Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
This course will familiarize students with the major theories that underpin the counselling profession and that inform the counselling relationship. Students will be expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the history and theoretical development of counselling, understanding the principles and practices behind the major models of practice. This course is taught in weekly workshop format.
“There is nothing quite so practical as a good theory”ﾠ– Kurt Lewin
Theory is an inescapable part of counselling practice. Every day, counsellors use abstract and transferrable insights from theory to help them understand the discrete and unique phenomena they are faced with in each new session. Becoming conversant with the rich traditions of theory in counselling and psychotherapy provides the depth and insight needed to navigate the complexity of human living. To this end, students will not only be introduced to the unique contributions of each major branch of counselling theory, but also will look at how to pragmatically integrate them in order to draw from the full range of traditions in conceptualising a case and planning an intervention. Finally, the development of your own personal theory or framework of counselling will be both encouraged and explored.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students who enter the course have a degree within the social or behavioural sciences and/or have significant experience in the human services area. As such, it is assumed that students have a basic understanding of literature concerning human behaviour and a basic ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
Restrictions
Restricted to students in MCouns, DPsych, MAppSc, GCSocWk, GDipSocWk, MSocWk, MPsychSport&Ex, MPsychClin, MAppPsych, DClinPsych, or MMusThy
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Along with the weekly workshop, there will also be online modules, resources and discussions to support learning and assessment outcomes.ﾠﾠ
Aims and outcomes
- To introduce students to the formative and contemporary theories and theoristsﾠsignificant inﾠthe development of counselling, and the philosophical movements out of which they arose.
- To analyse how each theory understands human cognitive, affective, behavioural, and relational problems.
- To explore the various roles of the counsellor within the particular theory.
- To explore the understanding of the therapeutic relationship within the particular theory.
- To understand the therapeutic goals of each theory under critical review.
- To explore the various techniques and procedures particular to the theory in question.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Discuss the role of theory in counselling practice
LO2.
Differentiate between modern, postmodern, and integrative theories
LO3.
Research the evidence supporting particular theoretical approaches
LO4.
Identify the significance each theory places on: affect; cognition; behaviour; relationships
LO5.
Outline the historical development of talk therapy from Psychoanalysis to Integrative approaches
LO6.
Apply the principles of each theory to your own life and experience
LO7.
Use theory as a framework and blueprint for your practice
LO8.
Critically analyse the strengths and limitations of each theory studied
LO9.
To synthesize and integrate theories into their own practice
LO10.
Critically review their own practice in the light of theory
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Online Multiple Choice Quiz
|
30% Completion of four online learning modules through associated quizzes |
19/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
Quizzes to be completed throughout semester. See Task Description and Blackboard for specific due dates for each module. |
| Essay/ Critique | Position Paper: The Science & Art of Two Theories | 60% 3000 words |
26/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Oral Exam: Case Conceptualisation Competency
|
10% Hurdle requirement |
16/06/2025 - 18/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Online Multiple Choice Quiz
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30% Completion of four online learning modules through associated quizzes
- Due date
19/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
Quizzes to be completed throughout semester. See Task Description and Blackboard for specific due dates for each module.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
Students are required to complete four online modules during this course. The modules relate to core concepts of the major theories of counselling and psychotherapy that you study within this course.
The quizzes related to the COUN7002 Study Modules can be accessed through a link in the Assessment folder in the COUN7002 Blackboard site. Once students commence the quiz, they will have four (4) minutes to complete the five (5) questions. Each question will be worth five marks, meaning that each of the four quizzes will have a total of 25 possible marks. The questions are randomly drawn from a pool of comparable questions relating to the module’s topics. For each quiz, students will be able to prepare through a revision guide and a practise quiz relating to the module, which will be available in the Assessment Section of the Blackboard site for this course.
Timely completion of each unit is required to keep up with the next stage of the course, and consequently need to be completed by a particular date in order to stay current with the course material. The specific dates are as follows:
- Quiz 1 - Module 1: Psychodynamic & Gestalt Theory - due 1pm, Wednesday 26 March
- Quiz 2 - Module 2: CBT & Solution-Focused Theory - due 1pm, Wednesday 9 April
- Quiz 3 - Module 3: Person-Centred & Feminist Theory - due 1pm, Wednesday 30 April
- Quiz 4 - Module 4: Existential & Narrative Theory - due 1pm, Wednesday 14 May
The overall result in the quizzes will be worth 30% of the total grade.
Submission guidelines
The quizzes are completed online via the 'Assessment' section in the Blackboard site for this course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Position Paper: The Science & Art of Two Theories
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 60% 3000 words
- Due date
26/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07, L08, L09
Task description
General Task Description
Task: Written Essay.
Word limit: 3000 words
Penalty for word count outside the word limit: + or - 10% (in text references will count toward your word count but your reference list will not). As per the School Assessment Policy - A word count that is within ±10% of the set length (word limit) is acceptable. A word count that is outside these will be penalised in the ‘Academic Writing’ criterion.
Font: Minimum 11 point Font. Arial or Times Romans or Calibri
Line spacing: Double Line Spacing
Style and Reference System: APA 7
Contents of header and/or footer: Student Name, Student Number and COUN7002
Format of file for submission to Turnitin: Word or PDF
Use of emerging technology. This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies in their background research, successful completion of this assessment will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks, such as reading academic literature, critically synthesising a personal position, and demonstrating academic/professional writing skills. These are tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed research, comprehension and composition of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools. An unauthorised and/or unacknowledged use generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Detailed Task Description
Background/Brief
You are part of a counselling service that is receiving increased referrals about a particular issue (defined below). In order to guide practitioners in working with that issue, the director has tasked you with researching how two different theoretical approaches conceptualise and work with this issue.
As a result of your research, you are to write a position paper. The director has made it clear that they want this paper to thoroughly address both the science and the art of each theory, and to make recommendations for practice. It is expected that submissions are of a high academic quality, i.e. your position must be supported by logical reasoning, coherent arguments, and with claims are backed up by literature (both theoretical and empirical).
Task
As a basis for the position paper:
- Choose one of the following issues: (1) Depression; (2) Anxiety; (3) Grief and loss; (4) Addiction; (5) Low self-esteem.
- Choose any two theories you have studied in this course.
The position paper must include the following:
- A brief introduction to the importance of both science and art in counselling. What are the limitations of seeing counselling as only art or only science? What is to be gained by seeing it as both?
- A section on each theory covering: (a) An overview of the theory introducing its essential ideas; (b) An outline of how the theory conceptualises the issue from its theoretical standpoint (c) A summary of the evidence for its approach; and (d) The theory’s approach to the art of practice in therapy with this issue.
- Drawing on the material outlined in the previous sections, a concluding section which includes: (a) A critical comparison of the two theories’ strengths and limitations, and (b) Recommendations for practitioners on how to conceptualise and practice therapy relating to this issue.
Submission guidelines
All courses require students to submit an electronic version of their assignment via Blackboard. Please check the companion website assessment area for specific instructions on this process. A link will be made available in the assessment area of your Blackboard course to allow you to submit your assignment electronically.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN as instructed on the companion website.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Oral Exam: Case Conceptualisation Competency
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 10% Hurdle requirement
- Due date
16/06/2025 - 18/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
The most practical application of counselling theory for the practice of counselling is through ‘case formulation’: a coherent set of hypotheses about the causes of the client’s issues and the possible solutions. Students will be taught the practicalities of developing a case formulation in the last two workshops of the course, in preparation for this exam.
The oral exams will be scheduled in the second week of the university exam period (16-18 June 2025). Further details on time and venue will be confirmed before the end of semester.
Task
This task requires students to analyse a pre-recorded 10-minute section of their own counselling work (i.e. a counselling session with a client). (Students who are completing or have completed COUN7001 may also use their COUN7001 recording for this task. Please be sure to gain client consent through the attached form.)
Preparation
In preparation for the exam, students are to prepare a one-page summary of their formulation, according to the process outlined in the workshops and written guide. They are to submit this one-page formulation as well as their client consent form to Blackboard before the commencement of the first oral exam.
Exam
The exam will last no more than 30 minutes and will follow the following elements:
- Watch the 10min recording of the counselling session with the examiner/s
- Student to present a summary of their formulation of the client from the perspective of theory. This brief summary will be approximately 3 minutes and students are to emphasise their working hypotheses and plans for the client. (Students are also required to submit a ONE-PAGE written summary of this formulation which will provide more details.)
- Student to respond to questions to elaborate their formulation and consider alternative hypotheses
- Student to reflect upon their own counselling practice in light of theory, highlighting theories that may be informing personal approach.
N.B. All oral exams will be recorded.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
This exam is a hurdle requirement to pass the course, meaning you must pass this item in order to pass COUN7002. Students will be informed if they have passed on the day of their exam. A pass will automatically result in full marks for the task (which will contribute to 10% of the overall grade for the course). In the event of an initial failure at the first attempt of the exam, the highest overall grade that a student can receive for the course is a 3 (Marginal Fail). If the student has sufficient marks to get this grade of 3, they may be eligible to apply for supplementary assessment in order to pass the course. If granted supplementary assessment, the student will have the chance to resit the exam with a new client case (provided by the course coordinator).Exam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Students are to submit their one-page formulation as well as their client consent form to Blackboard before the commencement of the first oral exam.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.1 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 30 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideasﾠ with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to theﾠ conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; usesﾠ a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
Completion of all pieces of assessment set for this course is a mandatory requirement. All items of assessment must be submitted for student to be eligible to pass the course.
All assessment work must be submitted by the due date. Assessments submitted late will have 10% of the mark available deducted per day (including weekends and public holidays). Work submitted more than five days after the due date without an approved extension will not receive a mark.ﾠ
All work must follow the requirement for word limit, as stipulated in the task description. Any work that does not fall within this stipulated range will be penalised as noted in the task description and/or criteria.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Please communicate with the course coordinator as early as possible if there are any difficulties or problems arising from any of the assessment items.ﾠ
You are also to submit the written aspect of your work through Turnitin. You will find Turnitin on the Blackboard site. Go to the COUN7002 Blackboard site and go to ‘Assessment ‘and then to ‘Turnitin’ and follow the directions
The student must submit all required assessments to gain a passing mark in this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard Site :
All students enrolled in COUN7002 have access to a Blackboard site for this course. It can be accessed by goingﾠdirectly toﾠwww.elearning.uq.edu.au or through you MyUQ site.ﾠOn this Blackboard site you will be able to access learning resources for the course such as lecture notes provided each week. The Blackboard site also periodically has Announcements in the event that all students need to be contacted about an issue. Students should access this site regularly throughout the semester. Individual emails will not be sent about issues associated with the course. It is assumed that students will access the Blackboard site for announcements on a regular basis.
The University of Queensland Library holds copies of the required and recommended texts and primary sources.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Theory There's nothing as practical as theory: This workshop introduces students to the aims and requirements of the course, gives an overview of the history of modern psychotherapy, and presents the need for the complexity of counselling theory through discussion of a case demonstration. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L06, L07, L08 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Introduction to Integrated & Applied Theory Where theory fits into the therapeutic process: This workshops provides an introduction to neuro-biological science and existential philosophy as the basis for an integrated theory. Students will be introduced to the Power-Threat-Meaning(-Purpose) framework as a framework for theory and a process for case formulation. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Not Timetabled |
Study Module 1: Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy Completion of Module 1: Textbook Reading (Chapters 4 & 8); Revision Activity (Blackboard); ASSESSMENT: Online Quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Workshop |
The Science of Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy Core concepts of Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy. Problem-Based Learning: Power-Threat-Meaning formulation using Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Workshop |
The Art of Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy Psychoanalytic & Gestalt Therapy methods and interventions. Demonstration of theories in action. Cutting edge theories: Expressive Therapies. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L09, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Not Timetabled |
Study Module 2: CBT & Solution-Focused Therapy Completion of Module 2: Textbook Reading (Chapters 9, 10, and 'Solution-Focused' sections of Chapter 13); Revision Activity (Blackboard); ASSESSMENT: Online Quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Workshop |
The Science of Cognitive-Behavioural & Solution-Focused Therapy Core concepts of CBT and SFT. Problem-Based Learning: Power-Threat-Meaning formulation using CBT & SFT Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
The Art of CBT & Solution-Focused Therapy CBT & SFT methods and interventions. Demonstration of theories in action. Cutting edge theories: Motivational Interviewing Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L09, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 8 To Week 9 |
Not Timetabled |
Study Module 3: Person-Centred & Feminist Therapy Completion of Module 3: Textbook Reading (Chapters 7 and 12); Revision Activity (Blackboard); ASSESSMENT: Online Quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
The Science of Person-Centred & Feminist Therapy Core concepts of Person-Centred and Feminist theories. Problem-Based Learning: Power-Threat-Meaning formulation using Person-Centred and Feminist Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
The Art of Person-Centred & Feminist Therapy Person-centred and Feminist methods and interventions. Demonstration of theories in action. Cutting Edge Theory: Interpersonal Psychotherapy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08, L09, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 11 |
Not Timetabled |
Module 4: Existential & Narrative Therapy Completion of Module 3: Textbook Reading (Chapters 6 and 'Narrative Therapy' sections of Ch 13); Revision Activity (Blackboard); ASSESSMENT: Online Quiz Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
The Science of Existential & Narrative Therapy Core concepts of Existential and Narrative theories. Problem-Based Learning: Power-Threat-Meaning formulation using Existential and Narrative Therapy Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L08 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Workshop |
The Art of Existential & Narrative Therapy Existential and Narrative therapy methods and interventions. Demonstration of theories in action. Cutting Edge Theory: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). |
Workshop |
Contrasting & Integrating Theory in Practice The workshop will revise the theories studied so far, with a focus on the 'cutting edge theories'. The process of contrasting and integrating theories in practice will be demonstrated by a live case demonstration. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L08 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Workshop |
From Theory to Practice: Integrated Formulation I This workshop will use a guided demonstration of problem-based learning to teach students an integrated model of case formulation that draws together the insights of the theories that they have learnt. The model directly prepares students for their final assessment item (exam). Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
From Theory to Practice: Integrated Formulation II This workshop consolidates the case formulation process taught in the previous workshop through developing a working hypothesis from a case example. This exercise will directly prepare students for their final assessment piece (exam). We will also summarise the major parts of the course and discuss the ongoing process of integrating theory into a personal style. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06, L07, L09 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.