Diploma of Counselling
and Psychotherapy

This subject, the first in a developmental sequence of study, sets the foundation for your knowledge and skills in counselling and integrative arts therapy practice. You will be introduced to a comprehensive theoretical framework for your practice encompassing person-centred and experiential psychotherapy, Eastern and Indigenous practices and psychodynamic interpersonal therapy originating in the work of Carl Rogers, Eugene Gendlin and significant humanistic-existential and psychodynamic theorists and practitioners.

Key concepts within this framework, such as the actualising tendency, the significance of developing ‘therapeutic relational depth,’ and the differentiation between the ‘real’ self and the externally constructed ‘false’ self, are examined. Additionally, you’ll explore ‘Dadirri’ deep listening, therapeutic presence, and engagement as foundational elements for your work, while also exploring the differences between the therapeutic relationship with ‘relational depth’ and the ‘therapeutic alliance.’ The ultimate objective is to enable you to integrate experiential relational theory into your practice.

Subject Code: SOC101
Credit Points: 6
Co-Requisite: COU102 Integrative Psychotherapy in Practice

The second subject in the developmental sequence of integrative psychotherapy practice focuses on building the essential knowledge and core skills required for counselling and therapeutic practice. Through one-to-one therapeutic interactions with peers, you will share and work with your own ‘lived experience’ in sessions. Using interventions and processes, you will build and strengthen therapeutic relationships and support clients to access and explore inner experiences. You will also apply foundation and intermediate counselling skills in various situations, observe counselling practice interactions and engage in thoughtful reflection on your practice of micro skills in integrative counselling and psychotherapy.

Subject Code: COU102
Credit Points: 6
Co-Requisite: SOC101 Integrative Psychotherapy in Theory

You will develop an understanding of the main theoretical perspectives and models that influence therapeutic practice and facilitate therapeutic change. This covers various approaches such as psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, experiential-emotion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural, transpersonal and soul centred, post-modern, and integrative schools. You will also learn to recognise major theoretical perspectives, concepts and explanatory frameworks used in counselling and psychotherapy. The different approaches will be examined, including their underlying theory and techniques. The models studied will be contextualised within an integrative conceptualisation framework and you will have opportunities to apply theory in practice through case scenarios.

Subject Code: COU103
Credit Points: 6

This subject is designed to develop your awareness and understanding of the ethical and legal issues critical to counselling and psychotherapy practice. You will learn about ethical principles, theories and frameworks that guide behaviour and decision making, including relevant legislation and professional codes of ethics within the Australian professional landscape. By analysing scenarios, you will identify ethical and legal issues and recommend solutions to common dilemmas in therapeutic practice, such as those related to confidentiality, informed consent, power dynamics and managing professional boundaries. You will also explore how your personal, social and professional values may influence your decisions and actions.

Subject Code: COU104
Credit Points: 6

This subject explores the varied experiences of consumers using mental health services in Australia and assesses the current system’s strengths and weaknesses. It provides an understanding of the cultural evolution of perceptions regarding ‘normal and abnormal behaviour’ over time, as well as the historical emergence of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for diagnosis, including its rationale and criticisms. You will learn to identify key terms and major categories of the current classification systems in psychopathology, while also developing skills to effectively respond to clients in mental health crises and those experiencing suicidal tendencies.

Subject Code: COU105
Credit Points: 6

In this subject, you’ll explore the ethical foundations of individual worldviews which can unconsciously shape prejudices and biases. You will gain the knowledge, skills and awareness required to engage in ethical and culturally mindful therapeutic practices. Through a curriculum focused on culture and diversity, independence, autonomy and philosophy, you will examine the versatility of embedded identities and their influence on beliefs, values and biases, both positive and negative. Awareness of stereotyping, privilege, poverty, racism, ageism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of oppression will prepare you for addressing the worldviews and challenges of specific client groups.

Additionally, you will explore how minority stress can contribute to trauma, shame, interpersonal difficulties, self-criticism, lack of personal agency, anxiety and depression and how these experiences may influence the therapeutic relationship. You will also develop cross-cultural skills essential for working with diverse populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities, learning how to approach their therapeutic needs and healing.

Ultimately the subject aims to foster an understanding that ethical behaviour and cultural competence extend beyond having an awareness of individual and cultural differences, embracing a commitment to eliminate unconscious bias and discrimination in therapeutic practice.

Subject Code: COU106
Credit Points: 6

This subject will introduce you to the practice of case conceptualisation in clinical settings, guiding treatment planning and interventions during your supervised practice in Supervised Practice A. The emphasis will be on short-term treatment planning, helping you to articulate a clear theoretical understanding of the client’s situation, background, challenges, patterns, and distress from various theoretical perspectives and through an integrative approach. You will also learn to develop hypotheses about the client’s reasons for seeking therapy and their underlying needs. The subject focuses on developing treatment plans to facilitate change, encouraging therapists to deeply consider the client’s circumstances. You will be expected to bring your own client data to the workshops, whether obtained during placement or from peer practice.

Subject Code: COU107
Credit Points: 6
Pre-Requisites: All Year 1 subjects
Co-Requisite: COU108 Supervised Practice A

This subject is the first of two professional experience subjects designed to integrate coursework within a supervised work-based setting. It provides you with the first opportunity to apply theoretical and reflective learning to counselling and psychotherapy practice as you complete 120 placement hours at a host organisation.

The placement focuses on providing a combination of information and practical assistance to mental health service users, emphasising the early interactions between the service users, the student therapist, and the service organisation. This includes activities such as welcoming and engaging new clients, conducting intake and assessment, providing information about policies, services, and referrals, listening to client feedback, and when appropriate, leading, assisting or observing individual or group sessions.

For community health and support providers, direct client practice also involves activities such as providing meals or supplies, engaging in informal conversations for mental health and wellbeing check-ups, assisting clients with paperwork and digital processes, offering mentorship and companionship to those needing social support, accompanying individuals to outings/appointments, and facilitating skills-building exercises.

Subject Code: COU108
Credit Points: 6
Hours: 120
Pre-Requisites: All Year 1 subjects
Co-Requisite: COU107 Case Conceptualisation