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3. reflect upon and use life experience, depth of self-understanding, and therapeuticexperience in the service of the client.4. undertake research in counselling psychologyTo these ends, the course balances theoretical learning, research skills, psychotherapy skilldevelopment, and personal development. This means, that while some of the units are primarilytheoretical, in many units there is a strong emphasis on experiential methods of teaching. This mayinvolve such methods as role-plays, experiential exercises, action methods, live supervision, video,and exercises that aim to develop a high level of reflexivity. The course aims to produce a reflectivepractitioner who is able to intervene effectively with appropriate techniques, but who is also able tounderstand the moment-to-moment process of therapeutic work and their own role in that process.Class sizes are kept small, so there is plenty of opportunity for discussion and individualisedlearning. Some of the skills-based units have two staff members who are then able to give detailedand extensive feedback regarding the development of therapeutic skills.The course is not based exclusively on any one theoretical orientation, since we believe thatstudents should have a basic familiarity with the major approaches, including cognitive-behavioural,existential-humanistic, and psychodynamic. Although several specific models are taught, theprogramme is underpinned by a focus on the interpersonal processes in psychotherapy includingthe therapeutic alliance, because there is strong research evidence that these are central to alltherapeutic work. The evidence base for psychotherapy, specific models, specific interventions, andthe therapeutic relationship are comprehensively addressed. In addition to individualpsychotherapy, there is also a focus on developing understanding and skills in the specificmodalities of couples and family therapy and group therapy.Duration and AvailabilityThe course is available on a full-time (maximum of four years) and on a part-time (maximum of eightyears) basis. Students are expected to spend eleven months per year on the program for theduration of the course.Course OrganisationThe program consists of three main components: course work, practicum placements, and adoctoral thesis. The coursework component provides training in counselling psychology. Thepracticum component comprises three professional placements (a total of 1000 hours). Theresearch component is the most substantial part of the course, and represents almost three quartersof the total course of study.General Information about the ProgramThe following is intended to provide information for students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy(Counselling Psychology) degree. The staff will attempt to keep you informed about changes inprocedures and policy, but if in doubt, check with your advisor or any other core staff. Please notethat changes are usually made to the curriculum on a yearly basis. You will need to obtain a currentcourse handbook from the School of Psychology office each year to keep track on any alterationsthat may affect your degree. Please note that it is a condition of admission to Curtin that studentslog in to OASIS (Online Access to Student Information Services) on at least a weekly basis.Professional RecognitionThe professional component of this course is identical to the Master of Psychology (Counselling)program, which is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Becauseit incorporates the fully the accredited program, the course also satisfies the requirements formembership of the College of Counselling Psychologists of the Australian Psychological Society(APS).64Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)