Entry to the Counselling SpecialisationStudent Presentation

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

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Entry to the Counselling Specialisation.What happens?

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Social Science need to

apply to enter the Counselling Specialisation at the conclusion of

Counselling Skills 2 (On-Campus students) or at the conclusion of

Counsellor Development Workshop 1 (Flexible Delivery) students.

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Purpose of applying to enter Counselling Speciality

• To meet the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Training Standards

• To uphold the PACFA course accreditation

• To monitor student readiness for training in this sensitive field

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What are the PACFA training requirements?

That students demonstrate:

– Fundamental human capacities– Self awareness– Capacity to relate to others– Capacity to understand and practice ethical behaviour– Capacity to reflect upon and learn from:

• Life experience• Including being open to positive and challenging feedback

from others

(PACFA Training Standards, 2009)

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So how does it work?

• Students self reflect on the PACFA criteria

• Educators provide comment

• The Counselling Specialisation Committee has the final say in the approval process

• Naturally, in the interests of fairness, there is also an appeals process

• And there are grounds for exclusion from the speciality when the standards are not upheld

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So how does it work?

• Depending on whether you are an On-Campus or a Flexible Delivery Student, there are two ways for students to enter the Counselling Specialisation:

– On-Campus Students apply at the end of Counselling Skills 2

– Flexible Delivery Students apply at the end of Counsellor Development 1 Workshop

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What does the application involve?

• Answering 11 self reflective questions on the application form – be yourself and be honest

• Passing the unit Counselling Skills 2

• Giving your completed form to your Counselling Skills 2 educator for on campus students or Counsellor Development Workshop educator for Flexible Delivery students

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Applying for Confirmed Acceptance into the Specialisation

1. Application

2. RequirementsPass CS2Attend CDW 1 (Flex students)Complete PACFA Self AssessmentSubmit Application to Educator : At end of unit (on campus students) Or at the end of the workshop (Flex)

Not Ready

Ready

Confirmed Acceptance Granted

Fail CS2Re-enrol

Committee will recommend process for

re-application

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What do Educators provide comment upon?

The Educator observes the student in class or in the Counsellor Development Workshop and provides comment on the following:

• Personal Awareness• Open to and interested in feedback• Ability to Relate to Others (genuine, empathic, respectful, present to client, appropriate

pace)• Awareness of Ethical Issues (respects client choices, refrains from: problem solving, leading,

judging, advising client)• Ability to Practice in an Ethical Manner, including ability to develop the Therapeutic Alliance • Ability to uphold the PACFA principles of the profession and to work professionally and

respectfully with clients and colleagues

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Benefits of the Process

• Focuses students’ purpose and invites self reflection

• Positions feedback as vital to development

• Reinforces ethical practice: Aims to promote good and minimise potential harm

• Upholds PACFA accreditation training requirements

• Improves the value of the course

• Improves gate-keeping into the profession

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How will I know if I’m accepted

• You will receive a letter in the term following your application informing you of your status.

• If you have been unsuccessful in gaining Confirmed Acceptance you will be notified of the process that needs to be followed for a re-application and/or an appeal. If the re-application is unsuccessful and if you appeal and you are unsuccessful in gaining Confirmed Acceptance in the re-application, then you will be given the option of having no specialisation or of entering the coaching or management specialisations.

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Grounds for Exclusion or Withdrawal after Acceptance

• There are guidelines, just like in professional practice

• At the discretion of the College, students who breach the following may be withdrawn from the Specialisation:

– ACAP Student Code of Conduct

– Academic and Non Academic Misconduct Policies

– Student Placement Code of Conduct

– PACFA standards and guidelines

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More information...

For more information see the Application for Acceptance into Counselling Specialisation form available on my.acap under Student Resources/Forms.

If you have further question speak with the Program Coordinator/Manager on your campus.

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