Information accurate at time of printing October 201 Christian Counselling Course Information Graduate Certificate of Counselling Graduate Diploma of Counselling Master of Counselling Morling College - Counselling 1
Contents Christian Counselling About Counselling at Morling... 3 Overview... 3 Mode of Study... 3 Accreditation Status... 3 Recognised Prior Learning and Advanced Standing... 3 Admission Rules... 3 International Students... Tuition Fees... FEE-HELP*... Graduate Certificate of Counselling... 5 General Information... 5 Aims... 5 Objectives... 5 Entry Requirements... 5 Course Progression... 5 Graduate Certificate Unit Listings... 6 Graduate Diploma of Counselling... 7 General Information... 7 Aims... 7 Objectives... 7 Entry Requirements... 7 Course Progression... 8 Graduate Diploma Unit Listings... 8 Master of Counselling... 9 General Information... 9 Aims... 9 Objectives... 9 Entry Requirements... 10 Course Progression... 10 Considerations for Joining an Association... 10 Master of Counselling Unit Listings... 11 Practicum... 11 Subject Descriptions... 12 Morling College - Counselling 2
About Counselling at Morling Overview The Counselling suite of programs has the goal of helping individuals and groups to interpret and respond to life s circumstances, so as to optimise their personal and interpersonal functioning. The course will train counsellors who are fully authentic to their Christian faith and who are able to express their vocation in a sound ethical and professional way. This relational approach allows for the integration of theological and spiritual scholarship with the theory and practice of counselling. During the course participants will learn how to utilise a body of specialised knowledge and skills to influence and modify the way people understand, interpret and relate to life s circumstances. Our students come from a variety of career backgrounds, including social work, occupational therapy, nursing, pastoral care, medicine, chaplaincy and private counselling practice. Dr Terry Kohler, the Dean of Counselling, heads the postgraduate counsellor training assisted by Mr Neil Harris, the Associate Dean of Counselling and Course Advisor. Helen Miller became a permanent faculty member in 2012 followed by Margaret Welch in 2013 who had previously been a sessional lecturer. Visiting lecturers and trainers form an integral part of the course, bringing their own unique special knowledge and skills. Morling College s venture into counsellor training was the culmination of a growing awareness of the demand from different organisations and churches for Christian people to be professionally trained in the sensitive area Admission Rules Before you are able to enrol in any Counselling program you must apply to Morling College to be admitted and fulfil all selection criteria. It is preferred that applications be received no later than January 31 st for Semester 1 or the 30 th of June for study commencing in Semester 2. However, applications received after this date will be processed where practically possible. For further information contact the Faculty of Counselling on telephone (02) 9878 0201, fax (02) 9878 2175 or emailcounselling@morling.edu.au of counselling with the capacity to integrate their faith into vocational counselling practice. Graduates pursue a variety of career pathways, including working as counsellors in a church ministry team, using their training as part of their ongoing professional development in the caring professions, and working in school chaplaincy and school counselling areas, in community settings, and also in counselling agencies. Mode of Study All courses are delivered through face-to-face teaching, full-time or part-time, semi-intensive or mixed delivery at the Morling College Campus, Macquarie Park. Units of study in Counselling awards are not offered in Morling College s Distance Education program. Accreditation Status All courses are accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Recognised Prior Learning and Advanced Standing Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) or Advanced Standing (AS) may be granted from previous, successfully completed study or work experience. If students wish to apply for either Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning they should discuss this with the Dean or Associate Dean of Counselling prior to enrolment. Applications for RPL and AS will not be considered after enrolment. Correspondence may be addressed to: Faculty of Counselling Morling Theological College 120 Herring Road MACQUARIE PARK NSW 2113 Candidates should obtain a copy of the Morling College Prospectus for general information about the College. Morling College policies, enrolment form and timetables are available from the website. Other enrolment related forms are available from Moodle. Please also consult the Student Handbook for updated information. Application forms are available on the college website: www.morlingcollege.com/counselling Morling College - Counselling 3
International Students Morling College is approved by CRICOS (Provider 03265F) to accept and enrol International Students in the Faculty of Counselling. It is important that International applicants consult the www.studyinaustralia.gov.au and www.immi.gov.au websites for detailed information on living and studying in Australia. Further helpful information for International Students can be found on the Morling College website. English Language Proficiency In order to be able to study at Morling College fluency in English is required and International Students from non-englishspeaking backgrounds are required to demonstrate their proficiency. Such demonstration will normally be by provision of the results of an IELTS test (Academic Version) scoring no less than 7.0 to be eligible for acceptance in our Counselling courses. Information on how to sit for an IELTS test can be found at www.ielts.com Applicants from non-english-speaking backgrounds are not required to provide IELTS results when a student: a) has an assessable qualification that was undertaken solely in English within the last five (5) years in Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), the United States of America or Zambia. b) has lived in an English-speaking country for at least ten (10) years with English being spoken at home and at work. Proof of IELTS exemption should be provided with application paperwork. Tuition Fees The fee schedule each year can be found on our website: www.morlingcollege.com/finance/fees Discounts Morling offers a range of discounts on tuition fees to eligible students. For information on the discounts that could apply to your enrolment please see the tuition fee section of the Morling website. Scholarships Morling offers scholarships to candidates undertaking postgraduate research through the Morling Postgraduate Scholarship Fund. Contact the Finance Department for further information. FEE-HELP* Eligible students are able to defer payment of their tuition fees to FEE-HELP, which is available for all units taken for credit towards an accredited Counselling award at Morling. Students should complete a Request for FEE-HELP form with their first enrolment in any new course of study. For more information visit www.studyassist.gov.au Centrelink Student Payments* Counselling courses at Morling are approved for student payments through Centrelink, such as Austudy, Abstudy and Youth Allowance. Students who require a confirmation of enrolment for Centrelink purposes should contact the Registrar s Office *Available to Australian citizens and residents who hold a permanent humanitarian visa only Morling College - Counselling
Graduate Certificate of Counselling General Information The Graduate Certificate of Counselling degree is a nationally accredited course and provides basic training in the core foundational skills of counselling with a focus on the integration of faith and vocation (integrating counselling practice with a biblically sound Christian worldview). The Graduate Certificate of Counselling will provide candidates with a working knowledge of the basic theory and practice of counselling. The course will allow candidates to utilise and integrate counselling skills into their existing vocational roles. In this award the maximum period of candidature is: Full- time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years Aims The course draws on evidence-based practice with a strong focus on the integration of theory and method with practical micro skills. The course will provide a safe learning atmosphere but you will be challenged to grow and develop your awareness of how you relate to others. You will be challenged to integrate your faith and Christian worldview with relationship theory and practice integrated with a Christian biblical worldview. Skills are developed through the use of lectures, case study, discussion, micro skills training and experiential work. Students develop an attitude of critical thinking and a clearly defined integrative understanding of relationships. You will be encouraged to develop self-awareness through the process of reflection and exploration. The course aims to provide a supportive learning environment, which encourages excellence in academic and professional development. Objectives When successfully completing the training program you will have: A basic theoretical understanding of the concepts of a relational model of counselling. Demonstrated ability to link theoretical knowledge to practice. Shown an increased level of self-awareness and the ability to think critically about assumptions, beliefs and value systems, and integrate these within your own Christian spirituality and worldview. An awareness of the limits of competence. Self-development imbedded in a culture of lifelong learning, with the ability to evaluate your personal growth. Entry Requirements Entry to the Graduate Certificate of Counselling is based on evidence of a capacity to undertake higher degree studies including: a Bachelor degree, a Bachelor Honours degree or a Graduate Diploma degree. Special Entry Under the special rules applicants over 21 years of age who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission if they provide evidence of educational and/or professional background deemed by the Academic Board to be equivalent to an undergraduate degree. Such evidence would include non-tertiary study (i.e., VET, professional studies that are non-accredited), documented life experiences equivalent to an undergraduate degree, and/or work experience that would suggest the capacity for postgraduate study. Course Progression To complete the Graduate Certificate of Counselling, a total of 16 credit points is required: 8 credit points from the required core subjects and 8 credit points of electives. Morling College - Counselling 5
Graduate Certificate Unit Listings Core Units Code Name CP MCO601 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 1 MCO602 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 2 Electives Code Name CP MCO611 Legal, Ethical and Cultural Dimensions of Counselling Practice MCO612 Counselling through the Human Lifespan MCO613 Introduction to Counselling Methodologies MCO61 Introduction to Counselling Research MCO621 Theology and Counselling 2 MCO622 Introduction to Christian Models of 2 Counselling MCO623 Introduction to Cognitive 2 Behavioural Therapy MCO62 Mental Health 2 MCO625 Grief and Loss 2 MCO626 Trauma 2 MCO631 Ministry Formation MCO633 Pastoral Counselling MCO61 Individual Learning Plan 1 MCO62 Individual Learning Plan 2 Morling College - Counselling 6
Graduate Diploma of Counselling General Information The Graduate Diploma of Counselling degree is a nationally accredited course and provides foundational training in counselling with a focus on the integration of faith and vocation (integrating counselling practice with a biblically sound Christian worldview). The program provides an environment in which candidates can learn the theory and master the foundational skills for counselling practice. Training focuses on an integrative approach to counselling with the application of evidence-based practice. In this award the maximum period of candidature is: Full- time: 2.5 years Part-time: 5 years Aims Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Counselling provides an exit point for those wanting to utilise counselling skills within their existing vocations or ministry. It also provides the foundation for candidates for further professional counselling development or training under supervision of a suitably qualified professional. The course draws on evidence-based practice with a strong focus on the integration of theory and method with practical micro skills. The course aims to provide a safe learning atmosphere where you will be challenged to grow and develop your awareness of how you relate and interact with others. Candidates will be challenged to integrate their faith and Christian worldview with relationship theory and practice. Skills will be developed through the use of lectures, case study, discussion, supervised skills training and experiential work. Candidates will utilise and develop an attitude of critical thinking and students are encouraged to develop a clearly defined integrative model of counselling practice. Candidates will be encouraged to develop selfawareness through the process of reflection, exploration and applied experientially based training. The training process will provide a supportive learning environment, which encourages excellence in academic and professional development. Objectives When successfully completing the training program you will have: A thorough theoretical understanding of the concepts of a relational model of counselling with, as appropriate, a capacity to compare and evaluate other models of counselling practice. Demonstrated ability to link theoretical knowledge to practice and apply learning in novel and creative ways to counselling dilemmas. Shown an increased level of self-awareness and the ability to think critically about assumptions, beliefs and value systems integrated with the candidate s own Christian spirituality and worldview. A sound knowledge and understanding of ethical boundaries and the codes of ethics and practice. A thorough grasp of both theoretical and practical issues surrounding equality of opportunity especially in the areas of religion, race, class, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation, and disability. An awareness of the limits of the candidate s own professional competence and how to assess the appropriateness of counselling. Entry Requirements Entry to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling is based on evidence of a capacity to undertake higher degree studies including: A Bachelor degree, a Bachelor Honours degree or a Graduate Diploma degree. Applicants must attend an interview in which they demonstrate capacity for counselling, including selfawareness, a relational capacity, ability to work in a team, capacity for ethical behaviour and ability to reflect on experience, learn from it and be open to feedback. Morling College - Counselling 7
Special Entry Under the special rules applicants over 21 years of age who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission if they successfully complete the Graduate Certificate, having been admitted under the Special Admission Rules. Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Counselling program is not automatically assumed on completion of the Graduate Certificate of Counselling. Applicants must attend an interview where their capacity to undertake Diploma-level training will be assessed. Course Progression To complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, a total of 32 credit points is required: 2 credit points from the required core subjects and 8 credit points of electives Graduate Diploma Unit Listings Core Units Code Name CP MCO601 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 1 MCO602 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 2 MCO611 Legal, Ethical and Cultural Dimensions of Counselling Practice MCO612 Counselling through the Human Lifespan MCO613 Introduction to Counselling Methodologies MCO621 Theology and Counselling 2 MCO622 Introduction to Christian Models of Counselling 2 Electives Code Name CP MCO61 Introduction to Counselling Research MCO615 Professional Reflection & Development MCO623 Introduction to Cognitive 2 Behavioural Therapy MCO62 Mental Health 2 MCO625 Grief and Loss 2 MCO626 Trauma 2 MCO631 Ministry Formation MCO633 Pastoral Counselling MCO61 Individual Learning Plan 1 MCO62 Individual Learning Plan 2 Morling College - Counselling 8
Master of Counselling General Information The Master of Counselling degree is a nationally accredited course and provides professional training in counselling with a focus on the integration of faith and vocation (integrating counselling practice with a biblically sound Christian worldview). The program provides an environment in which candidates can learn the theory and master the practice of counselling. Training focuses on an integrative approach to counselling with the application of evidence-based practice. In this award the maximum period of candidature is: Full- time: years Part-time: 6 years Aims The Master of Counselling will train and equip candidates to practise as professional counsellors who can integrate the principles of practice with a personal Christian faith. The course draws on evidence-based practice with a strong focus on the integration of theory and method with practical micro skills. The learning as an apprentice model is used to foster the development of a professional identity culminating in a supervised externship as the pinnacle of the training program. The course will provide a safe learning atmosphere and you will be challenged to grow and develop your awareness of how you relate and interact with others. Candidates will be challenged to integrate their faith and Christian worldview with relationship theory and practice. Skills are developed through the use of case study, discussion, supervised skills training and experimental work. The course will require candidates to undergo an externship training program where ongoing support and supervision of candidates clinical work is provided. Candidates will utilise and develop an attitude of critical thinking and students are encouraged to develop a clearly defined integrative model of professional counselling practice. Candidates will be encouraged to develop selfawareness through the process of reflection, exploration and applied experientially based training. The training process will provide a supportive learning environment which encourages excellence in academic and professional development. Objectives When successfully completing the training program you will have: Experience of working both short and medium term with clients. Developed professional practitioner skills and competences including an applied understanding of clinical, ethical, cultural, mental health, and developmental issues relevant to counselling practice. A thorough theoretical understanding of the concepts of a relational model of counselling with a capacity to compare and evaluate other models of counselling practice. Demonstrated ability to link theoretical knowledge to practice and apply your learning in novel and creative ways to counselling dilemmas. Developed sufficient confidence and maturity to establish and maintain a one-to-one therapeutic relationship with a range of clients. Shown an increased level of self-awareness and the ability to think critically about assumptions, beliefs and value systems, and integrate your counselling practice with your own Christian spirituality and worldview. A sound knowledge and understanding of ethical boundaries and codes of ethics and practice. A thorough grasp of both theoretical and practical issues surrounding equality of opportunity especially in the areas of religion, race, class, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation, and disability. A good understanding and experience of counselling supervision through working as a counsellor in a counselling externship. An awareness of the limits of your own professional competence and how to assess when counselling is appropriate for any particular person or group. Morling College - Counselling 9
Been encouraged to develop yourself through a culture of lifelong learning with the ability to evaluate your personal growth and professional practice, and appreciate the value of ongoing professional development. Entry Requirements Entry to the Masters of Counselling is based on evidence of a capacity to undertake higher degree studies including: A Bachelor degree, a Bachelor Honours degree or a Graduate Diploma degree. Applicants must attend an interview in which they demonstrate capacity for counselling including selfawareness, a relational capacity, ability to work in a team, capacity for ethical behaviour and ability to reflect on experience, learn from it and be open to feedback. Special Entry Under the special rules applicants over 21 years of age who have not completed an undergraduate degree may be considered for admission if they successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Counselling, having completed the Graduate Certificate first under the Special Admission Rules. Admission to the Master of Counselling program is not automatically assumed on completion of the Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Applicants must attend an interview where their capacity to undertake Master s level training will be assessed. Course Progression To complete the Master of Counselling, a total of 6 credit points is required: credit points from the required core subjects, 12 credit points from the electives, and 8 credit points from practicum. Students should also be aware that they are required to complete a specialty stream in either; Relationship Counselling, Child and Adolescent Counselling or Group Therapy as part of their total of 6 credit points. Considerations for Joining an Association Professional bodies have differing membership regulations. The applicant should check with the appropriate organisation as to their requirements. Professional bodies are independent from Morling College. Morling College - Counselling 10
Master of Counselling Unit Listings Core Units Code Name CP MCO601 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 1 MCO602 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 2 MCO611 Legal, Ethical and Cultural Dimensions of Counselling Practice MCO612 Counselling through the Human Lifespan MCO613 Introduction to Counselling Methodologies MCO615 Professional Reflection and Development MCO621 Theology and Counselling 2 MCO622 Introduction to Christian Models of 2 Counselling MCO701 Interpersonal Counselling 1 (Theory and Methods) MCO702 Interpersonal Counselling 2 (Integration and Application) MCO703 Interpersonal Awareness Training MCO70 Clinical Observation and Supervision Practicum Code Name CP MCO71 Supervised Counselling Practicum 1 MCO72 Supervised Counselling Practicum 2 Electives Code Name CP MCO61 Introduction to Counselling Research MCO616 Relationship Counselling 1 (Theory and Methods) MCO617 Child and Adolescent Counselling 1 (Theory and Methods) MCO618 Group Therapy 1 (Theory and Methods) MCO623 Introduction to Cognitive 2 Behavioural Therapy MCO62 Mental Health 2 MCO625 Grief and Loss 2 MCO626 Trauma 2 MCO631 Ministry Formation MCO633 Pastoral Counselling MCO61 Individual Learning Plan 1 MCO62 Individual Learning Plan 2 MCO716 Relationship Counselling 2 (Integration and Application) MCO717 Child and Adolescent Counselling 2 (Integration and Applied Practice) MCO718 Group Therapy 2 (Integration and Application) Morling College - Counselling 11
Subject Descriptions MCO601 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 1 (Self-awareness and Therapeutic Communication) This unit is designed to foster the development of selfawareness and understanding of the role of selfawareness in counselling. It develops the foundational counselling attitudinal concepts and skills of sensitivity, attuning, attending, positive regard and respect. Students also reflect on the biblical concepts related to the nature of the counselling relationship, including the definitions and scope of Pastoral Care and Clinical Counselling. MCO602 Foundations of Counselling and Pastoral Care 2 (Advanced Therapeutic Techniques) MCO601 In this unit students are provided the opportunity to further develop a deepening understanding of the nature and course of the counselling encounter and to differentiate between content and process in counselling. They are introduced to more advanced counselling skills including the skills of challenge and assessment. Opportunity to develop the ability to utilise more advanced therapeutic techniques is provided. The field of social science and its relationship to counselling are explored from a Christian perspective. Student s learning would therefore deeply enhance their own personal and spiritual formation. The unit focuses on the intentional development of relationships that are healing and restorative. MCO611 Legal, Ethical and Cultural Dimensions of Counselling Practice Daily we are confronted with decisions we must make both in our personal and in our professional lives. Whether aware of it or not, many of the decisions we are confronted with are of an ethical nature. While the legal precepts that govern the work of health professionals are often more easily recognisable and adhered to, it is our ethical decision-making that most affects our actions with our clients. The aim of this unit of study is to familiarise students with the legal constraints and requirements of their work as a health professional, to increase cultural awareness and multicultural competency, and to foster the development of moral sensitivity and moral courage. Students completing this course of study will be invited to journey towards ethical maturity within their own personal and professional lives by reviewing ethical decision-making models and codes of practice that will provide a resource to guide counselling practice, as well as the legal precepts governing work as a counsellor. Additionally, students will explore what it means to practice in a culturally competent manner. MCO612 Counselling through the Human Life Span Morling College - Counselling 12 This unit provides an overview of the counselling issues related to life-span development from birth to death. It examines the main physical, cognitive, social and emotional development tasks and milestones in human development and explores counselling interventions which help people with life-cycle transitions and interruptions to normal development. Developmental theories often just study a particular aspect of human growth and development. In this unit we will explore these theories within a theological framework that understands we are created in God s image and are to be in relationship with both him and other human beings. MCO613 Introduction to Counselling Methodologies Co-requisite/ NIL There are hundreds of different theories of counselling and psychotherapy, with each theory making a valuable contribution and providing the counsellor with a general map of where they are going and what they might encounter along the way. The aim of this unit of study is to provide students with a broad overview of the major therapeutic approaches commonly utilised within counselling practice. An understanding of these approaches provides a solid basis from which students can begin to conceptualise the issues clients bring to counselling, identify helpful interventions, assess outcomes in light of goals, and begin to formulate their own integrative approach to counselling practice. Students are introduced to a number of different theoretical frameworks or maps that can be used to
guide their practice with clients and inform the actions they take. Students are given the opportunity to begin to identify the particular therapeutic approach that fits with their interests, speciality, personality and experience and to reflect on the various therapeutic approaches from a Christian worldview. Through a detailed study of attachment theory students have the opportunity to develop increasing awareness of their own attachment style and the impact this has on their personal and professional relationships. MCO61 Introduction to Counselling Research NIL Students will learn the value of research in counselling practice and how to use research to develop sound evidence-based clinical practice. They will evaluate research reports critically with special attention to the implications for counselling practice. Assumptions, beliefs and paradigms that are implicit in various approaches to counselling research are analysed. The student will develop an understanding of the various qualitative and quantitative approaches to research designs and methods. MCO615 Professional Reflection and Development Prerequisites/Co-requisite: MCO602, MCO611, MCO612, MCO613, MCO621, MCO622 This subject explores the concepts of who I am as a person, as a Christian, as a counsellor and as a professional, and how these integrate for our role within therapeutic relationships. Students are extended in their ability to reflect critically as they explore issues and topics related to the relational dimensions of the Christian counsellor. Emphasis is placed on integration of theological concepts and spirituality with the practice of professional counselling in an ethical manner. MCO616 Relationship Counselling 1 (Theory and Methods) Co-requisites: MCO701 or by special permission There are literally thousands of self-help books aimed at how to have a successful marriage. All of them full of advice, full of stories of success, and wanting to convince us about the method presented in the book or the idea in the book or if you just follow this process described in this book, all will be well! But how does a training therapist know where to start, what to concentrate on, and what is actually helpful? This unit is designed to take a student into the inner workings of a Meta-structured model (a model that sits behind a model) that assists the relationship therapist in the practice of couple therapy and the application of the significant, outcome-based and validated researched theories which apply to couple work. Students will develop insight into the major theories applied to couple therapy, learn the interpersonal communication skill of gate-keeping and integrate couple therapy with a Christian worldview. MCO617 Child & Adolescent Counselling 1 (Theory & Methods) Co-requisites: MCO701 or by special permission This unit is suitable for those students intending to work with children and adolescents within a variety of settings. It provides an introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary for those who wish to undertake counselling practice with this client group. Students will be given opportunity to develop a greater understanding of child and adolescent development and the impact of childhood experiences on development as well as the range of presenting issues that may be encountered when working with this client group. Ways of engaging children and adolescents within the therapeutic relationship, suitable counselling interventions and strategies and the legal and ethical implications of working with children and adolescents will also be explored. MCO618 Group Therapy 1 (Theory and Methods) Co-requisites: MCO701 or by special permission This unit will build an applied understanding of key paradigms in group therapy. Students will develop the skills of facilitation as applied to group therapy, be able to critically evaluate contemporary group therapy theory and practice, and identify indications for an individual s suitability for group therapy. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of diversity and ethics and how they impact on group therapy, and critically integrate the theory and practice of incorporating spirituality in group therapy. MCO621 Theology and Counselling Theology and Counselling provides an overview of the essential and foundational propositions of Christian theology with reference to the counselling discipline. It encourages students not only to understand the content of Christian theology, but also to commence the rigorous task of thinking theologically about the theory and practice of counselling. Most importantly, Morling College - Counselling 13
Theology and Counselling will equip students with a theological framework that will enable them to start the process of constructing their own theology of counselling; one that will be influenced, formed and refined by the essential theological tenets of the Christian faith. Rather than dismissing, neglecting or ignoring complexity, Theology and Counselling takes vexing questions and issues and wrestles with them conversationally in an academically challenging environment, and seeks to apply Christian doctrine and truth to the real world setting of counselling practice. It introduces students to the divergent views that exist, even within the Christian therapeutic world. MCO622 Introduction to Christian Models of Counselling Modern counselling practices trace their origins back to the tradition of psychoanalysis. In this module students will be encouraged to develop and embrace a biblical worldview on human nature and personality, and become familiar with and critically evaluate the Christian models of counselling, together with their theories and methods. Students will be encouraged to develop an integrated Christian perspective and understanding of counselling practice. MCO623 Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidencebased treatment modality that is used for a variety of counselling and psychological problems and issues. In this module students will learn about the background and theoretical basis for CBT and learn to evaluate a client s suitability for CBT interventions in counselling. Students will also develop skills and knowledge in the methods and techniques utilised in CBT. MCO62 Mental Health In this unit students will gain an understanding of the factors involved in mental wellness and mental illness, and learn about the role of counselling practice in the field of mental health. Additionally, students will learn about the principles of mental health management, become familiar with mental health assessment tools, and develop a multidisciplinary model for the clinical management and treatment of the mental disorders. MCO625 Grief and Loss Morling College - Counselling 1 This unit will enable students to learn to identify the impact of loss and grief on individuals, families and communities, and recognise the culturally appropriate expressions of loss and grief. Students will develop an understanding of the different models explaining the grief process as well as the methods to facilitate healing for individuals and groups who have experienced grief and loss. MCO626 Trauma During this unit students will learn about the current theories and models for understanding and working with people and groups who have experienced psychological trauma. This will include the neurobiological, psychosocial and sociocultural elements of trauma. Key counselling skills and practices for working with clients who have experienced trauma will be covered. Students will learn how to provide counselling care for those who have been affected by interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, disaster and catastrophic traumas. MCO631 Ministry Formation This unit explores formative factors in the development of personhood and role, and developmental, contextual and relational growth. It provides an introduction to issues faced by students in the process of preparing for Christian ministry. This subject provides a relational basis for other subjects in pastoral ministry and counselling. MC0633 Pastoral Counselling This unit covers the process of pastoral care and counselling of persons as individuals and as family members in particular situations, and the development of micro skills. It deals with referral issues and professional, ethical and legal issues as well as specialneeds populations.
MCO61 Individual Learning Plan 1 (Coursework) Prerequisites/Co-requisite: MCO601, MCO611, MCO612, MCO613 The content of this unit is determined through consultation with the lecturer. Speak to the lecturer for further information. MCO62 Individual Learning Plan 2 (Research) Prerequisites/Co-requisite: MCO601, MCO611, MCO612, MCO613 The content of this unit is determined through consultation with the lecturer. Speak to the lecturer for further information. MCO701 Interpersonal Counselling 1 Applied Theory and Methods MCO615 Students in this unit will have an opportunity to learn and explore an Interpersonal Process Model of working with individuals, and deepen their skill and abilities in counselling. This unit encourages students to expand their capacity to conceptualise and work with a range of client presentations and to recognise and understand process dynamics in the therapeutic relationship. MCO702 Interpersonal Counselling 2 Professional Integration MCO701 This unit is offered at the latter stages of counselling training and aims to promote a fluid transition from being a trainee counsellor to a novice counsellor who can operate independently as a professional counsellor. It will focus on helping the student to develop an approach to counselling that fosters personal integration, theoretical coherence, and demonstrable efficacy. Students will apply their skills and knowledge to a range of client presentations and reflect on their strengths and growth areas in this process. In preparation for graduation and qualification students will learn how to develop, promote and engage in a culture of lifelong therapeutic learning and professional development. MCO703 Interpersonal Awareness Training Co-requisite/Pre-requisite: MCO701 Interpersonal awareness training is a practical and experience-based unit where students will explore their own life history, personal experiences and the impacts that these have on professional practice as a counsellor. Through the use of group experiences and interpersonal feedback students will learn about the subtleties of how personal and temperament factors coalesce with the way counsellors interact with their clients. Through this experience students will develop enhanced and sophisticated interpersonal communication strategies and styles that develop the personal and professional character of the counsellor. MCO70 Clinical Observation and Supervision Pre-requisite: MCO71 During this module students will learn about the breadth and depth of counselling practice through the observation of professional counsellors doing live counselling. There will also be opportunities to present a videotaped counselling session of the student s own counselling practice and to learn through selfobservation of practice as well as feedback from a qualified counsellor. Part of this module also involves group supervision where students learn how to present and discuss counselling problems and issues with a group of peers. MCO716 Relationship Counselling 2 (Integration and Applied Practice) MCO616 Once the therapist has learnt the basic theories, what then? Some people say couple therapy is like standing on the expressway with two trucks heading straight for you. But it doesn t have to feel like this. Learning how to use integration and application in couple therapy becomes the cornerstone of effective change. This course is built from MCO616 Relationship Counselling 1 (Theory and Methods) and is designed to take a student further into the inner workings of a Meta-structured model (a model that sits behind a model). Students will develop a personally integrated approach to couple therapy, foster advanced therapeutic insight and interpersonal skill, as well as understand how to network within the multi professional community of counsellors and develop multidisciplinary collaborative skills. Additionally, students will learn how to work with the more complex relational issues like sexuality, life transitions, power Morling College - Counselling 15
and control, cultural complexities, separation and divorce, and childhood abuse and its effects on marriage. MCO717 Child & Adolescent Counselling 2 (Integration and Applied Practice ) MCO617 This unit of study will further expand on the knowledge and skills developed in MCO617 Child and Adolescent Counselling 1. Specific therapeutic approaches for working with children and adolescents and ways to determine the most suitable approach will be explored. Consideration will also be given to the skills needed to work collaboratively with the parents and caregivers of the child or adolescent client. Students will develop an advanced understanding of the modalities and settings of child and adolescent work. This will include development of counselling modalities like family and group work as well as working in specific contexts where child and adolescent counselling is provided eg. schools. MCO718 Group Therapy 2 (Integration and Applied Practice) MCO618 Students will develop the ability to apply advanced group facilitation to diverse group therapy and treatment programs including anger management, substance dependency, domestic violence, psychoeducation, anxiety management and step programs. MCO71 Supervised Counselling Practicum 1 (Co-requisite/Pre-requisite: MCO701) MCO72 Supervised Counselling Practicum 2 (Pre-requisite: MCO71) These two units provide the capstone experience of the Master of Counselling program. Students will gain direct experience of counselling by commencing therapy with clients in an agency or placement, and will be provided support and supervision to refine, consolidate and demonstrate counselling knowledge and skill. Morling College - Counselling 16