Dr Denis O'Hara
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
Introduces students to the important issues of ethics as they relate to the counselling profession. The course will examine the ethics codes of professional organisations as well as explore the approaches to ethical reasoning. The course will also consider issues of professional practice and supervision in both the public and private practice.
This course endeavours to develop an awareness of and value for the life-long development ofﾠethical maturity. To this end, students will explore the significance and meaning of ethical living, both in their personal life but especially in the professional domain of their life as a counsellor. Students will be introduced to the complexity of making decisions, and will be taught an integrated model of ethical decision-makingﾠthat draws on major philosophical,ﾠpsychological and professional traditions. This model will be applied to several major areas of dilemma that inherently occur in the practice of counselling, and students will be introduced to pragmatics of professional practice that help to navigate through these areas. Alongside this exploration, students will be introduced to the tradition of Virtue Ethics, and explore how this framework offers insights and resources in a journey towards their potential as counsellors.ﾠﾠ ﾠ ﾠ
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. It is further assumed that students have basic foundational skills in counselling.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PSYC7809
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
This course is run as a weekly 2hr lecture plus a 1hr tutorial. Given the nature of the subject and the material, attendance is essential, as missed material leaves gaps in professional knowledge that has the potential for adverse consequences for the client and the counsellor. Therefore, if a student has to be absent for a reasonable reason (e.g. illness), it is expected that they follow up on missed material using readings, lecture notes, lecture recordings and contact with the lecturer or tutor.ﾠﾠ
Please check the dates and times for the lectures and tutorials carefully on your timetable and under Learning Activities.
Aims and outcomes
To ensure that students understand their legal, ethical and personal principles that guide their professional practice in counselling, includingﾠdealing with clients and peers, and supervision.
To familiarize students with the formal ethical guidelines and associated professional associationsﾠ(especially, Australian Counsellors Association (ACA) and Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)).
To gain practical experience inﾠapplying the principles of ethical decision making to case scenarios reflecting potential ethical dilemmas.
To assist students in developing a series of materials and resources related to ethics and practice that can be used in their future professional careers.
Opportunities to examine and reflect upon individual attitudes, values and beliefs and how these may impact on their analyses and application to ethical decision-making.
Opportunity to discuss individual perspectives involved in approaches to ethical decision-making processes.
Provide opportunities to consider possible ethical issues related to practice and to present their decision-making process and suggested response to the class.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a knowledge of ethical theories, principles and codes relevant to the profession of counselling.
LO2.
Propose and defend decisions on counselling dilemmas using ethical theories, codes and decision-making processes.
LO3.
Contribute to collaborative professional discussion on common ethical scenarios.
LO4.
Appraise the way personal values and presuppositions influence professional practice and ethical decision-making.
LO5.
Plan, implement and reflect on a process of personal growth and professional development in preparation for real-world practice of a counsellor.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Ethical Dilemmas
|
20% 30 minute group presentation |
12/09/2024 - 17/10/2024
All students must participate in their group's presentation in order to pass the course. |
| Portfolio |
Professional Practice Portfolio
|
40% 2000 words + resources |
20/09/2024 1:00 pm |
| Reflection |
Reflection (Responses to Ethical Scenarios)
|
40% 1500 words total (500 x 3) |
25/10/2024 1:00 pm |
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
Ethical Dilemmas
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 20% 30 minute group presentation
- Due date
12/09/2024 - 17/10/2024
All students must participate in their group's presentation in order to pass the course.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
From Weeks 8-12, the course will focus on common ethical issues that present major challenges to counsellors. Given the importance of these areas to professional practice, the tutorial sessions for these weeks will focus on in depth exploration of particular counselling scenarios where these dilemmas are apparent.
This assessment item assesses your engagement with these sessions in a number of ways. In particular, this task requires you to complete the following:
- In the first tutorial of the semester (Week 2), you are to form a group of no more than 3-4 students and to choose one of five scenarios that involve an ethical dilemma (see below).
- The group will then prepare a presentation of no more than 30 minutes, which will include two parts. The first part requires the group to present the scenario, describe a chosen ethical decision-making model that they will use, and then discuss what they did at each step to arrive at their final decision. The second part of the presentation requires the group to facilitate a brief class discussion on the topic, to engage the group and get their input on the topic. As a group member you must be involved in the presentation at some point.
- Attend and participate in the remaining tutorials regarding common ethical scenarios in counselling (Weeks 8-12).
Presentations will occur in tutorials between Weeks 8-12, in the following order:
- Scenario 1 (Competence): Week 8
- Scenario 2 (Diversity): Week 9
- Scenario 3 (Boundaries): Week 10
- Scenario 4 (Confidentiality): Week 11
- Scenario 5 (Autonomy): Week 12
Expectations regarding group participation and contribution: It is a common practice for counsellors to consult and collaborate when faced with an ethical dilemma. Therefore, the group work in this task is training you to contribute to such processes. Therefore, the expectation is that you make an active contribution that is discernible to the other members of the group. The process of preparation for your presentation involves a number of tasks, including (but not limited to): finding an ethical decision-making model; working through the varied steps of the model (e.g. identifying stakeholders; researching codes and legislation; generating pros and cons for options; etc.); contributing to group discussion; preparing the various aspects of the presentation; and delivering various parts of the presentation. Therefore, there are many tasks that individual group members can take responsibility for and point to as their active contribution. It is expected that the tasks will be distributed equitably between group members, creating an equitable workload. You then record these contributions on the ‘Member Contributions and Declaration Form’.
Hurdle requirements
Completion of all pieces of assessment set for this course is a mandatory requirement. Failure to submit all pieces of assessment will result in failure of the course overall.Submission guidelines
Along with a copy of their visuals for their presentation (e.g. Powerpoint presentation), students will also have to read, complete and submit the 'Member Contributions and Declaration Form', along These two documents need to be submitted through the Assignment Tool in the 'Assessment' section of Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Professional Practice Portfolio
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 40% 2000 words + resources
- Due date
20/09/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Objective: To develop a portfolio of materials and resources that will be an effective aide for professional practice.
“Counsellor professional identity is the integration of professional training with personal attributes in the context of a professional community” (Gibson, Dollarhide & Moss, 2010, p21)
“Counsellors' identities differ from identities formed in many other professions because, in addition to forming attitudes about their professional selves, counsellors develop a "therapeutic self that consists of a unique personal blend of the developed professional and personal selves" (Skovholt & Ronnestad, 1992. p. 507).” (Auxier, Hughes, & Kline, 2003, p. 25)
Part of development as a professional counsellor is the formation of a professional identity or ‘therapeutic self’ which acts as a frame of reference for work within the profession. This assessment item is designed to assist you developing awareness of importance of a range of elements of this identity, and to scaffold activities to support the development of this identity. The portfolio is divided into two parts:
Part A – Completion of Professional Awareness Tasks (online modules)
Part B – Development of resources in preparation for a professional practice area
- Part B will be divided into sections which are detailed in the 'Professional Identity Portfolio Workbook'.
Word limit: 2000 words + activities/resources
Hurdle requirements
Completion of this assessment is a mandatory requirement. Failure to submit all pieces of assessment will result in failure of the course overall.Submission guidelines
Format of file for submission to Turnitin: Word or PDF.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Reflection (Responses to Ethical Scenarios)
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 40% 1500 words total (500 x 3)
- Due date
25/10/2024 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
From Weeks 8-13, the course will focus on common ethical issues that present major challenges to counsellors. Given the importance of these areas to professional practice, the tutorial sessions for these weeks will focus on in depth exploration of particular counselling scenarios where these dilemmas are apparent.
Students are to choose two (2) of the ethical scenarios which were presented in tutorials, and to write a 750 word response to each of the presented scenarios. For this task students are not allowed to choose the scenario that they presented, but rather the three scenarios must be from the remaining presentations from other groups. Each response must contain:
- A brief summary of the tutorial presentation, such as the position the group took on the scenario and the group’s justifications of that position (N.B. you do not need to summarise the scenario itself, but rather assume that the reader knows the details of it)
- A statement of your personal response to this scenario, i.e. your own position on the scenario. This position must be considered and supported with reasoning (e.g. the decision making process you went through) and evidence (e.g. reference to literature that supports this position).
- A reflection on the personal factors that influenced your decision. The purpose of this section is to show personal awareness and insight into what influences your ethical position. For example, depending on the scenario, you might reflection on the impact of your personal values or principles, emotions or experiences that shaped your response to the dilemma, cultural, social or religious morals, commitments to particular forms of ethical reasoning, or things you would like to learn or explore further.
Word limit: 1500 words (750 words per response)
Hurdle requirements
Completion this assessment is a mandatory requirement. Failure to submit all pieces of assessment will result in failure of the course overall.Submission guidelines
Format of file for submission to Turnitin: Word or PDF
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
Applying for an extension
Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved.
Information about applying for an extension can be found on my.UQ .
Extension guidelines
- Extension requests should be submitted prior to the assessment deadline.
- Extension requests must state the due date and the due time of the assessment.
- Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date may not be approved. Late requests must include evidence of the reasons for the late request.
- The extension granted should be in proportion to the period of illness or disruption caused by the exceptional circumstances and will typically be no more than the specified maximum extension length.
- Students on a Student Access Plan (SAP) with a clause on extension requests must still adhere to the extensions request policy outlined. Students need to attach the SAP and a note outlining their current situation with the online extension application. A maximum of 7 days will be granted on the basis of an SAP. An extension request beyond 7 days will require additional supporting information as this request will not be considered on the basis of the SAP, but rather additional events (whether they relate to the circumstances of the SAP or not).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>0-29.9</p> |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>30 - 46.9</p> |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: <p>47-49.9</p> |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>50-64.49</p> |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>64.50�- 74.49</p> |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>74.5 - 84.49</p> |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: <p>84.5 - 100</p> |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for 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
The course uses the UQ Blackboard site (eLearning) to distribute course materials and resources. Course delivery also incorporates the UQ Extend platform in which a range of online modules are included. It is recommended that both Blackboard and UQ Extend (found within the Blackboard site) are checked regularly for updates.
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 |
Lecture |
Ethical Maturity I Course Introduction: Why be ethical? Understanding the significance and meaning of ethics professional identity and the place of ethics in your identity Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
The Counselling Profession in Australia Being a Counsellor in Australia. How context shapes practice. Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Self-awareness of professional identity Introductions to tutorials; preparing for ethical conversations. Self-awareness of professional identity. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Self Care Sustaining yourself as a counsellor (self-care, etc.) Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
The Counselling Profession in Australia Application of Week 2 Lecture - Understanding the contextual dimensions of the counselling profession in Australia Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Decision-Making How do we make decisions? Neurobiology, and epistemic reasoning Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Developing Ethical Sensitivity Increasing Ethical Sensitivity & Self-Awareness Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Ethical Systems and Theories 1 Relational Ethics, Ethics of Care, Aristotle, Virtue Ethics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Ethical Decision-Making Examining lecture topics: Natural Law Theory, Virtue Ethics, and Relational Ethics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Ethical Systems and Theories 2 Natural Law; Kant & Reason; Deontological; Consequentialism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Grappling with Ethics Theories Examining lecture topics: Natural Law Theory, Virtue Ethics, and Relational Ethics |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Professional Standards: Client rights and counsellor responsibilities Issues in Counselling: Professional standards – competence, contracting, record keeping, supervision Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Tutorial |
Reviewing Moral Philosophies Reflection on moral philosophies and personal views |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Professional Standards: Diversity and Inclusion Issues in Counselling: Working across diversity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Client Rights and Professional Responsibilities Group presentation and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Professional Standards: Confidentiality Issues: Confidentiality Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Client Rights and Professional Responsibilities Group presentations and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Professional Standards: Boundaries Issues: Boundaries Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Client Rights and Responsibilities Group presentation and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Professional Standards: Autonomy Issues: Autonomy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Client Rights and Professinoal Responsibilities Group presentations and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
The Professional Self Revisited Going Deeper: reflecting on and re-evaluating professional and personal self Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Client Rights and Professional Responsibilities Group presentation and discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Course Review and Panel Discussion Panel of Practitioners Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Course Review Class discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
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.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Placement
- Working with Children
- Fitness to Practise
- Immunisation