Course Title: Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: OHTH5924C
Course Title: Establish and confirm the counselling relationship
Important Information:
This course is delivered and assessed in a cluster with;
CHCCSL002-Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5428 - Diploma of Youth Work
Course Contact: Joseph Osimobi
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1432
Course Contact Email: joseph.osimobi@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 100
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Applicants must have completed a Certificate IV in Youth Work or a related field (Community Services, Disability & Alcohol & Other Drugs) and have been employed/volunteered (within the last 2 years) or are currently employed in a youth work/community services organisation working with young people.
You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification, but there are-
Academic Entry Requirements
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent)
OR
At least 6 months’ full time work experience in any field (or part-time equivalent)
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model.
This unit applies to individuals whose job role involves working with clients on personal and psychological issues within established policies, procedures and guideline
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CHCCSL001 Establish and confirm the counselling relationship |
Element: |
1. Use a structured approach to counselling |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Analyse existing client information prior to commencement of counselling session 1.2 Use initial session to gather additional client information as a foundation for counselling process 1.3 Select and use communication techniques that support the initial counselling session objectives 1.4 Follow a structured approach to counselling based on client needs and expectations |
Element: |
2. Establish the nature of the helping relationship |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Provide information that assists clients to understand the nature of the counselling service on offer 2.2 Clarify, confirm or modify client expectations of the counselling service 2.3 Identify client anxieties about the counselling process and explore with clients 2.4 Acknowledge and show respect for client's immediate concerns 2.5 Clarify both expectations and commitment to the counselling relationship and confirm with clients 2.6 Identify indicators of client issues beyond scope of own role and report or refer according to presenting issue and organisation requirements |
Element: |
3. Confirm the helping relationship |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Explore options and approaches for the relationship with clients according to individual need 3.2 Agree priorities and develop a plan for counselling in collaboration with the client 3.3 Make documented agreement with the client that addresses disclosure and organisation requirements |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to use a structured approach to counselling to determine, establish and confirm the nature of the counsellor client relationship according to the agency’s counselling model.
Details of Learning Activities
This course will have face to face on campus sessions
In-class activities:
- Teacher directed classroom learning activities
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- group discussion
- class activities to review discussions/lectures
- role play
- Guest Speakers
Out-of-class activities:
- independent assessment -based work,
- Reading and research
- independent study
- Placement (only for units which has placement requirement)
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Topic/s |
| Week 1 |
The origin of counselling What counselling is and what counselling isn't The qualities of an effective Counsellor The scope and nature of a counselling relationship Different schools/approaches of counselling The legal and ethical The Contract to Treat |
| Week 2 |
The core conditions Empathy blocks The client/Counsellor helping The Person-Centred approach to Introduce Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions |
|
Week 3 Assessment Task 1 Due |
The 6 stages of the counselling process and the 3 stages of an individual session Organising and setting-up the initial The therapeutic framework Meet, Greet and Explaining the counselling How to ask for permission to How to explain an How to give What is SOLER? The communication process Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions Due |
| Week 4 |
Active listening Open and closed questions How to reflect feelings Mirroring Paraphrasing Summarising Focusing Normalising Reframing Confronting and challenging How to use silence How to end a session on time Counsellor/client anxiety Client resistance How to deal with client resistance Case conceptualisation The client counselling plan Therapeutic goals Counsellor/client feedback Introduce Assessment Task 2: Role Play 1 |
|
Week 5 Assessment Task 2 Due |
Counselling Assessment Task 2: Role Play1 |
|
Week 6 |
Case noting Challenging client Dealing with angry clients SLAP + DIRT Safety planning Manage overly talkative clients Dealing with crying clients Manage clients who constantly ask questions Dealing with clients who give gifts How to deal with feelings towards a client Introduce Assessment Task 3: Knowledge Questions |
|
Week 7 Assessment Task 3 Due |
The Cycle of Change The Window of Tolerance Anxiety and Depression Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy strategies How to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in a counselling session Assessment Task 3 Knowledge Questions Due |
| Week 8 |
Solution Focused Therapy Some effective Solution Focused Therapy strategies How to use Solution Focused Therapy in a counselling session Gestalt Therapy How to use Gestalt Therapy Dream analysis Art Therapy Drama Therapy Music Therapy How creative therapies can be used in a session Confronting and Challenging The 3 different types of counselling endings Self-care Counsellor training options Introduce, Prepare and Practice Assessment Task 4: Role Play 2 |
|
Week 9 Assessment Task 4 Due |
Counselling Assessment Task 4: Role Play 2 |
| Week 10 |
Brining It All Together / Assessment Catch Up Week Review and evaluate overall learning/s |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The Learning Lab
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Overview of Assessment
This course is delivered and assessed in a cluster with;
CHCCSL002-Apply specialist interpersonal and counselling interview skills
Students are given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Unit if you would like to find out more (https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services)
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. You will be given two (2) attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic. Resubmissions beyond two (2) attempts are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
The assessment Rubric is Available in Canvas.
Other Information
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully
Placement
To commence your placement which is a mandatory requirement for this course, you need a current working with children check and police check
information about your studies:
You canaccess My Studies through the RMIT websitefor information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.
Special consideration:
If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this applicationplease visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsiderationor speak to your Program Coordinator.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview