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INTRODUCTIONThis handbook is intended to provide information for students enrolled in the Master of Psychology(Counselling) and PhD (Counselling Psychology). The staff will attempt to keep you informed aboutchanges in procedures and policy, but if in doubt, check with your advisor or any other core staff.Please note that changes are usually made to the curriculum on a yearly basis. You will need toobtain a current course handbook from the School of Psychology office each year to keep track ofany alterations that may affect your degree. Please note that it is a condition of admission to Curtinthat students log in to OASIS (Online Access to Student Information Services) on at least a weeklybasis.ABOUT THE MASTERS IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGYCounselling psychology is one of a number of endorsed areas of practice in professionalpsychology. Similar to psychologists who practice in other endorsed areas such as organizationalpsychology, clinical psychology and forensic psychology, counselling psychologists hold a Mastersdegree from a specialized program. At Curtin University, counselling psychology is offered as aspecific stream within the Master of Psychology program. Graduates are eligible to undertake aregistrar program leading to an endorsement in counselling psychology.Counselling psychologists provide psychological assessment and diagnosis, counselling, andpsychotherapeutic services to individuals, couples, families, children, and groups. Counsellingpsychologists are trained to work with a wide range of psychological difficulties and mental healthdisorders. Counselling psychologists work with complex psychological problems and disorders suchas depression, anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, and personalitydisorders. Identification and treatment of psychopathology is a significant aspect of the training andthe professional work. Counselling psychologists also assist clients facing challenging or prolongeddifficulties, such as bereavement, intimacy issues, relationship breakdown, transition to parenthood,attachment issues, sexual abuse, adjustment to step-parenting, sexual assault, or involuntaryredundancy. The central focus is the specialised applied training in psychotherapy process andinterventions relevant to individuals, couples, families, parent-infant relationships, children, andgroups.Counselling psychologists enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities. Some are to be foundin academic and research settings, although most are employed as practitioners in community andgovernment agencies. A growing number are involved in private practice. Private practitioners whohave met area of endorsement requirements may offer rebates from most leading health insurersand from Medicare.The Masters degree in Counselling Psychology provides advanced professional training to the sixthyear level. The program has been accredited by APAC (Australian Psychology AccreditationCouncil) and meets full membership requirements of the College of Counselling Psychology of theAPS (Australian Psychological Society). The course is a two-year full time program (or equivalentpart-time), involving course work, practicums, and dissertation. The course is designed to providethe theoretical knowledge and basic skills required for the development of effective practice as aCounselling Psychologist.3Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)