Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit builds on undergraduate psychology knowledge by introducing students to the theoretical foundations and practical application of psychological interventions.
Students examine the theory and evidence base for a range of psychological intervention models while developing core communication and interviewing skills that support effective psychological practice. Through experiential learning activities, including role plays, skills practice and case-based learning, students develop foundational competencies in clinical interviewing, counselling micro skills, ethical decision-making, culturally responsive practice and reflective practice.
The unit places particular emphasis on culturally responsive practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, highlighting cultural safety, cultural humility and strengths-based approaches. Students are also introduced to professional self-awareness, reflective practice and self-care as foundations for ethical and sustainable practice.
The aim of this unit is to develop the pre-professional knowledge, practical counselling skills and capabilities required for ethical, culturally responsive and evidence-informed psychological intervention.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Apply ethical principles and cultural consideratio...
Learning Outcome 01
Evaluate ethical, culturally responsive, and psych...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate skills in interpersonal communication ...
Learning Outcome 03
Critically reflect on personal values, assumptions...
Learning Outcome 04
Critically evaluate and apply evidence relating to...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Counselling micro skills and Clinical interviewing and the Mental Status Examination
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) model, kinship, and relational frameworks
- Professional self-care strategies that support ethical and sustainable psychological practice.
- The theoretical and empirical basis of evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention.
- Clinical interviewing, interpersonal communication skills (e.g., reflecting, summarising, developing rapport) and cultural considerations in interviewing.
- An examination of a range of psychotherapeutic approaches, including humanistic, cognitive behavioural and other emerging models (e.g., acceptance commitment therapy). Aspects of the approaches to be studied include the history, key concepts, application (techniques and procedures). Some specific interventions (techniques and procedures) arising out of these theories will be more closely examined.
- Ethical, legal frameworks and practical considerations that apply when using intervention approaches in multicultural and diverse client groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans*, Intersex, Queer and Asexual communities.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy is designed to progressively develop students' knowledge practical skills and professional capabilities across the semester. Students first develop skills in culturally responsive practice and professional reflection through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander case study. They then demonstrate foundational counselling and interviewing skills through a live counselling interview and reflective report. Finally, the exam allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of principles underlying the theory and practice of psychological intervention.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 Aboriginal Case Study and Prof...
Assessment Task 1
Aboriginal Case Study and Professional Practice Analysis
You will analyse a case study describing an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander client experiencing psychological distress. The assessment focuses on developing an understanding of the client's presentation, planning an initial clinical interview, applying principles of ethical and culturally responsive practice, critically evaluating contemporary research, and reflecting on professional self-awareness and self-care. This assessment includes consideration of professional self-care strategies to support ethical and sustainable psychological practice.
40%
Assessment Task 2 Live Counselling Interview an...
Assessment Task 2
Live Counselling Interview and Reflective Report
You will participate in a live role-play of an initial clinical interview in which you will demonstrate pre-professional interpersonal communication and clinical interviewing skills. Following the interview, you will complete an individual reflective report evaluating your performance, identifying strengths and areas for development, and discussing how your communication and interviewing approach may need to be adapted to provide respectful, inclusive and culturally responsive care for clients from diverse backgrounds, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities and LGBTIQA+ communities.
30%
Assessment Task 3 Exam The ex...
Assessment Task 3
Exam
The examination assesses your knowledge and understanding of psychological intervention theories, ethical and culturally responsive practice, self-care strategies, and the empirical evidence supporting psychological interventions.
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and learning strategies include lectures workshops, and web-based learning. Lectures are structured to deliver essential content whilst allowing students the opportunity to critically discuss issues that arise in the unit. Workshops provide students with opportunities for reflective/critical thinking, role play and group discussions, which will enhance both practice and critical analysis of the unit content. Web-based learning will allow for the delivery of unit content. Teaching and learning strategies will reflect respect for the individual as an independent learner. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within class activities.