Couple Counselling Theory
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Prerequisites
50 Credit Points in:
OR
MA-COU Master of Counselling
OR
Aims and objectives
This unit builds on the curriculum provided in Introduction to Couple Counselling (PSC60003). An advanced understanding of different theoretical frameworks and their application to working with couples is provided. Emphasis is given to integrating the theory with the clinical work through shared clinical experience.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Apply advanced and specialised knowledge of the major theories and methods that are applied to couple counselling, including psychodynamic couple therapy, object relations theory, attachment theory and systems theory
2. Identify and evaluate at an advanced level how the core theoretical concepts are applied to clinical work with couples
3. Compare and contrast the different theoretical models and approaches as applied to couple therapy, and critically evaluate their relative effectiveness when working with couples in a clinical context
4. Critically reflect on how the theoretical knowledge relevant to couple counselling influences personal and professional growth as a couple counsellor
Courses with unit
Master of Counselling
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
On-Campus Seminar | 2.75 | 14 | 38.5 |
Specified Learning Activities Various | 4.25 | 24 | 102 |
Unspecified Activities Independent learning | 0.85 | 14 | 12 |
TOTAL | 152.5 hours |
Assessment
Types | Individual/Group Role | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) |
Reflective Journal | Individual | 20% | 4 |
Assessment | Individual | 50% | 1, 2, 3 |
Assessment | Individual | 30% | 1, 2, 3 |
Content
- Psychodynamic Couple Therapy and Object Relations Theory
- Kleinian Theory and Projective Identification
- Transference/Countertransference and Shared Phantasy
- Winnicott-The Holding Relationship, Bion-Containment
- Attachment Theory
- Systems Theory and its application to couple counselling
- Integrated Behavioural Theory
- Emotional regulation and the brain
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.