Entry to the Counselling Specialisation Student Presentation Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)

Part of the Navitas Group 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.

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group 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)

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group Applying for Confirmed Acceptance into the Specialisation 1. Application 2. Requirements Pass CS2 Attend CDW 1 (Flex students) Complete PACFA Self Assessment Submit 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 CS2 Re-enrol Committee will recommend process for re-application

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group 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

Part of the Navitas Group 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.

Part of the Navitas Group 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

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. Part of the Navitas Group