CHCCSL006 Select and Use Counselling Therapies (Part A - Introduction to Counselling Theories)
Introduction to Counselling Theories
Overview
This module introduces you to counselling theories. You will learn about the development of several key theoretical counselling approaches and the critical considerations that every counsellor should consider regardless of their approach. The final section of the module will explore one of the most commonly used approaches in counselling today – person-centred therapy.
Trigger Warning
This Module may include content that deals with sensitive and emotionally challenging topics. Some of the topics covered in this course may include trauma, abuse, addiction, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties. These topics may evoke strong emotions, memories, or reactions in some learners. It is important to prioritise your own self-care and seek support as needed.
If you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out to your trainer, student services or a mental health professional for support. The following services may be helpful:
Section 1: An Introduction to Key Counselling Approaches
In this module section, you will learn about the historical development of the major counselling approaches used in modern counselling. You will learn much more about a number of these key approaches (person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy) over the next few modules of your Diploma.
Section 2: Theories and The Counselling Process
In this second section, you will learn about the critical considerations that all counsellors must consider regardless of their theoretical approach. This knowledge will help ensure your counselling practice remains effective as you implement different approaches and techniques.
Section 3: The Key Concepts and Techniques of Person-Centred Therapy
In this final section, you will learn about one of the most commonly used counselling approaches – person-centred therapy. You will learn its key concepts, practices, techniques, benefits and limitations in counselling practice.
Unit Title
CHCCSL006 – Select and Use Counselling Therapies
Unit Purpose
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use different counselling therapies to meet client needs.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit; however, this unit is split into four modules:
- Introduction to Counselling Theories
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
To complete this unit, you must complete all four modules and their associated assessment tasks.
Content
Section 1: An Introduction to Key Counselling Approaches
Section 2: Theories and the Counselling Process
Section 3: The Key Concepts and Techniques of Person-Centred Therapy
Resources/Readings
Readings A – E are located directly after the learning material for this module.
Suggested Hours
Although everyone will work at their own pace, we suggest you allow approximately 70 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and any practical activities.
Timeframe
The recommended time frame for this unit is 4 weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCCSL006 Assessments.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Select counselling therapies |
1.1. Analyse client needs, issues and desired changes to be addressed 1.2. Incorporate analysis of client’s developmental status and response to change 1.3. Identify and consider co-existing issues in selecting courses of action 1.4. Interpret information about counselling therapies and determine their application, benefits and limitations in addressing client’s needs, issues and goals 1.5. Identify and response to own level of comfort and issues in relation to using identified counselling techniques 1.6. Select most appropriate counselling therapies in identified situations 1.7. Communicate details of therapies to be used with client using language the client understands and document in client records |
| 2. Use counselling therapies |
2.1 Use techniques according to the principles and application of selected therapies to assist clients 2.2 Combine techniques and processes from different therapies in an effective way 2.3 Use counselling skills appropriately in the context of each counselling modality and technique 2.4 Identify indicators of client issues requiring referral and report or refer according to organisational requirements |
| 3. Evaluate use of counselling therapies |
3.1 Evaluate use of techniques and therapies in the context of individual clients 3.2 Reflect on and review own role as counsellor and identify areas for future improvement 3.3 Maintain and enhance knowledge of emerging trends in use of counselling therapies |
Knowledge Evidence
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- Legal and ethical considerations for counselling therapies, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice:
- codes of conduct/practice
- discrimination
- duty of care
- human rights
- mandatory reporting
- practitioner/client boundaries
- privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
- records management rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients
- work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
- work health and safety
- issues and concerns with which clients may present, their characteristics and the types of counselling therapies that may be used in response, including:
- anxiety
- family issues
- grief and loss
- parenting
- pregnancy
- relationship
- self-esteem
- social isolation
- stress management
- features of at least five (5) counselling therapies (including CBT) including their:
- historical development
- terminology
- underpinning concepts and principles
- processes used in applications
- benefits and limitations for different clients
- roles of counsellor and client
- how different therapies may be combined to address particular needs
- indicators of client’s issues requiring referral
- credible sources of information on counselling therapies and trends
Performance Evidence
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
- provided counselling to at least three (3) different clients, cumulatively using at least three (3) different counselling therapies, one of which must be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- provided counselling services, within scope of own role, addressing at least four (4) of the following issues:
- anxiety
- family issues
- grief and loss
- parenting
- pregnancy
- relationship
- self-esteem
- social isolation
- stress management
