Course Outline Report: PSY700

What is this course about?

Description

The UniSC postgraduate psychology programs are committed to maintaining the primacy of public safety in the delivery of the program within the education and placement environments. This subject employs a skills-training approach to extend your previous learning in psychology, with an emphasis on strengthening effective psychotherapy skills, and the development of an effective working alliance. You are also introduced to the importance of cultural factors within therapeutic work, the need to develop cultural sensitivity and awareness and skills for delivering effective transcultural therapy. There will also be an emphasis on PTSD and advancing counselling skills including a focus on metacognitive therapy.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity	Hours	Beginning Week	Frequency
Blended learning
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshop - 3 hours	3hrs	Week 1	13 times

Course Topics

- Advanced theories and treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy and metacognitive therapy.

- Working therapeutically with diverse cultural groups and developing culturally sensitive and aware practice.

- Developing an understanding of working therapeutically with clients who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

- Treatment of PTSD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to...		Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...	Professional Standard Mapping * Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
1	Demonstrate knowledge and use of advanced counselling skills.	Knowledgeable Empowered	3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10, 3.16, 4.2.1, 4.2.1.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3, 4.2
2	Show knowledge and understanding of the key role of the working alliance in effective psychological consultations of all types and skills for developing an effective working alliance.	Knowledgeable Ethical Engaged	3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 3.16, 4.2.1, 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.2, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3, 4.2
3	Show knowledge and understanding of the difficulties inherent in psychological consultations involving attention to cultural issues, and skills for delivering effective transcultural psychological interventions, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island People and refugees.	Knowledgeable Ethical Engaged Sustainability-focussed	3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.16, 4.2.1, 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 4.2.1.3, 4.2.1.4, 4.2.2, 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3, 4.2.2.4, 4.2.3, 4.2.3.1, 4.2.3.2, 4.2.3.3, 4.2
4	Show awareness of potential ethical issues involved in counselling psychology and understanding of how to use the APS Code of Ethics and its accompanying Guidelines to resolve ethical questions, particularly in transcultural consultations.	Creative and critical thinker Ethical	3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.14, 3.16, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3, 4.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE	COMPETENCY
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council
3.2	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically apply evidence-based and scientific methods to professional practice across the lifespan in empirically valid and culturally responsive ways.
3.3	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically employ professional communication skills, in a culturally responsive manner, with a range of socially and culturally diverse clients.
3.4	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically perform appropriate standardised psychological testing, as part of broader assessment, to assess and interpret aspects of functioning.
3.5	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically identify psychological disorders using a recognised taxonomy.
3.6	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically conduct professional interviews and assessments and synthesise information from multiple sources, including assessment of risk, to formulate a conceptualisation of the presenting issues to determine the most appropriate interventions.
3.7	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically monitor outcomes/modifications based on evolving case formulation, including health concerns, family/support networks, & organisational/cultural/community contexts, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client.
3.8	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically interpret and communicate findings in oral and written formats, including formal psychological reports, using culturally appropriate language.
3.9	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically implement appropriate, empirically supported interventions, and monitor clients’ progress and intervention outcomes.
3.10	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically demonstrate respect for the skills and contribution of other professionals.
3.11	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically work effectively with a range of professional and support staff in the workplace and communicate and collaborate effectively, within the bounds of ethical and legal requirements.
3.14	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically engage in self-reflective professional practice, taking account of the impact of their own values and beliefs, and taking appropriate actions as a result.
3.16	Taking into account the broad diversity of clients, & consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings & codes of ethical practice, graduates apply psychological knowledge to competently and ethically critically evaluate contemporary scientific literature to inform practice.
4.2.1	Apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology:
4.2.1.1	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: psychological theories of the aetiology, progression and/or recovery, precursors and sequelae of psychological disorders, including incidence, prevalence and predisposing, risk, protective and maintenance factors
4.2.2	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including:
4.2.2.1	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: evaluation of psychological disorders with reference to relevant international taxonomies of classification, including disorders of moderate to severe level and complexity
4.2.2.2	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: use of assessment tools and processes related to a wide range of psychological disorders, and including psychometric tests, structured or semi-structured interviews, behavioural observations, measures of functionality and processes that enable collection of collateral information from multiple sources, including groups and systems relevant to the client
4.2.2.3	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: integration, interpretation, and synthesis of clinical psychological assessment data with the knowledge of psychopathology to inform case formulation, diagnosis and intervention
4.2.1.2	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: both developmental systems and biopsychosocial models of health as they apply to psychological disorders as well as the multiple factors that impinge on mental health across the lifespan
4.2.1.3	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: psychopathology and relevant international taxonomies of classification of psychological disorders, including severe, complex and chronic mental illness
4.2.1.4	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge of the following to their practice in clinical psychology: psychopharmacology, particularly as it relates to complex psychological disorders
4.2.2.4	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive assessment in the area of clinical psychology, including: evaluation of symptom reduction, therapeutic outcomes, the therapeutic alliance and client progress throughout therapy.
4.2.3	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including:
4.2.3.1	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: selection, tailoring and implementation of appropriate evidence-based interventions on the basis of an initial case formulation, whether individuals, dyads or carers/dependents
4.2.3.2	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: monitoring of outcomes and modifications based on evolving case formulation and intra- and interpersonal processes, with care given to the appropriateness of interventions for the client or clients within their wider context
4.2.3.3	Graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to culturally responsive interventions in the area of clinical psychology, including: consultation and collaboration with other professionals regarding clinical planning and referrals, particularly in the context of complex case presentations
4.2	CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: Taking into account the broad diversity of clients and development across the lifespan, and consistent with current relevant legal frameworks, mental health practice standards, occupational settings and codes of ethical practice, graduates apply advanced psychological knowledge to competently and ethically:

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Enrolled in Program AR507, AR702 or AR703

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Ability to write in APA format

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

At the beginning of week 4, a 10-item quiz will be held in class using an online format to assess the students’  understanding of the course content to date.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode	Task No.	Assessment Product	Individual or Group	What is the duration / length?	When should I submit?	Where should I submit it?
All	1	Oral and Written Piece	Group	60 minutes	Refer to Format	In Class
All	2	Examination - not Centrally Scheduled	Individual	90 minutes	Week 13	In Class

All - Assessment Task 1:Seminar Presentation
Goal:	In a group of two, prepare and give PowerPoint that demonstrates understanding of working therapeutically with a specific cultural population.
Product:	Oral and Written Piece
Format:	Submit: Weeks 6-12. Prepare and present a 60 minute presentation on working therapeutically with a culturally diverse population, based on relevant research and evidence-based therapy. Possible cultures or diverse populations to present on will be discussed in the first workshop. Presentations occur from Weeks 6 - 12. Presentation roles need to be evenly shared (i.e., all group members to contribute to the preparation and to present).

Criteria:


​Knowledge about the culture, diverse population, or Indigenous peoples you are presenting on, including specific psychological issues relevant to them. Understanding of factors that shape these clients’ personal, social and cultural identity.
Familiarisation with the psychological, social and cultural issues confronting these clients.
Knowledge of appropriate psychological assessment techniques, including their application with these clients.
Consideration of how their cultural identity may influence assessment and treatment.
Evidence-based treatment approaches.
Consideration of ethical issues relevant to the topic area.

All - Assessment Task 2:Exam
Goal:	Demonstrate learning of course content.
Product:	Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:	During class in week 13, you will participate in a 90 minute exam. The aim of this exam is to assess your knowledge of issues relevant to advanced and transcultural counselling. The exam will be based on material covered during workshops, student seminar presentations, and from the prescribed textbooks; including the APS Code of Ethics/Ethical Guidelines. The exam will be a combination of short answer and multiple choice questions.

Criteria:

No.		Learning Outcome assessed
1	Demonstrates an understanding of relevant treatment planning and implementation across a range of psychological disorders and cultures	1 3

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

You are expected to attend all workshops. For any workshops that are missed you will need to demonstrate to your course co-ordinator that you have covered the required material. This will usually take the form of a detailed summary and reflection of the Directed Study Activities for the missed workshop.

Information regarding prescribed texts or other associated resources will be made available on the Canvas site prior to commencement of study.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Limited Graded Course:

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of UniSC.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

All psychology courses (PSY course codes) have an online formal procedure for applying for an extension on assessment tasks. All extension applications for psychology courses should be made by completing the online form found on the Blackboard website for this course.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
Review of Assessment and Final Grades
Supplementary Assessment
Central Examinations
Deferred Examinations
Student Conduct
Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

In person:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
- UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
- UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
- UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
- UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au

Course Outline

PSY700 Advanced and Transcultural Counselling

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast