CHCCSL005 Apply Learning Theories in Counselling
Overview
The skills and knowledge in this module are intended to provide a foundation for applying stimulus-response and social learning theories to formulate and monitor programs for behaviour change in a counselling context.
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: Conditioning
In this section of the module, you will learn about behaviourism and how elements of it – specifically classical and operant conditioning – can be applied within counselling practice.
Section 2: Social Learning Theories
In this section, you will explore environmental learning influences and how these can be understood and used within counselling practice. You will focus on identifying and analysing the impact of modelling influences within a client’s environment and explore the possible behavioural outcomes of different modelling and social reinforcement influences.
Section 3: Behaviour Change Programs
In this section of the module, you will see how the knowledge you have gained can be applied to formulate programs for change. This process involves identifying the behavioural changes needed to achieve desired outcomes, formulating strategies and goals, and documenting the program for change. You will consider methods of reinforcement and discuss how you will monitor progress, including modifying programs where necessary.
Section 4: Researching Learning Theories
The final section of the module focuses on how a counsellor can continue to develop their understanding and practice through ongoing professional development and keeping up-to-date with research findings. Specifically, you will learn how to source, critically evaluate, and organise information related to research findings and best practice in counselling.
Unit Title
CHCCSL005 – Apply Learning Theories in Counselling
Unit Purpose
This module describes the skills and knowledge required to apply theory underpinning behaviourism and social learning to formulate and monitor a program for behaviour change in a counselling context.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit.
Content
Section 1: Conditioning
Section 2: Social Learning Theories
Section 3: Behaviour Changes Programs
Section4: Researching Learning Theories
Resources/Readings
Readings A – I 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 50 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and any practical activities.
Time Frame
The recommended time frame for this unit is four (4) weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCCSL005 Assessments and an associated practical assessment.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Research learning theories | 1.1 Identify and access sources of information on learning theories 1.2 Read and interpret information, distilling key themes and messages for counselling work 1.3 Document and organise information to support current and future practice |
| 2. Analyse behavioural outcomes of different modelling and reinforcement influences | 2.1 Identify and analyse the impact of modelling influences in a client’s environment to facilitate client change 2.2 Analyse individual responses to similar modelling and reinforcement 2.3 Analyse the effects of environmental differences and dysfunctional environments |
| 3. Formulate a program for change in a counselling context | 3.1 Identify change required to achieve identified outcomes and formulate and record a program for change 3.2 Apply stimulus and response techniques in counselling practice 3.3 Apply reinforcement approaches to support behaviour change 3.4 Develop a process for program monitoring, recording and intervention, according to individual client needs |
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 the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- overarching types of learning theories and their application to counselling practice, including:
- behaviourism
- cognitivism
- constructivism
- principles and practices of at least 3 different specific learning theories
- applications of stimulus and response theory in counselling practice
- environmental impacts on behaviour, including:
- major influences from childhood and impact of strength and duration
- learning environments - family and school
- functional and dysfunctional environments
- pre-adolescent and adolescent peer group pressures/influences
- modelling and reinforcement influences and how they may affect behaviour
- features of and differences of operant and classical conditioning
- learning theory supporting conditioning models
- principles and practices of reinforcement and consequences, including:
- concept of schedule reinforcement - fixed and variable interval, fixed and variable ratio
- reinforcement techniques
- reinforcement of specific behaviours.
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:
- used critical thinking skills to research and evaluate information from at least 3 different sources about 3 different learning theories.
- integrated theoretical approaches to develop programs for behaviour change with at least 3 different clients.
