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Advanced Clinical Supervision

Module Synopsis

Advanced Clinical Supervision is a collaborative process which encompasses functions such as monitoring, professional development and supporting counsellors in their clinical role. The key focus of the module is the integration of theory and clinical practice. Case presentations, critical evaluation of students' work with their client base and one client in particular, further develops advanced competencies and assists students to integrate cultural and demographic variables, as well as legal and ethical issues, into their clinical practice. In addition, through consideration of relevant professional practice issues, students will be assisted in reinforcing their identity as competent professional counsellors. By the end of the unit, students will have further developed their theoretical orientation and be able to apply this flexibly to their clinical practice, at an advanced level and with appropriate sensitivities.

Learning outcomes
  • Advanced competence in establishing, maintaining and guiding the counselling process in the context of students' own counselling approach
  • Enhanced awareness and critical understanding of the theoretical basis for students' preferred counselling approach
  • Development of advanced counselling skills such as: the identification and articulation of themes in the client material; identification of appropriate interventions; recognition of anxiety and appropriate responses; recognition and repair of breaks or ruptures in the counselling relationship; the setting of appropriate boundaries; assessment; the timing of interventions
  • Demonstrated advanced competencies and sensitivities necessary to work within different cultural, political and social contexts and with clients who may have different abilities, values and attitudes
  • Development of advanced capacity for critical reflection and self-evaluation, particularly in relation to the complex relationship between theory and clinical practice
  • Application of an in-depth understanding of professional ethics, boundaries and responsibilities to counselling practice
  • Demonstrated willingness and capacity to use negotiated learning contracts, participate in supervision and apply feedback appropriately to counselling practice

Content areas
  • Approaches to Counselling Supervision
  • The Counselling Process in Context
  • Treatment Planning and Selection
  • The Counsellor as a Person and Professional
  • Managing Boundaries and Multiple Relationships
  • Mid-unit Review: Professional Practice Issues
  • Issues Related to Specific Population Groups
  • Multicultural Perspectives and Diversity Issues
  • Working with Anger, Conflict and Involuntary Clients
  • Working with Addictions, Violence and Sexual Assault
  • Working with Trauma
  • End-of-unit Review: Professional Practice Issues

Textbook and Readings
The text for this module is Carroll, M. & Gilbert, M.C. (2006) On being a supervisee: creating learning partnerships. Kew, Victoria: PsychOz Publications. Your readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling