Unit rationale, description and aim
Counselling skills are acquired through practice and whereas students have learnt abilities and theory throughout the undergraduate counselling program, it is not until these skills are used in a real-life setting that they can appreciate the application of these learnings. Clinical Fieldwork is necessary for the student to experience the broader issues that a practising counsellor typically has to deal with when integrating academic learning with professional application, and facilitating change in the client.
Students will pursue a practicum in an organisation such as a community agency, or non-government organisation, for a minimum of 20 client contact hours with at least 5 hours of supervision. Students will gain experience working with individuals and groups under supervision by a qualified counsellor, social worker or psychologist. The aim of this unit is to help students make the transition from the counselling classroom to the counselling practice setting.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate understanding of the current trends an...
Learning Outcome 01
Model the qualities, skills and commitment to life...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate the connections and applications of couns...
Learning Outcome 03
Participate in the supervision process and demonst...
Learning Outcome 04
Apply counselling skills that take into account th...
Learning Outcome 05
Demonstrate a holistic perspective that takes into...
Learning Outcome 06
Content
Topics will include:
- preparation for placement;
- ethical considerations;
- cultural competency;
- supervision;
- mental health care;
- self-care for counsellors; and
- individual and group therapy
Assessment strategy and rationale
Standards-based assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge; the application of that knowledge; and achievement of each learning outcome. In order to successfully complete this unit, students will need to complete and submit all Assessment Tasks. The oral presentation will provide an opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and awareness of issues relating to the practice of counselling in specific settings and with specific populations of clients. The written report will incorporate the knowledge and awareness of the specific issues (relating to the practice of counselling presented in the oral presentation), with learning from class discussions. Through reflective practice, students learn to explore and evaluate personal insights, including how their knowledge or practice was influenced by the process. The case report will provide students with the opportunity to apply consepts in a counselling setting. Finally, the students’ Prcticum Placement Portfolia will provide the students with a means of ensuring they are engaging appropriately with their practicum and reflecting upon their practice in a meaningful way.
Overview of assessments
Oral Presentation and Written Report on a specif...
Oral Presentation and Written Report
on a specific case relevant to a student’s placement increases knowledge and awareness of counselling issues.
Pass/Fail
Case Report Enables students to apply concepts...
Case Report
Enables students to apply concepts in developing an assessment and treatment plan.
Pass/Fail
Practicum Placement Portfolio Assists students...
Practicum Placement Portfolio
Assists students to engage appropriately with their practicum and reflect upon their practice.
Pass/Fail
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The practicum program will be undertaken on approximately two days a week for twelve weeks. During this time the student will be required to log professional supervision as part of meeting requirements of engaging in a minimum of 20 client contact hours with at least 5 hours of supervision. The practicum will also be integrated with weekly classes on campus which are delivered in face-to-face mode for 3 contact hours per week including a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial. The teaching and learning strategies are structured on the principles of experiential and adult learning that aims to facilitate the integration of theory and practice. These include active learning, case-based learning, individual and group activities, and reflective/critical thinking activities, and are designed to equip student counsellors with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to work ethically, sensitively, inclusively and respectfully with clients from diverse backgrounds. There will be opportunity to focus on specific areas of counselling practice within the class forums each week. The seminars will be progressive in content and will facilitate the load students to advanced levels of practice.