MaSter Of PSycHology (counSellIng) PHD (counSellIng .
For more information:Disclaimer and Copyright InformationThis publication has been written specifically for prospective students who areAustralian or New Zealand citizens, or have Australian resident status.Curtin University Future Students CentreTel: 61 8 9266 10001300 CU 1000Fax: 61 8 9266 3331Email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.auWeb: futurestudents.curtin.edu.auInformation in this publication is correct at the time of printing, but may change fromtime to time. For the most up-to-date details on Curtin’s prerequisites, refer to theTISC website at: tisc.edu.auCurtin will not be liable to you or to any other person for any loss or damage (includingdirect, consequential or economic loss or damage) however caused and whether bynegligence or otherwise which may result directly or indirectly from the use of thispublication.International students please note:This publication is intended for Australian citizens and permanent residents only.As some information contained in this publication may not be applicable, internationalstudents should refer to: international.curtin.edu.au or phone 61 8 9266 7331 forfurther information.Part-time study, external study and online learning is only available to internationalstudents studying outside Australia. International students studying on a student visain Australia cannot study part-time or externally. Some courses are not available tointernational students.Copyright Curtin University 2015This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of privatestudy, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no partmay be reproduced by any process without written permission.Published by Curtin University.CRICOS Provider code 00301JCurtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.Please read the information regarding supplementaryinformation h SciencesSpecific enquiries about the course, eligibility andselection procedures may be addressed to:School of Psychology and Speech PathologyTel: 61 8 9266 7279Email: psych-office@exchange.curtin.edu.auMaster of Psychology(Counselling)PhD (Counselling Psychology)psych.curtin.edu.au1School of Psychology and Speech Pathology2015/2016 Information for Prospective StudentsADV0771041
2contentsAbout the Master and PhD in Counselling Psychology.2What is a Counselling Psychologist?.2Accreditation and Registration.3Graduate Destinations.3Course Structure.3Essential Course Requirements.3Training Philosophy and Teaching Methods.3Assessment.4Program Structure.5Master of Psychology (Counselling) .5PhD (Counselling Psychology) .6Unit Descriptions.7Selection Process.9Fees.10Academic Staff.113About theMaster and PHDin CounsellingPSYCHOLOGYCounselling Psychology is one of a number of endorsedareas of practice in professional psychology. Similar topsychologists who practice in other specialist areas suchas organisational psychology, clinical psychology andforensic psychology, counselling psychologists hold aMasters or PhD degree from a program accredited by theAustralian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). AtCurtin University, Counselling Psychology is offered asa specific major stream within the Master of Psychologyprogram, and as a full PhD program. Graduates will beeligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australiaand commence supervision for the purpose of gainingendorsement as a Counselling Psychologist.What is a Counselling Psychologist?Counselling Psychologists are experts in theprovision of psychological therapy. They providepsychological assessment and psychotherapy forindividuals, couples, families and groups, and treata wide range of psychological problems and mentalhealth disorders. Counselling Psychologists use avariety of evidence-based therapeutic strategiesand have particular expertise in tailoring these tomeet the specific and varying needs of clients (APSBrochure on Counselling Psychology).Counselling Psychologists work with complex psychologicalproblems and disorders such as depression, anxiety,eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and personalitydisorders. Identification and treatment of psychopathologyis a significant aspect of the training and the professionalwork. Counselling Psychologists also assist clients withadjustment to adverse circumstances or life events suchas bereavement, intimacy issues, relationship breakdown,transition to parenthood, attachment issues, adjustmentto step-parenting, involuntary redundancy, sexual assaultor abuse, or release from prison.The central focus is the specialised applied training inpsychotherapy process and interventions relevant toindividuals, couples, families, parent-infant relationships,children and groups.Counselling Psychologists enjoy a wide range of employmentopportunities. Some are to be found in academic andresearch settings, although most are employed aspractitioners in community and government agencies. Agrowing number are involved in private practice. Privatepractitioners who have met registration requirements mayoffer rebates from Medicare and most health insurers.Accreditation and RegistrationThe Master of Psychology (Counselling) providesadvanced professional training to the sixth year level.The program is accredited with the AustralianPsychology Accreditation Council. The course is atwo-year full-time program (or equivalent part-time)consisting of course work, practicums and a dissertation.Graduates of the program will be entitled to anendorsement on General registration as a CounsellingPsychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, oncethey complete two years of supervision as a counsellingpsychologist registrar.Course StructureBoth courses are offered on either a full-time or part-timebasis. There are three main parts to the courses:1. Units which develop theoretical understanding,self-awareness, and skills in assessment, diagnosis,and interventions in counselling psychotherapy;2. Practicums which offer the opportunity to applyskills in an agency setting under the supervision of acounselling psychologist;3. A dissertation which develops the capacity to doapplied research in an area relevant to counsellingpsychology.The PhD (Counselling Psychology) consists of the units inthe Master program plus a traditional PhD dissertation.The program meets all of the criteria listed above forAPAC and the Psychology Board of Australia. The PhD isa four-year full-time (or eight-year part-time) program.A normal PhD is three years full-time and the Master istwo years full-time, so the PhD (Counselling Psychology)reduces the amount of time involved in study, for thosepursuing a combined program. Another advantage of thePhD (Counselling Psychology) is that all program feesare covered through automatic university scholarships,meaning that students pay no fees for all of their Masterunits. The PhD prepares graduates for the professionalpractice of counselling psychology, for research inpsychology, and for an academic career.Units are taught on the Curtin University campus, whilepracticums are organised in a wide variety of therapysettings. The practicums involve placements in threedifferent agency settings. Placements generally consistof two days per week over 22 weeks. Students who areworking in a counselling setting may apply to use theirwork setting as a practicum setting for one of the threeplacements. The Master dissertation is completed in thesecond year of the course and consists of a small, butsubstantial research study which is presented in the formof a publishable journal article. Advisors assist studentsto select topics that make use of their existing expertiseand or work settings. The PhD dissertation is completed atthe end of the four years. There is no provision for externalstudy. Several of our students have won national prizesfrom the APS for their dissertations.Graduate DestinationsGraduates of the course are well-regarded and highlysuccessful at competing for jobs within the counselling/psychotherapy sector. Indeed, many students obtainemployment in the field prior to course completion.Many graduates have attained management or seniorroles in agencies and government departments. Specificemployment settings in which graduates are to befound include: Government departments such as Child Protection,Corrective Services, Centrelink, Education, andCommonwealth Department of Veteran Affairs; Non-government agencies such as RelationshipsAustralia, Centrecare, Women’s Health CareAssociations, Communicare, Breathing Space; Private hospitals, such as Hollywood, St John of God,Perth Clinic, Abbotsford and a small number of publichospitals, such as King Edward and AlbanyMental Health; Private providers such as employee assistance programproviders (e.g. Prime. PPCN Worldwide, personnelrecruitment agencies, and private institutes; Medicare Locals; Private practice; University counselling services; Research Institutes such as the National DrugResearch Institute; University teaching departments.Essential Course RequirementsAn essential requirement of the course is the capacityto listen empathically and to provide counselling forindividuals from diverse backgrounds without imposingthe therapist’s value system. This includes individualsfrom diverse religious orientations, ethnicities, sexualorientations, genders, value systems, and those withdisabilities. A further requirement is the willingness anddemonstrated capacity to work in a variety of clinicalagency settings.Training Philosophy and Teaching MethodsThe two programs aim to develop the capacity to makeeffective interventions in a wide range of life difficulties andpsychological disorders. Students are taught to respondempathically to clients’ predicaments and to developintervention plans in collaboration with them. There is anunderlying philosophy that emphasises the autonomy ofclients, respect for them as individuals, and the meaningsthey make out of their life stories. Thus, a significantcomponent of the training is how to establish andmaintain a strong therapeutic alliance and how to managethe ruptures that can occur in that relationship.The capacity to make accurate assessments of clientfunctioning and psychopathology are a substantial part ofthe course; however the course aims to develop a stancetoward client difficulties and mental health disorderswhich also takes into full account the health, resources,and uniqueness of clients. There is also a strong emphasison understanding the impact of developmental processes,including the impact of early life experience on functioning.
4There are four essential components to the course, whichaim to develop the capacity to:1. critically evaluate and utilise research and theory toinform practice;2. understand, assess and intervene therapeuticallywith clients;3. reflect upon and use life experience, depth ofself-understanding, and therapeutic experience inthe service of the client;4. undertake research in counselling psychology.To these ends, the courses balance theoretical learning,research skills, psychotherapy skill development andpersonal development. This means, that while some ofthe units are primarily theoretical, in many units there isa strong emphasis on experiential methods of teaching.This may involve such methods as role-plays, experientialexercises, action methods, live supervision, video, andexercises that aim to develop a high level of reflexivity. Thecourse aims to produce a reflective practitioner who is ableto intervene effectively with appropriate techniques, butwho is also able to understand the moment-to-momentprocess of therapeutic work and their own role in thatprocess. Class sizes are kept small, so there is plenty ofopportunity for discussion and organised learning. Someof the skills-based units have two staff members who arethen able to give detailed and extensive feedback regardingthe development of therapeutic skills.5The course is not based exclusively on any one theoreticalorientation, since we believe that students should havea basic familiarity with the major approaches, includingcognitive-behavioural, existential-humanistic andpsychodynamic. Although several specific models aretaught, the program is underpinned by a focus on theinterpersonal processes in psychotherapy including thetherapeutic alliance, because there is strong researchevidence that these are central to all therapeutic work.The evidence base for psychotherapy, specific models,specific interventions, and the therapeutic relationshipare comprehensively addressed. In addition to individualpsychotherapy, there is also a focus on developingunderstanding and skills in the specific modalities ofcouple, family, and group therapy.AssessmentAssessment depends on the nature of the unit. Most unitsinvolve two to three pieces of written work. Assessmentmay involve essays, case formulations, case studies,program and treatment plans, and videos. All assessmentis geared toward the objectives of the course – to producereflective, thoughtful practitioners who can assess,diagnose and intervene effectively with a wide range ofclient issues and mental health disorders.ProgramStructureMaster of Psychology (Counselling)The program for a full-time student is outlined below.Master of Psychology – Study Package MC-PSYCHCounselling Psychology Major – MJRP-CNPSYYearUnits RequiredUnit NameContactHoursCreditPointsYear 1, Semester 1COUN7000Preparation for Professional Practise Counselling Psychology225PSYC7018Psychotherapy Skills425PSYC7006Psychological Assessment Theories and Practice325PSYC7014Psychology Interventions Over the Lifespan425100Year 1, Semester 2PSYC6002Psychology Masters Dissertation 1125PSYC7013Individual Psychotherapy425PSYC7009Psychology Research Methods425PSYC6005Psychology Masters Practicum 11625100Year 2, Semester 1PSYC7016Psychological Interventions for Couples and Families425PSYC7017Psychopathology and Advanced Psychotherapy Process425PSYC6003Psychology Masters Dissertation 2525PSYC6006Psychology Masters Practicum 21525PSYC7015Group Psychotherapy425PSYC6007Psychology Masters Practicum 31525PSYC6004Psychology Masters Dissertation 3150100Year 2, Semester 2100
67ProgramStructureUnitDescriptionsPsychotherapy SkillsThis unit provides an introduction to basic counsellingand individual psychotherapy skills. The unit alsodevelops skills in multimodal assessment, mentalstatus examination, risk assessment and DSM-V/ICD-10diagnoses.PhD (Counselling Psychology)The program for a full-time student is outlined below.PhD (Counselling Psychology) – Study Package DR-COPSYCPSYC7000 v. 1 Doctoral Thesis – PsychologyYearUnits RequiredUnit NameContactHoursCreditPointsYear 1, Semester 1COUN7000Preparation for Professional Practice Counselling Psychology225PSYC7018Psychotherapy Skills42550Year 1, Semester 2PSYC7009Psychology Research Methods325PSYC7013Individual Psychotherapy Psychology42550Year 2, Semester 1PSYC7006Psychological Assessment Theories and Practice325PSYC7014Psychological Interventions Over The Lifespan32550Year 2, Semester 2PSYC7015Group Psychotherapy325PSYC7001Psychology Doctoral Practicum 11612.537.5Year 3, Semester 1PSYC7016Psychological Interventions for Couples and Families425PSYC7002Psychology Doctoral Practicum 21512.5PSYC7003Psychology Doctoral Practicum 31537.5Year 3, Semester 212.512.5Year 4, Semester 1PSYC7017Psychopathology and Advanced Psychotherapy Process425Individual PsychotherapyThis course focuses on students’ theoretical understandingand clinical skills at an advanced and applied level.Students are exposed to some of the major theoreticalsystems, including existential therapy, cognitive behaviourtherapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. The classwork will involve role-playing and working with clients,video-taping, viewing of films and tapes, and didactic input.Psychology Interventions Over the LifespanThis unit provides theoretical knowledge in counsellingpsychology and psychotherapy. It integrates knowledgeof developmental psychology across the lifespan with keytheoretical perspectives. The unit develops knowledge andskills in planning interventions for a number of specificdevelopmental issues that are addressed as exemplars ofeach stage of the lifespan.Group PsychotherapyThis unit builds on student knowledge and skills developedin Individual Psychotherapy and extends these to workingwith common theme groups. Key models for understandinggroup processes are examined and practical skills in groupleadership are developed. Students are encouraged toparticipate in group experiences and are involved in theplanning of a common theme group in the community.25Psychological Interventions for Couples and FamiliesThis unit builds on student knowledge and skills inindividual therapy (Psychotherapy Skills and IndividualPsychotherapy) and interventions across the life-span(Psychological Interventions Over The Lifespan) andextends these to the areas of family therapy and couplestherapy. Key frames for examining interactional patternsand strategies for bringing about change are considered.It focuses particularly on developmental and attachmentbased approaches to couple and family therapy. Familylife-cycles, the influences of parental style, history anddistress on couple and family relationships and thebi-directional co-constructive nature of parent childinteractions are focal points of the unit. The unit developsknowledge and skills in couple, parent-child relationshipand family assessment and interventions.Psychological Assessment Theories and PracticeThis unit provides students with the practical skills tocomplete comprehensive psychological assessmentswithin adult and child clinical contexts. Students will learnskills required to select, administer, score and interpretthe results of commonly used psychological tests, andto integrate assessment results and present findings inclient-focused reports.Preparation for Professional Practice CounsellingPsychologyThis unit addresses issues related to the profession ofCounselling Psychology, as distinct from other disciplineswithin the helping profession. It involves the study offactors that impact upon professional practice, such aspersonal beliefs and biases. In addition, the unit has astrong focus on professional ethics and the processesinvolved in the resolution of ethical dilemmas in theworkplace.
89SelectionProcessIntake into the courses occurs in February each yearand entry is competitive. Applications close the thirdWednesday in September each year. For the Masters theminimum entry requirement is a four-year psychologydegree with a strong academic record normally with atleast a 70% average. This may consist of a Bachelor ofPsychology, a three-year degree plus approved psychologypostgraduate diploma, or an Honours degree (at HonoursIIA level or above). For the PhD the entry requirement is anHonours degree (IIA or higher) or equivalent. The selectionprocess involves the following steps.Psychology Masters Practicum 1, 2, 3/PsychologyDoctoral Practicum 1, 2, 3The student, on completion of these practicum units, willdemonstrate behaviour consistent with a beginning levelof independent practice as a Counselling Psychologist.The first practicum of the program will take place in thesecond semester of the first year and will generally involvetwo 7.5 days per week over 22 weeks. Attendance at thepracticum class is also required. The second and thirdplacements will be in the first and second semesters of thesecond year (if enrolled full-time) and will also involve twodays per week for 22.5 weeks. Over the three practicumsa combined total of 133 days should be completed (1,000total placement hours).Psychology Research MethodsThe focus of this online unit is on quantitative, rather thanqualitative, research methodologies. It consists of eightcore modules and three elective modules. Students areexpected to complete all the core modules plus two of thethree elective modules. On completion of the unit, studentsshould be able to resolve the common methodologicalproblems that have traditionally compromised research inthe behavioural sciences.Psychopathology and Advanced PsychotherapyProcessThis unit addresses psychopathology through a thoroughreview of psychological disorders based on the DSM-Vand the ICD-10. It includes consideration of predisposing,precipitating, perpetuating and protective factors.Psychopharmacology will be addressed in relation to eachof the disorders. In addition, the unit addresses some ofthe more advanced psychotherapy skills and conceptsthat are required for working with more complex clientpopulations, including ruptures in the therapeutic alliance,defenses, transference, and countertransference. Suchpsychotherapy processes are linked to understandingthe personality structure, developmental processes, andpsychopathology of the client, as well as the research onevidence-based practice.Psychology Masters Dissertation 1, 2, 3Students will complete the planning of a suitable appliedresearch project, relating to advanced coursework. This ispresented as a dissertation in the format required underUniversity regulations. Applicants submit a written application and areshort-listed on the basis of their academic record,employment history and references. Short-listed applicants are interviewed in November.The interview is approximately 30 minutes and is usedto assess interpersonal skills, counselling experience,voluntary and paid work experience, self-awareness,flexibility, reflectivity, and openness to learning. Places are offered on the basis of assessment of theapplicant’s written application and performance in theinterview. Offers occur in December, with second-roundoffers occurring in January.
10FeesFor detailed information on fees,contact the University Fees Centre:Tel: 61 8 9266 3500Fax: 61 8 9266 4108Email: fees@curtin.edu.auWeb: fees.curtin.edu.au11AcademicStaffAs well as being academics with research interests, allthe Counselling Psychology staff have experience aspractitioners and all continue to be actively involved inpsychotherapy with clients.Associate Professor Jenny ThorntonMPsych (Counselling), PhDProgram DirectorJenny is a counselling psychologist who has taught in theCounselling Psychology Master’s program at Curtin for thelast twenty years. During this time, she has maintained aclinical load via a small private practice, where she focuseson individual psychotherapy and clinical supervision.Jenny’s main teaching and research interests are inthe areas of counsellor training and supervision, and inparticular, individual psychotherapy. She was previouslythe co-ordinator of the rehabilitation counselling programand maintains an interest in health psychology andchronic pain. Speciality areas include interpersonalprocess psychotherapy, existential therapy, trauma, andpersonality disorders. Her previous work history includesTAFE counselling and consultancies to DEET and tomedical specialists. She is currently serving as Chair of theRegional Board (NT/SA/WA) of the Psychology Board ofAustralia and is a Director of APAC (Australia PsychologyAccreditation Council). Current obsessions include Latindancing, theatre, travel, and good wine.Lecturers/Clinical Supervisors:Dr Catherine BishopMPsych/PhD (Counselling Psychology)Lecturer/Clinical SupervisorCatherine has a combined Masters/PhD in CounsellingPsychology (Curtin University of Technology). Shehas worked as a psychologist in both government and nongovernment mental health settings for 8 years, including overfour years full time at a psychiatric hospital. Catherine hasextensive experience working with adults treating moderateto severe mental health disorders and complex presentations.Greg Chidlow MPsych (Counselling)Lecturer/Clinical SupervisorGreg has extensive experience in couples counselling, griefand loss, cancer and trauma. He lectures in individualand couples psychotherapy skills. He is a practitioner andclinical supervisor within the programme.Dr Robert Kane PhDSenior LecturerRobert’s area of expertise is research design and dataanalysis in applied behavioural research. He is the unitcontroller for the external unit Research Methods 7009.He is also the School’s statistical consultant, and astatistical consultant for the journal First Language andthe journal Nursing research. His research interests includemetaanalysis, structural equation modelling, mixed effortsregression, multilevel modelling, and multivariate analysis.Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe BSc (Hons) PGDip andD.Couns.Psych (Counselling Psychology)Senior LecturerCatriona is a Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology;she has a Post Graduate Diploma and Doctorate inCounselling Psychology (Teesside University, UK). Catrionahas also trained in EMDR and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Shehas worked as Psychologist in the UK since 2003; shehas extensive experience within clinical health settings,forensic settings, private practice and voluntary agencies.Catriona’s research interests include adult mental health,computerised cognitive behavioural therapy, eatingdisorders, sleep disorders, psychodynamic psychotherapy,abuse issues and trauma.Dr Justine StefanoffMPsych (Applied Developmental), MPsych (Counselling),DPsych (Counselling Psychology)Clinical SupervisorJustine has a Masters in Applied DevelopmentalPsychology (University of Western Australia), a Mastersin Counselling Psychology (Curtin University ofTechnology) and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology(City University, London). She has worked as apsychologist in mental health, psychiatric, educational andnon-government settings for over 15 years. Justine workswith children, adolescents and adults.Gillian Stevens MPsych (Counselling)LecturerGillian has worked at Curtin for twenty years. Duringthat time, she has taught in both undergraduate andpostgraduate programs. Current teaching interests are inthe areas of psychotherapy skills, ethics and professionalpractice. Research interests include; gender issues, ethics,forensic and developmental psychology. Gillian maintainsa part-time private practice in which she works withadults and adolescents, and provides supervision to otherpractitioners. She is now a sessional member of staff in theCounselling Psychology team.Dr Monika Wieding-Allison PhDAssociate LecturerMonika is an Associate Lecturer at the School sinceAugust 2012. She teaches postgraduates in PsychologicalAssessment Theories and Practice.Dr Matthew Ruggiero PhDLecturerMatthew is a Lecturer in the School and teachespostgraduates in Psychology Interventions Overthe Lifespan. Matthew’s research interests are selfpsychology, attachment theory and reflective function,neurobiologically-informed psychotherapy.
health disorders. Counselling Psychologists use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic strategies and have particular expertise in tailoring these to meet the specific and varying needs of clients (APS Brochure on Counselling Psychology). Counselling Psychologists work with complex psychological problems and disorders such as depression, anxiety,
Unit 8: Continuing Personal Development in Counselling 57 Unit 9: Human Development in Relation to Counselling 63 Unit 10: Client Work in Therapeutic Counselling 69 Unit 11: Counselling for Loss and Grief 75 Unit 12: Counselling Clients Who Have Experienced Abuse 81 Unit 13: Counselling Young People 87 Unit 14: Relationship Counselling 93
Counselling Psychology Graduate Students' Handbook Revised June 17, 2021 9 Counselling Psychology at McGill University The Counselling Psychology programs at McGill University were instituted in the mid-1960s. The Master of Education (MEd) degree in Guidance and Counselling was created and first awarded in 1966 in what
Counselling Psychology Candidate handbook April 2020. . Counselling psychology is a distinct profession within the field of psychology whose specialist . a pluralistic and interdisciplinary attitude which overlaps with other applied psychologies, counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatry
Counselling psychology in practice At the heart of the philosophical praxis outlined above lies a continuous dialogue between counselling psychology practice, service providers, and service users. Counselling psychology training is a postgraduate, doctoral-level - 3 years full time or 4-6 years part time - training
MODULE 4 GROUP COUNSELLING. School of Distance Education Counselling Psychology Page 4 MODULE 1 DEFINITIONS OF COUNSELLING Counselling is a process by means of which the helper expresses care and concern towards the pers
a variety of therapeutic models is provided in our books Practical Counselling Skills (Geldard and Geldard, 2005, available in the UK and Europe) and Basic Personal Counselling (Geldard and Geldard, 2012, available in Australia and New Zealand). Counselling young people involves different demands from those encountered when counselling adults. By making use of a very wide range of counselling .
Counselling Card 4. Importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months Counselling Card 5. Breastfeed on demand, both day and night (8 to 12 times) to build up your breast milk supply Counselling Card 6. Breastfeeding Positions Counselling Card 7. Good Attachment Counselling Card 8. Feeding a low birth weight baby Counselling Card 9.
2nd Grade – Launching with . Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne (lead from the Third Voice) My First Tooth is Gone by student (student authored work from Common Core Student Work Samples) A Chair for my Mother by Vera B. William Moonlight on the River by Robert McCloskey One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey, Roach by Kathy (student authored work from www.readingandwritingproject.com .
