Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS435
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
Extend your skills and translate counselling theory into practice. This unit empowers you to develop your own approach to counselling by incorporating principles of assessment, case conceptualisation and evidence-informed practice.
Engaging in a mandatory intensive school, the unit provides you with opportunities for hands-on experience, with feedback in an interactive, friendly learning environment.
You will engage in simulated sessions with face-to-face client, counsellor and observer roles, with opportunities to develop your skills and experience in self-awareness, self-reflexive practice and supervision.
Our simulated environment incorporates theory with practical training to build your skills, preparing you to best meet the needs of your future clients.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The intensive school will be held online and attendance is compulsory. Dates to be advised. |
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:
- demonstrate advanced practice-based knowledge of the field of counselling, including therapeutic engagement, structuring the counselling process and use skills to facilitate meaningful therapeutic engagement and change;
- devise a theoretically substantiated flexible and reflexive approach to professional counselling that can support a diverse range of clients and presentations;
- initiate, plan and implement counselling sessions in a simulated environment, in a competent, ethical, culturally inclusive and professional manner;
- demonstrate advanced counselling theory to practice skills, assessment, referral and referral option skills;
- engage in and demonstrate self-awareness and self-reflexive skills; and
- critically reflect upon alternate modes of working with clients, including their potential challenges and issues.
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. to3500 |
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.
Basic personal counselling: A training manual for counsellors
ISBN: 9780170477284
Geldard, D., Geldard, K., Yin Foo, R., Cengage Learning 10th Edition 2025
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
First Steps in Counselling
ISBN: 9781910919385
Pete Sanders, Paula J Willimas & Andy Rogers, 5th Edition 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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