Content

Counselling and psychology are allied, but different, professions within a broader mental health industry. In this unit you will first learn about “scope of practice” which shows how counselling and psychology may work well together for the betterment of clients. You will then learn how psychologists think. In fact, the usefulness of psychology to counsellors lies in its understanding of the bio-psycho-social model of human functioning. Therefore you will engage: (1) (epi)genetics, behavioural neuroscience and neuropharmacology; (2) cognition and memory; (3) human lifespan development; (4) personality theory; (5) abnormal psychology; and (6) social/community psychology. The bio-psycho-social model will also be extended to include the spiritual as may be practiced by religious adherents or members of Alcoholics Anonymous. By engaging these topics you will develop an awareness for the value of evidence-based practice.

Unit code: CO1007Z

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Counselling

Proposing College: School of Professional Practice - Counselling

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the contribution of Psychology to: (1) the mental health industry; (2) to science; and (3) to society.

2.

Analyse the “nature/nurture” components of various psychological phenomena.

3.

Describe key psychological frameworks through which to view clients.

4.

Articulate core psychological knowledge.

Pedagogy

Scaffolded learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  1. Assange, J. (2011). Julian Assange: The unauthorised autobiography. The Text Publishing Company.
  2. Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2018). Psychology: Fifth Australian and New Zealand Edition. John Wiley & Sons Australia. (TEXTBOOK)
  3. Heaven, P. (2001). The social psychology of adolescence. Pelgrave.
  4. Malaty, T. (2003). Let me grow!: A realistic view into the world of youth. St Mary and St Mina’s Coptic Orthodox Church.
  5. Moore, D. (2015). The developing genome: An introduction to behavioral epigenetics. Oxford University Press.
  6. Reimer, M., Reich, S., Evans, S., Nelson, G., & Prilleltensky, I. (Eds.). Community Psychology: In pursuit of liberation and well-being (3rd edition). Bloomsbury.
  7. Trump, M. (2020). Too much and never enough: How my family created the world’s most dangerous man. Simon & Schuster.
  8. Woolsey, T., Hanaway, J., & Gado, M. (2017). The brain atlas: A visual guide to the human central nervous system (4th edition). Wiley Blackwell.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Skeleton Argument

For 5 different module “Activities” across the unit provide either: (1) a response of approx. 100 words to the question posed; or (2) a response of approx. 100 words to another student’s post. Each response will be marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

500 5.0
Personal Reflection

For 5 different module “Reflection questions” across the unit provide either: (1) a response of approx. 100 words to the question posed; or (2) a response of approx. 100 words to another student’s post. Each response will be marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

500 5.0
Skill Demonstration

You’ll be provided with a referral letter from a general practitioner pertaining to a new client. Summarise its key features, name the presenting problem to be “treated”, and identify any contextual issues to be aware of as you begin therapy.

300 20.0
Essay

You will be provided with a question that will have you research and apply psychological knowledge.

1500 35.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

A test of core psychological knowledge.

1200 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 13 Oct, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-10-13 18:00:58 +1100