This unit (APC6085) of study will introduce students to the applied practice of psychotherapy. The unit aims to develop students in the foundation skills of evidence-based, non-specific treatment factors, which are common to all therapeutic orientations. In an ethically appropriate way, these include core skills for development and maintenance of the therapeutic relationship, managing emotional content, therapeutic structure and the use of supervision as a learning tool.

Unit details

Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
APC6085

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Exhibit skills in performing a clinical interview with a simulated client;  
  2. Apply ethical knowledge and cultural awareness to professional psychology practice;  
  3. Critically reflect on their own interviewing skills and learning; and  
  4. Assess and address risk in relation to self-harm and suicidality.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Case Study Risk assessment case study (1000 words) 20%
Exercise Simulated role play demonstrating foundation counselling skills and reflective practice (15mins) 40%
Test Test assesses knowledge and application of ethical standards (90 minutes) 40%
All assessment tasks need to be passed to attain a pass grade in this unit.

Required reading

Basic Personal Counselling: A Training Manual for Counsellors 8th ed.
Geldard, D., Geldard, K., & Yin Foo, R., (2017)
Cengage Learning, Australia

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond
Beck, J.S. (2021)
New York: The Guilford Press

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.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.