Course coordinator
Dr Tabinda Basit
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
This course will introduce students to advanced skills and practice in counselling/therapy. Students will be shown demonstrations of various advanced interpersonal skills and given supervised practice in the performance of the counselling/therapy process, from initial stages to termination. A satisfactory level of proficiency is expected before students can pass this course.
As an extension of the essential counselling skills taught in COUN7001/PSYC7801, this course introduces students to more advanced counselling skills and processes, while giving opportunities to practically integrate these into practice. Students will move beyond the focus of the important first session and learn skills in order to gain knowledge and experience of how a counselling relationship develops over time (process). The course is delivered within a lecture and tutorial format, and there will be ample opportunity for experiential learning and reflection. Personal development of the counsellor will be encouraged through many opportunities to observe, practice skills and reflect on personal interaction and process. This course has smaller tutorial sizes (no more than 14 per tutorial class) so that the tutor can observe your skills and provide feedback. It is critical for this course that you attend the tutorial you are assigned.
ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have successfully passed COUN7001/PSYC7801 and further have an understanding of the literature concerning theories of counselling and psychotherapy.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
COUN7001 or PSYC7801
Restrictions
Restricted to students in Master of Counselling program
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tabinda Basit
Guest lecturer
Mrs Marta Garcia De Blakeley
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The major aim of this course is to deepen the understanding of effective counselling skills, and to be able to demonstrate those skills in practice. A moving from factual knowledge to procedural implementation. A central focus will be on rupture and repair.
The ethos of the class is, "How am I going to take the knowledge and skills that I am learning to help the people I am going to work with in the future".
ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the literature concerning the process, structure and goals of counselling applicable to a diverse range of clients, and apply this knowledge to counselling practice.
LO2.
Explore and develop advanced counselling skills that will enhance the counselling process with various client presentations.
LO3.
Effectively use counselling skills and competencies to engage in both the initial therapeutic interview and subsequent sessions.
LO4.
Engage in self-practice and self-reflection processes to guide clinical and counselling practice.
LO5.
Identify, acknowledge, and analyse ones own cultural values and reflect on their implications for health care
LO6.
Applying problem-solving skills in analysing case studies relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Indigenous Module 4: Critical Reflection | 10% |
28/08/2025 5:00 pm
This assessment must be submitted by 5.00pm on the due date. |
| Quiz |
Online Quiz 1
|
30% |
7/10/2025 - 9/10/2025
The quiz will open at 9:00am and close at 5:00pm on the respective dates. |
| Role play/ Simulation |
Role Play
|
60% |
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025
Students will be scheduled a specific time in this period to complete the assessment |
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
Indigenous Module 4: Critical Reflection
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
28/08/2025 5:00 pm
This assessment must be submitted by 5.00pm on the due date.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Complete Module 4 of the HaBS Indigenous Health Module. You will be introduced to a case study about Ray Badger. A link will be provided on Blackboard.
Please answer the following 6-questions within 2-pages, single-spaced. Submit your reflection on Blackboard.
You will need to answer the following questions:
- Reflect on your own practice. How did your own upbringing, values, beliefs and assumptions influence your interpretation of Ray's story?
- Explore your own practice so that you can be open to other ways of knowing, being and doing. How did Ray's story challenge your beliefs and assumptions, and/or how did his story make you think differently?
- Actively minimise power differentials between you and your client. What power differentials might you need to consider, and how might you minimise their impact as a health and welfare care provider for Ray?
- Really engage with your client. How might you really engage with Ray as his counsellor/therapist?
- Ensure you don’t diminish, demean or disempower others through your actions. What actions might you need to actively avoid to achieve this, and how might you empower Ray as his counsellor/therapist?
- Future. If you were to have further sessions with Ray what would you focus on and why?
Note regarding use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Online Quiz 1
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
7/10/2025 - 9/10/2025
The quiz will open at 9:00am and close at 5:00pm on the respective dates.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Online quiz covering all lectures delivered before mid-semester break. The quiz will consist of 30 MCQ items.
Note regarding use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
The quiz is completed online via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
No late submissions will be accepted
Role Play
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025
Students will be scheduled a specific time in this period to complete the assessment
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
A live competency session will be scheduled for each student in the first week of exams. Students will be randomly allocated to an exam time in the exam period.
The session will be 25-30 minutes. This session is a hurdle requirement to pass the course.
- Pass without intervention/coaching is worth 60%
- Pass with a minor rupture (e.g., dialogue became circular), which was overcome without intervention/coaching is worth 55%
- Pass with one intervention of coaching is worth 50%
- A conditional pass is 45%
- A recycle of the competency will result in only 40% being able to be awarded
The sessions will be done in person and video recorded.
The session will focus on dealing with a therapeutic process issue. It will be the second session, and the sudent will need to demonstrate effective professional skills, the ability to address the underlying process issue, develop a supportive therapeutic relationship, show active listening, accurate paraphrasing, and reflection of feelings and guidance towards outcomes.
Note regarding use of AI: 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
You must pass this assessment in order to pass the course.Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
No late submission is possible 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 - 29.50 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 47.50 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49.50 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 69.50 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 70 - 79.50 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 80 - 89.50 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 90 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Master of Counselling students must pass the competency interview assessment task to proceed to the final year and be eligible for practicum.
If you are not successful at your first attempt, you will receive constructive feedback from your supervisors. You will then be required to undertake a second competency session incorporating the feedback given to you. If you are not successful with your second interview, you will fail the competency and need to enrol in this course again.
Completion of the roleplay is a mandatory requirement and nonsubmission will result in failure of the course overall.
Students who fall between the grade bands will be rounded up.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
As this is a post-graduate course, it is critical that students are cognisant of the academic mandates of assignment writing. There is a comprehensive guide to assignment/essay writing on the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work website: http://nmsw.uq.edu.au/assessment-guidelines-and-procedures.ﾠI strongly urge all students to read this. If English is not yourﾠfirst or dominantﾠlanguage, please ensure that your assignments are edited prior to submission so they conformﾠto the academic writing guidelines set out in the afore-mentioned document. Finally, please remember that the word "counselling" and its derivatives, is spelt with two (2) l's. It is strongly suggested that you have your assignments proof-read before submission.
(Hint: set your spell-check to Australian English.)
ﾠ
ﾠ
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
Throughout the semester, students will be provided with practical demonstrations of counselling techniques and strategies.
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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
What is Therapy? Assessment required for Course. Moving beyond the first 30 minutes. How does the second session look? How does therapy differ to a normal social relationships? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
The Therapeutic Relationship: The Dance Therapy: Bond, Goals, Tasks. If you are a client what factors would make you nervous coming to therapy? What do you want from your therapist? What is a therapeutic alliance? Do you avoid questions to preserve or respect the alliance how are you making those decisions? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Starting Session 2 How to begin the second session Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
What would make you uncomfortable in Therapy? Curious self-discovery what topics, people, emotions? Quiet clients. Client doesn t like therapy direction. Client who wants to please you. How do you deal with an angry client? How do you manage crying in session? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Note Taking Explore a sensitive topic in role play, taking notes and not taking notes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Competency Development Part 1 How do you show you care? Open/Closed Questions. Sympathy, Empathy. Encourages, paraphrasing, sumarising, clarification. Reflecting feelings, reflecting meaning. Socratic Dialoguing and linking. Silence and validations. Finding themes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Empathic Reflections Verbal Empathic Reflections Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Competency Development Part 2 How do you address goals in therapy? Ensuring Goal Setting does not lead to Solution Focused suggestions/advice. Using imagery to help with addressing how we would want a future self to look. Review of Social Systems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Motivational Interviewing Role play with a client using OARS and try to evoke what the client sees in relation to their DARN-C to change Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Challenging/Applying Pressure & Incongruence Immediacy skills: Here and now. Meta-cognition. Sticking with difficult emotions. Not letting technique trump where client is going follow your client. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Anxious Client & Anxious Therapist You are an anxious client and you are an anxious therapist. Then a confident therapist and anxious client. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Shame in the Therapeutic relationship What is shame? How does it differ to guilt? What does shame lead to in terms of action? How to address shame in therapy? Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Practice formulations Watch a client video and practice developing formulations Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Therapeutic Ruptures What is a rupture? Withdrawal rupture and confrontation ruptures. How do you deal with them? Metacommunication. Motivational Interviewing Techniques. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Competency Practice Time to practice what it will be like for your competency Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Part I - Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Guest Lecture. Psychotherapy considerations on working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Competency Practice Time to practice what it will be like for your competency Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Part II - Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations Guest Lecture. Specific skills and tips when working with CALD populations Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Competency Practice Time to practice what it will be like for your competency Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Final Lecture Final Prep for Competency Assessment Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
The course is designed to provide a wide variety of teaching and learning experiences for students. These include:
1. Direct lectures relating to counselling skills and processes
2. Problem-based learning activities to enhance applied skills
3. Group discussions and activities
4. Viewing and critiquing demonstrations of counselling sessions
5. Undertaking of real or role-played situations with student as counsellor
6. Student investigation linking theory and practice and evaluation
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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Fitness to Practise
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: