ACOM / Study / Units / P8172C Practice of Professional Supervision

P8172C Practice of Professional Supervision

This unit aims to introduce students to the underlying principles of pastoral supervision, develop their understanding and practice skills as a supervisor of those in a helping profession.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 2 2025

Study Mode

Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

Trimester 2/3 unit

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 2/3 2025 Online Facilitation 9am – 4pm
(AEST)
Wednesday 9 July
Wednesday 16 July
Wednesday 30 July
Tracey Milson

Unit Details

This unit aims to introduce students to the underlying principles of pastoral supervision, develop their understanding and practice skills as a supervisor of those in a helping profession.

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

  1. Articulate a coherent expression of the principles undergirding the effective practice of pastoral supervision.
  2. Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of various models of supervision.
  3. Critically analyse the supervisor’s various responsibilities. E.g., to their supervisees, their supervisee’s clients, their supervisee’s workplaces, the professional association to which the supervisee belongs, and to the community-at-large.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of, and competence in, the delivery of supervision.
  5. Apply the principles and skills of pastoral supervision to a work or ministry situation.
  1. Supervision as Reflective Practice
  2. Supervision as Relationship
  3. Supervision Skills #1: Psychotherapy Models of Supervision
  4. Supervision Skills #2: Developmental Models of Supervision
  5. Supervision Skills #3: Social Roles Models of Supervision and Integrative Models of Supervision
  6. Best Practice in the Management and Delivery of Supervision
  7. Facilitating Different Modes of Supervision
  8. Difficult Conversations
  9. Cross-Cultural Supervision
  10. The Supervisor’s Professional Development
  1. Major Essay (40%)
    Word Limit: 2500
    Due: Week 10, Trimester 2
  2. Document Portfolio
    Due: Week 4, Trimester 3
  3. Video of Mock Supervision Session (60%)
    30 minute video with accompanying documents
    Due: Week 10, Trimester 3
  • Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, R. K. (2018). Fundamentals of clinical supervision (6th ed). Pearson.
  • Pelling, N., & Armstrong, P. (eds.). (2017). The practice of counselling and clinical supervision. Australian Academic Press.

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM provided me with a unique and incredible academic experience! ACOM worked with me to deliver a course that benefited and enriched my role in ministry, and that was of great benefit as it meant that I was actively able to apply the material that I had been studying. What stood out for me though while studying with ACOM was how seamlessly spiritual formation was integrated with academic learning. Instead of studying material and writing assessments that had little to do with the complexities of life in ministry, many of the units that I studied were tailored in such a way that I was engaging with God, my heart, and others which led to a deep transformation in my own character and relationship with God. I would highly recommend ACOM to anyone who desires more in their life with God!
Alec Van Bockel – Bachelor of Ministry

Student Stories

Studying with ACOM has been a transformational and empowering experience for me. The flexibility has allowed me to pursue my studies at my own pace without compromising ministry work. The trimester system makes it achievable to complete units at a pace that suits my schedule, while the practical ministry focus ensures what I learn is applicable to my day to day ministry. As a Youth Pastor, ACOM has been a supportive and accessible environment, empowering me to grow academically and spiritually while serving in my church context.
Grace Cook – Master of Leadership

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

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