Pre-requisites

PR322.506A

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Use knowledge and understanding gained earlier in the course through study and in role-plays, and in Counselling Field Education A, in counselling in real life situations

• Develop greater counselling competence in a range of graded counselling experiences and develop autonomy under detailed supervision

• Undertake initial evaluations of client concerns and problems with competence and confidence, gain increased experience in case conceptualization, treatment planning, and the ongoing application of strategies for intervention, or seek emergency help or refer, as appropriate

• Increase the range of counselling techniques employed as well as increasing competence in their application to different clients and problems

• Recognise and assess his/her strengths and limitations as a counsellor, at this stage, and make prompt referrals to other practitioners, when appropriate

• Demonstrate high ethical standards, integrity and reliability in tasks undertaken or declined

• Appraise pressures they face and work effectively as a counsellor

• Keep accurate and useful records, with due regard for confidentiality

• Exercise self-discipline in professional and personal areas, work to a professional timetable and continue in the process of personal and professional development

Unit Content

This unit involves supervised practical experience in counselling which offers opportunity for observation, counselling clients, reflection and critical supervision. The student’s experience is graded and is closely supervised so as to enable the student increase his/her responsibilities in the role of a counsellor.

The primary purpose of this unit is to provide students with practical professional counselling experience in a counselling agency within the community. Students will undertake counselling work in community agencies working with clients consulting them for help with their problems and concerns. Generally, students are able to build on their previous experience of observing experienced counsellors and working in counselling sessions as a co-therapist and take on their own clients.

This professional development will take place within a supportive supervisory context. Students will receive two sources of clinical supervision. They will have the individual supervision of a field supervisor who will be an experienced counsellor in the agency or site where they are doing their placement. This will be complimented by tutorials with other students in the unit with college staff at the college.

Teaching Strategies

Each student will work under the supervision of a professional person who has a good track record of counselling experience and appropriate qualifications. This supervisor (the Field Supervisor) may be a counsellor, a psychologist, a social worker, a pastor or a chaplain who is a clinical member of a recognized professional counselling association. The choice of Field Supervisor must be approved by the Unit Coordinator.

The student may select the type of counselling practice in which he/she will gain the experience required in this unit.

Consultations

Students will work with counselees, normally on an appointment basis. Initially consultations should be undertaken jointly with the Field Supervisor, and subsequently observed by the Field Supervisor or recorded for critical assessment by the supervisor. For family work, either of these modes, or a team approach with one-way screen supervision, may be used.

Student counselling assignments should begin with easier cases and maximum supervision and progress to more complex cases and increased autonomy.

Supervision

A student must receive a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of individual supervision and must complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of on-campus group reflective work. Initially, all decisions regarding future management, referral or mandatory reporting should be made with the Field Supervisor. All activities are to be recorded in an activity log-book for counter-signature by the Field Supervisor.

Textbook Information