  3. Investigate, analyse and synthesise information pertaining to specific ethical issues of particular importance to pastoral counselling and care.
  4. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the models of ethical decision-making, in relation to pastoral care and counselling.
  5. Exhibit a well-developed competency and evaluation in the development and practice of ethical principles to their ecclesiological setting or pastoral counselling practice.

 

  1. Pastoral Counselling as an Ethical Vocation
  2. Foundations of Ethical Reasoning
  3. The Virtue of Character
  4. Tools for Ethical Decision-Making
  5. Boundaries and the Use of Power
  6. Sexual Misconduct: An Example of Abuse of Power
  7. Community Concerns
  8. Relationships and Self-Care Including Professional Supervision
  9. Ethical Discernment in Governance
  10. Codes of Ethics
  1. Minor Essay 1 (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Week 3
  2. Minor Essay 2 (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 5
  3. Minor Essay 3 (15%)
    Word Limit: 900
    Due: Week 7
  4. Minor Essay 4 (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 9
  5. Minor Essay 5 (25%)
    Word Limit: 1500
    Due: Week 12
  • Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2017). Issues and ethics in the helping professions (11th ed.). Cengage.
  • Gula, R.M. (2010). Just ministry: Professional ethics for pastoral ministers. Paulist Press.
  • Trull, J., & Creech. R. (2017). Ethics for Christian ministry: Moral formation for 21st century leaders. Baker Academic.

Unit Details

Key Dates

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

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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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