Through this four-year program you will learn how the challenges people face are shaped by the society around us as well as through the internal factors that shape individual behaviour and personality. Through a thorough grounding in traditional and contemporary counselling and human services skills and theories, you will gain an in-depth understanding of individual, family and community practice. Your practice skills will be informed by a critical appreciation of the nature of contemporary Australian society and the causes of personal and social problems.

With both disciplines there is an emphasis on integrative theory and reflective approaches to practice. The program covers the foundations of counselling, engaging in the critique of theory and practice and grounding the skills work in evidenced-based ethical and professional standards. The human services focus is grounded in critical, anti-oppressive and ethical approaches to practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. Using innovative teaching you will be well-prepared for community welfare practice.

Students undertake two 250 hour professional placements in different human services agencies to provide workplace experience in the many roles and skills needed to work as part of a
multi-disciplinary team. The Counselling Placement meets the requirements of the Australian counselling associations, and the Human Services placement is designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Community Workers Association.

The broad introduction to counselling practice includes an introduction to counselling theory and skills, a thorough grounding in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and solution oriented practices, ethical practice, responding to crisis, grief and loss, and cultural diversity. Students gain expertise in personal and relational empathy, problem solving, brief solution focused approaches, and skills in lifelong learning in professional practice. The human services discipline provides an introduction to social welfare and human services practice, community development, social justice, cultural diversity, and mental health.

Career opportunities

Disability support, community health, telephone counselling, working with individuals, families and groups, non-government organisations, government departments, youth work, welfare work, child protection, corrections, aged services, community development, mental health, administration of counselling services, community corrections and justice, and more.

Accreditation

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA), the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA).

Note: Subject to final accreditation approval.