Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS472
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Gain valuable insights into developmental theories and therapeutic interventions, with a specific focus on how these apply to child and adolescent counselling.
An in-depth understanding of human development, particularly with reference to childhood and adolescence, helps to inform your counselling practice and to engage in developmentally appropriate therapy with young people.
Exploring a broad range of developmental issues relevant to working with young people, you will learn how these influence practice. You will examine a range of child and adolescent mental health issues as well as childhood experiences of loss and grief and substance misuse.
You will also evaluate different therapeutic approaches and learn about strategies for forming developmentally, ethically and culturally appropriate therapeutic relationships.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | 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:
- critically evaluate different theoretical approaches to human development with particular reference to childhood and adolescence;
- apply developmental theory to counselling practice with children and adolescents;
- identify a range of developmental and non-developmental issues affecting children and adolescents;
- critically analyse and evaluate different therapeutic approaches for working with children and adolescents; and
- engage in critical self-reflection to ensure safe, appropriate and ethical therapeutic practice with children and adolescents.
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 | 40% | All offerings | Written assignment No. Words: 2500 |
| Assessment 2 - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Online engagement with individual and collaborative activities. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: equiv. to 3500 |
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.
Counselling Children: A Practical Introduction
ISBN: 9781529669022
Geldard, K. and Geldard, D., Sage Publications 6th ed. 2024
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
Counselling Adolescents: The Proactive Approach for Young People
ISBN: 9781526463531
Geldard, K., Geldard, D., and Yin Foo, R., SAGE Publications Ltd 5th ed. 2020
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
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