PYH402 Counselling Psychology Perspectives and Practice
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PYH402 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | Previous studies in counselling units is assumed knowledge. Students with no previous counselling studies must consult the Course Coordinator |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| CSP student contribution | The Commonwealth supported place student contribution amount for this unit depends upon the course of study. Find out more |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,456 |
| International unit fee | $4,932 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | PYH402 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Previous studies in an undergraduate counselling unit is assumed knowledge. Students with no previous counselling studies must consult the Course Coordinator |
| Coordinator: | Emma Malone | emma.malone@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides you with the opportunity to build on your practical counselling skills and understanding of the field of counselling psychology, from the foundational counselling units in the undergraduate program. The thematic focus of this unit is on the critical analysis, comparison, and evaluation of selected counselling intervention orientations, including First-Nations perspectives. The comparison of approaches involves a consideration of major contemporary issues relating to the integration of theory, research, social and cultural diversity and ethical practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Evaluate the theory and practice of counselling psychology, in relation to its history, major contemporary issues and developments in ethical practice, research and cultural safety; including Indigenous perspectives.
- Critically examine the philosophical and socio-cultural basis, major concepts and practices, relating to selected counselling interventions.
- Apply communication and interview skills, including the demonstration of common factors within a specific counselling orientation, and reflect on your achievement of these skills.
- Synthesise the theory and practice of a selected counselling orientation to formulate appropriate intervention strategies.
Content
This unit will begin with introductory seminars focusing on micro-skills and common factors used across all counselling approaches. The unit includes specialised blocks of classes devoted to selected counselling orientations which include exploration of Indigenous Frameworks, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and other approaches. These will involve theoretical input, demonstrations, and structured class exercises. Additionally, there is a focus on ethical issues and integrative perspectives that consolidate learning across each orientation. Understanding and promoting well being is a key focus of the unit.
Learning Approaches
The unit content is delivered in workshops which comprise both didactic and experiential learning. The workshops will include demonstrations via video and role plays, structured experiential counselling exercises and in-depth class discussion. You will also have the opportunity to engage in role plays in preparation for your demonstration assessments and receive formative feedback from your peers and teaching team. These methods will be used to encourage critical reflection on counselling processes and issues.
The PYH402 Canvas site is used to support student learning through the provision of resource material, further reading, links to videos and demonstrations and to broadcast timely messages and alerts to engage you at key milestones.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
This unit provides a number of avenues for students to gain formative feedback. Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- A range of formative skill development exercises are conducted in class and supported through class discussion.
- For work that you prepare for summative assessment, you will also receive written feedback, and you will have the opportunity to consult with the unit coordinator.
- Generic comments and feedback to the cohort will be provided via class discussion and the PYH402 Canvas site.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit comprises of a video demonstration of your micro-skills, and an in-person demonstration of your practical counselling intervention skills. There will be an exam in the central examination period where you will reflect on your learning throughout the unit, demonstrate your understanding of cultural safety and counselling theoretical frameworks, and apply these to the formulation of a case study. Final grades will be based on your achievement across these three assessment pieces. To best prepare for the completion of the assessment items, it is recommended that you participate in the experiential classwork and role plays .
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Video Demonstration of Microskills
This assessment will require you to submit a 10-minute video of yourself conducting a simulated counselling session (with a peer, friend or family member), to demonstrate the core micro-skills you have been taught in class.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: In person demonstration of counselling intervention skills
This demonstration assessment will be scheduled over several days in week 12. This assessment will require you to demonstrate your counselling skills from a specific counselling intervention orientation. You will take the role of a therapist and role play working with a specific client using the specific intervention orientation. During the semester you will have multiple opportunities to engage in practicing your counselling skills and to receive feedback during class.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Assessment: Final Exam
The exam will be held in the central examination period. The exam will consist of a combination of short answer and essay questions. The exam will require you to reflect on your learning throughout the unit, demonstrate your understanding of cultural safety and counselling theoretical frameworks, and apply these to the formulation of a case study.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
A list of references and reading will be provided on Canvas by the unit coordinator.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Required Pre-Professional Competencies for a Level 2 Honours Degree
2.2:
Relates to: Video Demonstration of Microskills , In person demonstration of counselling intervention skills
2.4:
Relates to: In person demonstration of counselling intervention skills , Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PY09 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours Psychology)
- Critically evaluate empirical findings, major concepts, and theoretical bases of core areas in psychology, including first-nations perspectives.
Relates to: Final Exam - Employ evidence based decision making and digital capabilities to formulate solutions to address complex problems including psychological assessment and intervention strategies across a range of settings and diverse populations.
Relates to: In person demonstration of counselling intervention skills , Final Exam - Employ effective professional collaboration, and communication skills in diverse formats, digital platforms and settings appropriate to socially and culturally responsive psychological practice and research.
Relates to: Video Demonstration of Microskills , In person demonstration of counselling intervention skills - Reflect on your continual professional development, building upon your understanding of the values, legal and ethical frameworks relevant to psychology, your professional profile and competencies, to contribute to society in inclusive, ethical, entrepreneurial and sustainable ways.
Relates to: Final Exam