This unit (APT6020) of study will examine the ethical factors relevant to counselling. The unit will address ethical issues in counselling, ethical principles and ethical dilemmas: the philosophical basis of ethical principles; client rights and responsibilities, counsellor rights and responsibilities and referrals from an ethical perspective.

Unit details

Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
APT6020

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Analyse and formulate ethical responses to dilemmas which may arise in counselling practice;  
  2. Plan and implement ethical decision-making in counselling; and  
  3. Investigate a range of ethical codes of conduct and apply ethical principles relevant to the Australia Counselling Association (ACA) and/or Psychotherapy And Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) professional Codes of Ethics.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Test Test on codes of conduct and ethics applications relevant to a counselling context (60min) 20%
Report Ethical self-reflection – identify and discuss one potential challenge and barrier to being an ethical counsellor. (1500 words) 45%
Presentation In-class group presentation & student-facilitated discussion on ethical dilemma to a counselling scenario drawing on theory relevant codes of ethics 35%
Presentation - 30mins (duration)

Required reading

Issues & ethics in the helping professions. 10th ed
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Corey, C. (2019).
South Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning. ISBN: 9781337406291

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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