Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

Please note that given the circumstances of COVID-19, there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for Semester 1 2020 Units. Students will be notified of all approved modifications by Unit Coordinators via email and Unit Blackboard sites. Where changes have been made, these are designed to ensure that you still meet the unit learning outcomes in the context of our adjusted teaching and learning arrangements.

• Unit Title

  Trauma-Informed Counselling

• Unit Code

  COU6507

• Year

  2020

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Georgina Mary AKERS

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Description

This unit introduces students to theories, models and neurobiology of trauma-informed counselling. Within the ethical and legal framework of trauma-informed practice, students will learn how to recognise a range of trauma symptoms and explore evidence-based interventions for assessment, planning, treatment and evaluation. Historical and intergenerational trauma will be introduced, highlighting the value of these concepts in understanding the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. Emphasis is placed on developing the self-awareness of the counsellor, including the personal impact of working with trauma, and the importance of self-advocacy, professional supervision, reflective practice and self-care.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

Students undertake this unit in an accelerated delivery mode over 6 weeks.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse the impact of trauma and relevant evidence-based interventions, with consideration of legal and ethical codes of practice.
2. Examine the political, cultural, social and familial contexts in which trauma occurs and how this influences the individual and their treatment interventions.
3. Communicate appropriate skills and techniques to manage trauma presentations and crisis situations, including strategies for self-care.
4. Reflect on the personal impact of working with trauma to monitor professional functioning and implement strategies for ongoing development as a professional.

Unit Content

1. Theories and models of trauma-informed counselling.
2. Ethical and legal frameworks of trauma-informed practice in Australia.
3. Neuroscience and neurobiology of trauma including symptoms and triggers.
4. Collective, historical and intergenerational trauma.
5. Preventing and responding to crisis situations.
6. The impact of working with trauma including vicarious trauma, secondary trauma and burnout.
7. Self-care, supervision and reflective practice when working with trauma.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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