POPLPRAC 707 : Theory and Skills in Counselling Practice

Medical and Health Sciences

2020 Semester One (1203) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

The theory, research and practice regarding counselling and psycho-therapeutic approaches used in mental health and addiction service contexts. Approaches will be critically examined in terms of history, theory, social context and trends in research. Particular attention will focus on counselling methods currently in use within services.

Course Overview

This is a core course for the Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma in Health Sciences and Master of Health Practice specialising in Alcohol and other Drug studies. This course is suitable for any health professional who has an interest in working with clients with alcohol and drug issues. Places are limited for this course and preference is given to those who are taking the course towards the PG Certificate in Health Sciences in specialisation Alcohol and Drug Studies.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Health Practice

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Appreciate and apply theory, research and practice regarding counselling and approaches used in mental health and addiction service contexts (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1 and 6.1)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of their own strengths as a counsellor and the ability to self-reflect on their counselling style. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 and 5.2)
  3. Describe and critically evaluate approaches applied in counselling practice and interactions with clients. (Capability 2.1, 3.2 and 5.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Reflective Practice modules 60% Individual Coursework
Student presentation and group feedback on an alternative therapeutic approach 20% Group & Individual Coursework
Filmed interview with an actor using Motivational Interviewing 20% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3
Reflective Practice modules
Student presentation and group feedback on an alternative therapeutic approach
Filmed interview with an actor using Motivational Interviewing
Policy on late assignments and extensions
It is very important to get your assessments in on time.
If you are not able to meet the deadline for submission you must notify the course coordinator/lecturer, BEFORE the due date/time to avoid penalties resulting from not having an approved extension. 
The School of Population Health policy on late assessments is as follows: 
Due dates for assessments are strictly observed. 
Extensions will only be given in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, and if approved by the course coordinator/lecturer BEFORE the assessment due date.
Assessments accepted after 2 weeks may not be marked unless by prior arrangement.
Late assessments where an extension has not been given will be penalised as follows:
Up to 2 weeks (including weekend days) late - 5% off the assessment total mark for each day late e.g. if assessment is out of 40 then 2 marks (5% of 40) per day overdue. 
More than 14 days late - assessment will NOT be marked and will be graded 0.
Note: To secure a pass in a course with 100% coursework, all students must submit all assignments for the course, and obtain a minimum total of 50% overall.

Learning Resources

The paper is delivered across four days and there is an expectation that you make yourself available. The content presented, discussed and explored across each of these days is directly relevant to the assessment and learning objectives of the course. 

There are no prescribed texts for this course and readings will be assigned and provided via Canvas.

Course Contacts

Course Director
Dr Simone Rodda 
Senior Lecturer
Email: s.rodda@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 6573

Course Coordinator
Dr Rodrigo Ramalho
Email: r.ramalho@auckland.ac.nz 
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 1443

Course Administrator
Mrs Kashmira Irani 
Group Services Administrator
Email: k.irani@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 6549

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week over the 12 week semester. This means  attending scheduled workshops, undertaking weekly assignments, reading and self-reflection on own practice.

Other Information

SkillMatter provides funding for a limited number of students doing the courses towards Assessment and management of co-existing substance use and mental health. This is one of the courses included in that. The students do have to meet certain eligibility criteria. for more information you can check this link-
https://www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/assessment-and-management-of-co-existing-substance-use-and-mental-health/51

Digital Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 28/01/2020 09:05 a.m.