THL522 Pastoral Counselling: Group Process (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject introduces the student to an advanced level of understanding of group dynamics and practice within a pastoral counselling context. It will involve critical analysis of different theoretical approaches and types of groups relevant to pastoral counselling. Skills and knowledge required for ethical group leadership at a professional level will be taught and practised. Students are encouraged to keep a journal recording their journey through this subject.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: THL522
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Enrolment restrictions:
Master of Arts (Pastoral Counselling)
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to identify and critically analyse key aspects in group dynamics and group process within pastoral counselling settings;
- be able to demonstrate a high order of skill in analysis of different types of groups in terms of their purpose (e.g. therapy, psychoeducation) and their potential application in a pastoral counselling setting;
- be able to critically evaluate different theoretical approaches to groups and their relevance to a pastoral counselling context;
- be able to demonstrate at a professional level, the application of personal characteristics, ethical approaches, and the professional skills required to lead a pastoral counselling group;
- be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of stages in group development and the skills, structure and processes required to facilitate these;
- be able to critically reflect on their own experience of being a group member in light of the group's composition, purpose, structure and process;
- be able to demonstrate a professional standard of planning a range of groups suitable for pastoral counselling setting; and
- be able to demonstrate creativity and flexibility in organising and leading a group from initial stages of needs assessment, setting up a group, to conducting the group, and the final stage of termination and evaluation within a pastoral counselling setting.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Importance and relevance of groups in a pastoral counselling context - Pastoral Counselling group leadership issues - Theoretical perspectives for pastoral counselling groups - Developmental and systemic issues in groups - Group stages, dynamics and processes - The first session - Conflict, silence, appropriate self-disclosure, trust and anxiety in pastoral counselling groups - Exercises and activities to facilitate group process - Specific populations and issues in pastoral counselling settings - Ethical group leadership and practice
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school.
During the compulsory residential school, students are required to demonstrate the professional application of advanced skills and knowledge in the area of pastoral counselling groups. This will involve the demonstration of a high order of group leadership skills, coupled with critical reflection and evaluation of their personal and group process.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.