Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology ...

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of TechnologyCRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA)

ABOUT THE MASTERS AND PhD IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGYCounselling psychology is one of a number of specialisations in professional psychology. Similar topsychologists who practice in other specialist areas such as organisational psychology, clinical psychologyand forensic psychology, counselling psychologists hold a Masters or PhD degree from a programaccredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. At Curtin University counselling psychologyis offered as a specific major stream within the Master of Psychology program and as a full PhD program.Graduates will be eligible to register with the Psychology Board of Australia and commence supervision forthe purpose of gaining registration and endorsement as a Counselling Psychologist.What is a counselling psychologist?Counselling psychologists are specialists in the provision of psychological therapy. They providepsychological assessment and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families and groups, and treata wide range of psychological problems and mental health disorders. Counselling psychologists use avariety of evidence-based therapeutic strategies and have particular expertise in tailoring these tomeet the specific and varying needs of clients (APS Brochure on Counselling Psychology).Counselling psychologists work with complex psychological problems and disorders such as depression,anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and personality disorders. Identification andtreatment of psychopathology is a significant aspect of the training and the professional work. Counsellingpsychologists also assist clients with adjustment to adverse circumstances or life events such asbereavement, intimacy issues, relationship breakdown, transition to parenthood, attachment issues,adjustment to step-parenting, involuntary redundancy, sexual assault or abuse, or release from prison.The central focus is the specialised applied training in psychotherapy process and interventions relevantto individuals, couples, families, parent-infant relationships, children and groups.Counselling psychologists enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities. Some are to be found inacademic and research settings, although most are employed as practitioners in community andgovernment agencies. A growing number are involved in private practice. Private practitioners who havemet registration requirements may offer rebates from Medicare and most health insurers.ACCREDITATION AND REGISTRATIONThe Master of Psychology (Counselling) provides advanced professional training to the sixth year level.The program is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. The course is a two-yearfull-time program (or equivalent part-time) consisting of course work, practicums and a dissertation.Graduates of the program will be entitled to endorsed registration as a counselling psychologist with thePsychology Board of Australia, once they complete two years of supervision as a counselling psychologistregistrar.The PhD (Counselling Psychology) consists of the units in the Master’s program plus a traditional PhDdissertation. The program meets all of the criteria listed above for APAC and the Psychology Board ofAustralia. The PhD is a four-year full-time (or eight-year part-time) program. A normal PhD is three yearsfull-time and the Master’s is two years full-time, so the PhD (Counselling Psychology) reduces the amountof time involved in study, for those pursuing a combined program. Another advantage of the PhD(Counselling Psychology) is that all program fees are covered through automatic university scholarships,meaning that students pay no fees for all of their master’s units. The PhD prepares graduates for theprofessional practice of counselling psychology, for research in psychology, and for an academic career.P a g e | 2Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

GRADUATE DESTINATIONSGraduates of the course are well-regarded and highly successful at competing for jobs within thecounselling/psychotherapy sector. Indeed, many students obtain employment in the field prior to coursecompletion. Many graduates have attained management or senior roles in agencies and governmentdepartments. Specific employment settings in which graduates are to be found include:Government departments such as Child Protection, Corrective Services, Centrelink, WaterCorporation, Education, Western Power and Commonwealth Department of Veteran Affairs;Non-government agencies such as Relationships Australia, Centrecare, Kinway, Family PlanningAssociation, Women’s Health Care Associations, WA Aids Council, Communicare, Breathing Space,Cancer Council.Private hospitals, such as Hollywood, St John of God, Perth Clinic, Abbotsford and a small numberof public hospitals, such as King Edward and Albany.Private providers such as employee assistance program providers (e.g. Prime. PPCN Worldwide,APM), GP Divisional programs, personnel recruitment agencies, and private institutes;Private practice;University counselling services;Research Institutes such as the National Drug Research Institute;University teaching departments;COURSE STRUCTUREThe course is offered on either a full-time or part-time basis. There are three main parts to the course:1. Units which develop theoretical understanding, self-awareness and therapeutic skills incounselling/psychotherapy;2. Practicums which offer the opportunity to apply skills in an agency setting under the supervision of acounselling psychologist;3. A dissertation which develops the capacity to do applied research in an area relevant to counsellingpsychology.Units are taught on the Curtin University campus, while practicums are organized in a wide variety oftherapy settings. The practicums involve placements in three different agency settings. Each placement onaverage consists of two days per week over 20 weeks. Students who are working in a counselling settingmay apply to use their work setting as a practicum setting for one of the three placements. The master’sdissertation is completed in the second year of the course and consists of a small, but substantial researchstudy which is presented in the form of a publishable journal article. Advisors assist students to select topicsthat make use of their existing expertise and or work settings. The PhD dissertation is completed at the endof the four years. There is no provision for external study. Several of our students have won national prizesfrom the APS for their dissertations.ESSENTIAL COURSE REQUIRMENTAn essential requirement of the course is the capacity to listen empathically and to provide counsellingfor individuals from diverse backgrounds without imposing the therapist’s value system. This includesindividuals from diverse religious orientations, ethnicities, sexual orientations, genders, value systems,and those with disabilities. A further requirement is the willingness and demonstrated capacity to work ina variety of clinical agency settings.P a g e | 3Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

PROGRAM STRUCTUREMASTER OF PSYCHOLOGY (COUNSELLING)The program for a full-time student is outlined below.Master of Psychology – Study Package 187204Counselling Psychology Major – 307086Year 1 Semester 1Contact Hours Credit Unit Coordinator309544 Psy 795 Professional Practice (Counselling) 2.0 25.0 Gillian Stevens311098 Psychology 701- Psychotherapy Skills 4.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton309516 Psychology 711-Psychological Assessment 3.0 25.0 Melissa Davis309531 Psy 705 - Interventions Over the Lifespan 4.0 25.0 Lynn Priddis100.0Year 1 Semester 2306530 Psy Dissertation Preparation 1 699-1 1.0 25.0 Gillian Stevens309529 Psy 704 - Individual Psychotherapy 4.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton309519 Research Methods 703 4.0 25.0 Bob Kane6726 Psychology Practicum 696 16.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton100.0Year 2 Semester 1309534 Psy 710 - Couples and Family Therapy 4.0 25.0 Lynn Priddis309535 Psy 712 - Psychopathology and 4.0 25.0 Jan GrantAdvanced Psychotherapy Process306531 Psychology Dissertation 1 699-2 1.0 25.0 Gillian Stevens6727 Psychology Practicum 697 15.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton100.0Year 2 Semester 2309533 Psychology 706 - Group Psychotherapy 4.0 25.0 Jan Grant6728 Psychology Practicum 698 15.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton6730 Psy Dissertation Preparation 2 699 1.0 50.0 Gillian Stevens100.0P a g e | 5Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

PROGRAM STRUCTUREPhD (COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY)The program for a full-time student is outlined below.PhD (Counselling Psychology) – Study Package 309510Majors, Streams or Other Core ComponentsContact Hours Credit Unit Coordinator99173 v. 2 Doctoral Thesis - Psychology 0.0Year 1 Semester 1309544 Psy 795 - Preparation for Professional Practice 2.0 25.0 Gillian Stevens311098 Psy 701- Psychotherapy Skills 4.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton50.0Year 1 Semester 2309519 Psy 703 - Research Methods 3.0 25.0 Bob Kane309529 Psy 704 - Individual Psychotherapy 4.0 25.0 Jenny Thornton50.0Year 2 Semester 1309516 Psy 711 – Psychological Assessment 3.0 25.0 Melissa Davis309531 Psy 705 - Interventions Over The Lifespan 4.0 25.0 Lynn Priddis50.0Year 2 Semester 2309533 Psy706 - Group Psychotherapy 4.0 25.0 Jan Grant309545 Psy 796 - Practicum (Counselling) 16.0 0.0 Jenny Thornton25.0Year 3 Semester 1309534 Psy 710 - Couples and Family Therapy 4.0 25.0 Lynn Priddis309546 Psy 797 - Practicum (Counselling) 15.0 0.0 Jenny Thornton25.0Year 3 Semester 2309547 Psy 798 - Practicum (Counselling) 15.0 0.0 Jenny ThorntonYear 4 Semester 1309535 Psy 712 - Psychopathology and 4.0 25.0 Jan GrantAdvanced Psychotherapy Process 25.0Additional Completion Criteria Completion CreditsCompleted Practical ComponentTotal 225.0P a g e | 6Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

UNIT DESCRIPTIONSPSYCHOLOGY 701: PSYCHOTHERAPY SKILLSThis unit provides an introduction to basic counselling and individual psychotherapy skills. The unit alsodevelops skills in multimodal assessment, mental status examination, risk assessment and DSM-IV/ICD-10diagnoses.PSYCHOLOGY 704: INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPYThis course focuses on students’ theoretical understanding and clinical skills at an advanced and appliedlevel. Students are exposed to some of the major theoretical systems, including existential therapy,cognitive behaviour therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. The class work will involve role-playingand working with clients, video-taping, viewing of films and tapes, and didactic input.PSYCHOLOGY 705: INTERVENTIONS OVER THE LIFESPANThis unit provides theoretical knowledge in counselling psychology and psychotherapy. It integratesknowledge of developmental psychology across the lifespan with key theoretical perspectives. The unitdevelops knowledge and skills to assess and formulate how normal development across the lifespanbecomes derailed and to use this knowledge in planning interventions for a number of specificdevelopmental issues that are addressed as exemplars of each stage of the lifespan.PSYCHOLOGY 706: GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPYThis unit builds on student knowledge and skills developed in Individual Psychotherapy (Psy 704) andextends these to working with common theme groups. Key models for understanding group processes areexamined and practical skills in group leadership are developed. Students are encouraged to participate ingroup experiences and are involved in the planning of a common theme group in the community.PSYCHOLOGY 710: COUPLES AND FAMILY THERAPYThis unit builds on student knowledge and skills in individual therapy (Psy 701, 704) and interventionsacross the life-span (Psy 705) and extends these to the areas of family therapy and couples therapy.Key frames for examining interactional patterns and strategies for bringing about change are considered.It focuses particularly on developmental and attachment based approaches to couple and family therapy.Family life-cycles, the influences of parental style, history and distress on couple and family relationshipsand the bi-directional co-constructive nature of parent child interactions are focal points of the unit. The unitdevelops knowledge and skills in couple, parent-child relationship and family assessment and interventions.PSYCHOLOGY 711: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTThis unit provides students with the practical skills to complete comprehensive psychological assessmentswithin adult and child clinical contexts. Students will learning skills required to select, administer, score andinterpret the results of commonly used psychological tests, and to integrate assessment results and presentfindings in client-focused reports.PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 795This unit addresses issues related to the profession of Counselling Psychology, as distinct from otherdisciplines within the helping profession. It involves the study of factors that impact upon professionalpractice, such as personal beliefs and biases. In addition, the unit has a strong focus on professionalethics and the processes involved in the resolution of ethical dilemmas in the workplace.P a g e | 7Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM 696, 697, 698: PRACTICUM PLACEMENTSPhD – PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM 796, 797, 798: PRACTICUM PLACEMENTSThe student, on completion of these practicum units, will demonstrate behaviour consistent with a beginninglevel of independent practice as a Counselling Psychologist. The first practicum of the program will takeplace in the second semester of the first year and will generally involve two eight-hour days per week over20 weeks. Attendance at the practicum class is also required. The second and third placements will be inthe first and second semesters of the second year (if enrolled full-time) and will also involve two days perweek. Over the three practicums a combined total of 125 days should be completed.PSYCHOLOGY 703: RESEARCH METHODSThis unit contains eight core modules that relate to research designs, measurement, statistical analysis andinterpretation. These modules are compulsory. In addition, three elective modules include more advancedtraining in structural equation modeling, meta-analysis and qualitative methodologies. This unit reviewsemerging strategies in applied psychological research. The emphasis is on research design rather thanstatistics, and on quantitative rather than qualitative methods.PSYCHOLOGY 712: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND ADVANCED PSYCHOTHERAPY PROCESSThis unit addresses psychopathology through a thorough review of psychological disorders based on theDSM-IV and the ICD-10. It includes consideration of predisposing, precipitating, perpetuating and protectivefactors. Psychopharmacology will be addressed in relation to each of the disorders. In addition, the unitaddresses some of the more advanced psychotherapy skills and concepts that are required for working withmore complex client populations, including ruptures in the therapeutic alliance, defenses, transference, andcountertransference. Such psychotherapy processes are linked to understanding the personality structure,developmental processes, and psychopathology of the client, as well as the research on evidence-basedpractice.PSYCHOLOGY DISSERTATION PREPARATION 1 699 – 1, (1 699 – 2), (1 699) & (2 699)The planning of a suitable applied research project, relating to advanced coursework completed by thestudent. This is presented as a dissertation in the format required under University regulations.SELECTION PROCESSESIntake into the courses occurs in February each year and entry is competitive. Applications close on 31October. For the Masters the minimum entry requirement is a four-year psychology degree with a strongacademic record normally with at least a 70% average. This may consist of a B.Psych, a three-year degreeplus approved psychology postgraduate diploma, or an Honours degree (at Honours IIA level or above). Forthe PhD the entry requirement is an Honours degree (IIA or higher) or equivalent. The selection processinvolves the following steps. Applicants submit a written application and are short-listed on the basis of their academic record,employment history and references.Short-listed applicants are interviewed in November. The interview is approximately 30 minutes andis used to assess interpersonal skills, counselling experience, voluntary and paid work experience,self-awareness, flexibility, reflectivity, and openness to learning.Places are offered on the basis of assessment of the applicant’s written application andperformance in the interview. Offers occur in December, with second-round offers occurring inJanuary.P a g e | 8Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

FEESAll successful Australian applicants for the Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) will be allocateda Commonwealth Supported Place. This means that the Commonwealth will pay part of the cost of yourstudy and you pay a student contribution. For those of you who have come through from an undergraduatedegree in recent years, the system is exactly the same as you had through your course. Psychology unitsare in Band 1 for CSP. In 2011, the student contribution for students starting a new course with a full-timeload of Band 1 units was about $6,000 per year. As for an undergraduate degree, you may defer paymentof the student contribution by applying for a HECS-HELP loan, or you may pay up-front and receive a 20%discount. Please contact the Fees Centre at Curtin for more details: http://www.fees.curtin.edu.au/index.cfmThe Government also allows eligible full-time Master of Psychology students to claim student incomesupport payments from Centrelink. If you are not eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (e.g. youare an International Student), then you will be required to pay the full fee. The 2011 indicative forInternational students in the Master of Psychology was $21,800 per year of study. Once again, pleasecontact the Fees Centre for more details. All coursework fees for the PhD (Counselling Psychology) arecovered by the university. In addition, there are scholarships that PhD students may apply for that areawarded on a competitive basis. If a student transfers out of the PhD into the Master’s, they will receivecredit for any completed units, but will need to back-pay the fees for any units undertaken as part of thePhD.ACADEMIC STAFFAs well as being academics with research interests, all the staff have experience as practitioners and allcontinue to be actively involved in psychotherapy with clients.JAN GRANT BA (Hons); MA; PhDAssociate Professor and Program DirectorJan is the Course Coordinator for the program. In addition, Jan works one day a week as a counsellingpsychologist in private practice, where she sees individuals and couples for therapy and professionals forsupervision. In the past she has worked in various positions as a psychologist with the intellectuallyhandicapped, deaf children, the mentally ill, gifted children, and at a university counselling service. Jan isDeputy Chair of the National Executive of the College of Counselling Psychology (APS) and Co-Editor ofthe Australian Journal of Counselling Psychology. She is a recipient of the Curtin University Excellence inTeaching Award in Health Sciences (2008) and an Australian Learning and Teaching Council nationalcitation for excellence in teaching (2010). Jan’s specialty areas and research interests includepsychotherapy methods, psychodynamic psychotherapy, supervision of psychotherapy, and trauma. Lifeoutside work (there is some!) is enjoyed with her partner. Swimming in the ocean and good wines help tokeep life in perspective.JENNY THORNTON BSc(Hons) Dip Ed M Psych, PhDSenior LecturerJenny is a counselling psychologist who has taught in the counselling psychology masters program atCurtin for the last twenty years. During this time, she has maintained a clinical load via a small privatepractice, where she focuses on individual psychotherapy and speciality supervision. Jenny's main teachingand research interests are in the areas of counsellor training and supervision, and in particular, individualpsychotherapy. She was previously the co-ordinator of the rehabilitation counselling program and maintainsan interest in health psychology and chronic pain. Speciality areas include interpersonal processpsychotherapy, existential therapy, trauma, and personality disorders. Her previous work history includesTAFE counselling and consultancies to DEET and to medical specialists. She is currently serving asPresiding Member of the Regional Board (WA, SA and NT) of the Psychology Board of Australia. Currentobsessions include Latin dancing, theatre, travel, and good wine.P a g e | 9Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)

LYNN PRIDDIS B.Psych, Dip Ed., M. Psych.(school counselling), M. Psych (clinical), PhD.Senior LecturerLynn joined the teaching team in the Masters of Counselling Psychology at Curtin in 2001. Lynn brings withher over 20 years of clinical and counselling psychology practice via private practice, employment as aschool psychologist and as a senior clinical psychologist with the WA Health Department. Lynn enjoysworking with parent-infant relationships, troubled families, and children with challenging behaviours from apsychodynamic perspective. Lynn's research interests are in the field of attachment theory and itsapplication to clinical practice. Lynn has trained with specialists in the use of attachment measures forinfants, preschoolers and adults and her work and learning in this area is at the cutting edge. Lynn isimmediate past Chairperson of the Australian Association for Infant Mental Health. To preserve her sanityLynn enjoys camping in the Australian outback with her four children and husband as well as backpackingwith friends on the Bibbulmun track and overseas.GILLIAN STEVENS MPsych (Counselling)LecturerGillian returned to university as a mature age student after many years working in small business. Herstudies were undertaken at Curtin and she continued on to teach in a range of subjects at undergraduateand subsequently, postgraduate level. Gillian continues to devote one day a week to clinical work and herprofessional interests lie in forensic psychology, addictive behaviours, and sexuality. Research interestsinclude; gender issues, ethics, forensic and developmental psychology.GREG CHIDLOW B.App.Sc, Grad Dip (Psych), MPsych (Counselling)LecturerGreg has worked as a Counselling Psychologist in a variety of settings over the past 20 years. His work hasincluded areas such as domestic violence, trauma, cancer support, relationships, EAPs and generalcounselling. He has had a strong interest in clinical supervision and counsellor development and hasprovided training in these areas at several universities. He is now in private practice and works part time atCurtin coordinating the Counselling Clinic and supervising students. Greg keeps his peace of mind throughcamping, photography and lazy kayaking.INQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONSThere are two parts to the application. Application forms can be found at:Part 1: http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate/courseworkforms.cfmPart 2: http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/Master_of_Psychology_187204_08.pdfInquiries about application forms or general administrative inquiries can be directed to the Health FacultyStudent Services Office:futurestudents@health.curtin.edu.au +61 8 9266 4583Specific Inquiries about the academic content of the course, eligibility, and selection procedures may beaddressed to one of the academic staff:Associate Professor Jan Grant, Program Director +61 8 9266 7231Dr. Jenny Thornton, Senior Lecturer +61 8 9266 7087Greg Chidlow, Lecturer +61 8 9266 7842Dr. Lynn Priddis, Lecturer +61 8 9266 3297Gillian Stevens, Lecturer +61 8 9266 3027P a g e | 10Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology.CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)