Key facts
UNE unit code: HSCS536
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
Build on and extend your existing counselling skills by developing valuable knowledge and applied skills for ethical, professional relationship counselling.
This unit enhances your skills in conceptualising clients as members of systems embedded within broader social and cultural contexts. You will learn key theoretical approaches to equip you to work with individuals, couples and families experiencing relationship challenges.
During the mandatory intensive skills training, you will have the opportunity to engage in simulated sessions that allow you to synthesise your knowledge and develop your practical skills in working systemically.
You will also plan, implement and critically analyse a family or couples’ counselling session.
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
| 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. |
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:
- identify the differences between working therapeutically with an individual versus a couple or family;
- demonstrate synthesised knowledge of key theoretical approaches in working systemically in therapy;
- conceptualise a case from a systemic perspective and develop suitable goals for therapy;
- plan, implement and critically analyse a counselling session with a couple or family; and
- reflect critically on the personal, professional and ethical challenges to the therapist in working systemically.
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: 3000 |
| 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.
Theory and Treatment Planning in Family Therapy : A Competency-Based Approach
ISBN: 9781285456430
Gehart, D., Cengage Learning, Inc 1st ed. 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Couple Counselling: A Practical Guide
ISBN: 9781848600492
Payne, M., Sage 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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