Working With Groups, Teams and Leaders (CO3005Z)

Content

Counsellors find themselves in all sorts of professional contexts, from working in private practice, to the Not-For-Profit sector, and even in the corporate world. This brings counsellors into contact with a variety of people who are struggling in different ways. For example, clients may be group participants trying to overcome addictions, a team of employees who are demotivated, or even organisational leaders under immense pressure. This unit therefore extends beyond common counselling modalities to consider the value of: (1) group counselling; (2) coaching; and (3) mentoring. The similarities, differences, and methods of these three adjunct approaches to helping others will be the focus of this unit. By being able to shift from counsellor, to coach, to mentor - and to integrate aspects of each approach - you will possess a valuable skill-set that will enhance your employability and work as a professional helper.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Offering: This unit is to be taught in year 3, semester 1 (term 2).

Prerequisites: CO1005Z Introduction To Counselling CO2001Z Human Development, Personality, And Identity CO2007Z Counselling Ethics, The Law, And Best Practice

Prohibited combinations: CO3004Z Intimacy, Sex(ualities), And Gender

Pedagogy

Problem-based learning In practice: To understand how to structure a question and use a logical process to derive an outcome which meets appropriate intellectual/professional standards is an important skill for counsellors. Through the provision of various intellectual lenses and associated problems students have the opportunity to engage problem-solving at a deeper level. While this is done effectively with online modules, at a face-to-face intensive, or during online seminars, students also get exposed to: (1) ambiguous problems; (2) problems with multiple answers; (3) problems with probabilistic outcomes; (4) problems with no good answers or no answers at all. In this way they begin to develop a rich understanding of what it is like to work with clients. Assessments are designed to enhance students’ problem-solving skills and to assess their readiness for clinical practice.

Indicative Bibliography

1. Allen, T., & Eby, L. (2010). The Blackwell handbook of mentoring: A multiple perspectives approach. Wiley-Blackwell.
   
2. Jacobs, E., Schimmel, C., Masson, R., & Harvill, R. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (8th edition). Cengage.
3. Leszcz, M., & Yalom, I. (2021). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (Revised; 6th edition). Basic books.
4. O'Riordan, S., & Palmer, S. (Eds.; 2021). Introduction to coaching psychology. Routledge.
5. Yates, J., Zibarras, L., & Mahmood, L. (2023). Organisational psychology: An essential guide. Routledge.
6. Zachary, L., & Fain, L. (2022). The mentor's guide: Facilitating effective learning relationships. Jossey-Bass.

Assessment