PYB208 Counselling Theory and Practice 1

Psychological and human service delivery involves providing counselling to clients regarding a variety of life problems and mental health issues. This unit provides an introduction to the major approaches to psychotherapeutic intervention. This unit develops the student's knowledge of counselling process and skills and provides practice in changing the ways in which people express, conceptualise and respond to their concerns. It emphasises skills in solution oriented approaches but also covers a range of models and skills for workers in crisis situations. It provides a basis for further studies in counselling in settings requiring psychotherapeutic intervention, and other modes of delivery such as couple, family or group work. Students are introduced to the philosophical assumptions and principles that underlie each counselling approach and the process of change. Emphasis will also be placed on effective microskills that assist in developing a positive working alliance with clients.