THL420 Pastoral Counselling: Theory and Professional Issues (8)

This subject examines different models of Christian and psychological counselling for pastoral work in the Australian context. Pastoral counselling situations and cases requiring counselling skills are examined, and gender, multi-cultural and indigenous perspectives, and spiritual practices in pastoral counselling are considered. Professional and ethical issues such as transference, countertransference, referral and supervision are examined in their relationship to pastoral ministry.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL420. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to students presently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Pastoral Counselling, Master of Pastoral Counselling, Master of Pastoral Counselling (Clinical) and Master of Ministry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to outline and critically discuss relevant psychological counselling models
  • be able to outline and critically discuss relevant Christian counselling models
  • be able to demonstrate a foundational knowledge of professional issues arising in pastoral counselling situations (incl values, boundaries, dual relationships, transference, countertransference, and referrals)
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of personal awareness in the personal development of the pastoral counsellor
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues arising in pastoral counselling situations and their critical application to pastoral counselling professional practice
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of gender, multi-cultural and indigenous perspectives and their critical application to pastoral counselling practice
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of professional supervision for pastoral counsellors
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the spiritual practices relevant for pastoral counselling situations
  • be able to demonstrate research, writing and communication skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • An introduction to pastoral counselling
  • The pastoral counsellor as a person
  • Psychological and counselling theories and therapies
  • Developmental issues in pastoral counselling
  • Towards a pastoral counselling model
  • Introduction to ethics in pastoral counselling
  • Professional issues in pastoral counselling (incl values, boundaries and dual relationships, transference and countertransference, and referrals)
  • Cultural and gender issues, incl working with indigenous clients
  • Spiritual practices in pastoral counselling
  • Care of the carer and the process of supervision

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL420 in Session 1 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Topic reflections
40
2
Participation in residential school and discussion
10
3
Essay
50

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.The purpose of the residential school is to provide an opportunity for discussion about the meaning of pastoral counselling and the application of pastoral counselling models. Students will present a short introductory pastoral counselling case in a small group.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back