Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS452
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Facilitating change can be challenging and requires counsellors to have an understanding of human nature, what causes problems for people, what constitutes change and how changes occur. This unit provides you with a solid foundation by introducing you to some of the major theoretical schools of thought that have informed Counselling. The views they present on human nature, on the source of suffering and what constitutes the conditions for change are explored from different theoretical perspectives.
You will be encouraged to explore the theories of knowledge and world views that inform different counselling traditions and reflect on your own assumptions and world views.
You will also critically reflect on different perspectives and theoretical approaches to counselling, gaining insights into the importance of counsellor self-reflection, the use of self in therapeutic relationships and set a theoretical foundation for case conceptualisation.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critique core counselling theories and the worldviews informing them;
- demonstrate an understanding of the links between different theories and processes of change;
- explain the importance of the use of self and self-reflection in the therapeutic relationship from different theoretical perspectives; and
- critically reflect on the benefits of adopting an understanding of theoretical approaches to counselling.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written assignment No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online Quiz No. Words: equiv. to 500 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Exam comprising multiple choice and short answer questions. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy
ISBN: 9798214033549
Corey, G., Cengage 11th ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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