| Academy of Trauma Therapists

Certificate of Counselling and Psychotherapy

This is an introductory course to the theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. Students will explore different forms of counselling, the vital part of the counselling relationship, the role of the counsellor and the responsibilities involved. The course will focus on the practical application of counselling and psychotherapy. It will be a baseline for further study and training.

The course enables students to explore different counselling skills and to develop their own therapeutic style. It provides an overview of the change process and different theoretical approaches for facilitating change. It introduces students to an integrated brief model of psychotherapy. It provides training in different ways to apply theories and skills to help with client’s problems. The course increases the students ability to conceptualise cases and to develop treatment plans.

Students are taught the practical application of counselling and psychotherapy, by discussing case material, participating in clinical observation and by learning how to manage themselves in their professional settings and relationships.

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Entry Requirements

Normal Entry

Completion of the Cairnmillar Introduction to Counselling Skills and Advanced Counselling Skills units or equivalent.

Special Entry

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may present a case for admission based on previous academic study and relevant work experience.

Subjects

• Psychotherapeutic Theories and Models
• Clinical Techniques and Interventions
• Interpersonal Processes
• Facilitating Therapeutic Change

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Unit 1 – CCPc1
Psychotherapeutic Theories and Models

Semester 1 (March 4 to June 10)
Wednesdays 9.00am to 12.00pm
Cost – $1,450

Students in this unit receive guidelines for assessing and treating individuals with emotional and psychological problems. Attention will be given to coping psychology and the techniques of distinguishing problem and emotion focused coping, environmental stresses and adaptive processes.

Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the techniques and interventions required to assist people in personal growth and the reconstruction of self-esteem, self-worth and self-efficacy. A unique feature of the unit is the way psychological theory can be translated into counselling processes.

Topics Covered

• Working over more than one session
• A plan of therapy based on a theory of therapy
• The critical issues of the first session
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Identifying the core problem
• Establishing understanding, coping and control
• Ethical and professional guidelines

Unit 2 – CCPc2
Clinical Techniques and Interventions

Semester 1 (March 4 to June 10)
Wednesdays 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Cost – $1,450

The aim of this unit is to advance the students’ clinical skills. Students will receive exposure to several ‘schools’ of therapy. The aim is to develop the students’ counselling potential through observation, application and evaluation of what they learn in the course. By the use of the case-study method, the aim is to have students translate this learning into their counselling practice.

The students will be taught how to understand what occurs in the therapeutic interaction and to understand the significance of what they observe. Students competence will also be improved by exposure to relevant clinical literature and case studies.

Topics Covered

• Supportive psychotherapy
• The therapeutic enquiry
• Therapeutic techniques
• The presenting problem and the hidden problem

Unit 3 – CCPc3
Interpersonal Processes

Semester 2 (August 5 to November 11)
Wednesdays 9.00am to 12.00pm
Cost – $1,450

In this unit students will develop skills in the interpersonal process model of individual psychotherapy and acquire a more detailed framework for understanding psychodynamic principles. Students will consider the fundamental aspects of the psychodynamic approach to human growth as well as the way developmental issues are likely to appear in the counselling context.

Students will be encouraged to move beyond intrapsychic concepts, to the perception of each individual in the context of interpersonal relationships, interpersonal fantasies and desires, and interpersonal happiness and enjoyment. To achieve this goal, students will examine case material and clinical processes with clarity and immediacy. The unit aims to increase the students’ ability to conceptualise cases and to develop treatment plans. It will teach students how to use their relationships with their clients to bring about change.

Topics Covered

• The interpersonal process approach
• Familial and developmental factors
• Problem re-enactment in the therapeutic relationship
• Interpersonal coping strategies
• Interpersonal themes and patterns
• Transference reactions

Unit 4 – CCPc4
Facilitating Therapeutic Change

Semester 2 (August 5 to November 11)
Wednesdays 1.00pm to 4.00pm
Cost – $1,450

Students in this unit will advance their theory and practical skills for treating many presenting problems. Attention will be given to the anxious and worrying person, people with phobias, people with a history of depression and distressing memories. To enable the treatment of these issues, students will learn how to structure the therapeutic process, establish goals and plan intervention strategies for each phase of treatment.

The students will learn how to conceptualise what is occurring in their relationship with their clients, how to use this understanding to establish a treatment focus and to guide their intervention plans. By the use of clinical illustrations, learning interventions that are strategic, practical and sound will be the focus of the unit.

Topics Covered

• The professional setting
• The behavior and style of the therapist
• The words the therapist uses
• Making the vital transitions that lead to change
• Identifying the agents of change
• Maintaining the change
• Dealing with relapses and regressions