Working In and With Culture (CO2004Z)

Content

Extending upon your studies in CO10006Z Engaging Diversity, this unit focuses on how to work respectfully, safely and collaboratively with First Nations people. Such work may pertain to clinical practice, consultancy work and/or research. This unit considers clinical best-practice, the law, and ethics when engaging First Nations people. Focusing on clinical work, and taking a strengths-based perspective, the unit also seeks to highlight how culture, community, and Country can bolster resilience.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Offering: This unit is to be taught in year 2, semester 1 (term 2).
Prerequisites: CO1006Z Engaging Diversity. Prohibited combinations: CO2005Z Working With Couples and Families.

Pedagogy

Transformative learning In practice: It is important that counselling students discover that the world is a complex place. To this end students now have the opportunity to confront “uncomfortable truths” about themselves and the world. Opportunity is then provided to critically reflect upon narrowly held ways of being. This is achieved through the provision of online modules in which personal reflections play an important role. During online seminars, or a face-to-face intensive, students are given the opportunity to undertake corporate critical reflection which is a powerful tool for personal growth. Assessments are designed to demonstrate a student’s personal growth towards holding truth provisionally, while also demonstrating an increased capacity for empathy, justice, and creative tolerance.

Indicative Bibliography

1. Burton, L., Westen, D., & Kowalski, R. (2018). Psychology: Fifth Australian and New Zealand Edition. John Wiley & Sons Australia.
2. Heiss, A. (2018). Growing up Aboriginal in Australia. Black Inc.
3. Pedersen, P., Lonner, W., Draguns, J., Trimble, J., & Scharron-del Rio, M. (Eds.). (2015). Counselling across cultures (7th edition). Sage.
   
4. Stewart, S., Moodley, R., & Hyatt, A. (2019). Indigenous cultures and mental health counselling. Routledge.
5. Tujague, N. and Ryan, K. (2023). Cultural Safety in Trauma-Informed Practice from a First Nations Perspective: Billabongs of Knowledge. Palgrave MacMillan.

Textbook is: Tujague, N. and Ryan, K. (2023). Cultural Safety in Trauma-Informed Practice from a First Nations Perspective: Billabongs of Knowledge. Palgrave MacMillan.

Assessment