Theories of Counselling
UndergraduateSWI-PSY200012022
Course information for 2022 intake
Support your studies by exploring the theory, process and research behind counselling. Distinguish existential, person-centred and behavioural therapeutic processes from one another. Dive into the ethical complexities in this area of psychology.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Theories of Counselling
About this subject
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- Appraise a range of different theoretical counselling approaches;
- Compare and contrast the different approaches and their application to counselling;
- Explain how research and ethical issues inform both theory and practice in counselling;
- Reflect on and write critically about how research, process and theory are intertwined.
- Major therapeutic approaches to counselling
- Psychoanalytic
- Existential
- Person-centred
- Behavioural
- Cognitive behaviour
- Family
- Solution-focused
- Ethical and research issues
This subject provides a theoretical introduction to counselling psychology. In the profession of counselling, theory, process and research are intertwined. The subject content, readings and online activities will give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the application of counselling theory to the therapeutic process. Major therapeutic approaches will be covered including psychoanalytic, existential, person-centred, behavioural, cognitive, family and solution-focused therapy, as well as coverage of the research and ethical issues involved in counselling.
Please note: assessment values are indicative only, details will be advised at the start of the subject.
- Essay (40%)
- Invigilated Exam (40%)
- Journal — Reflective (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- SWI-STA10003-Foundations of Statistics
SWI-STA102 (Not currently available)
and one of
SWI-PSY10003 (Not currently available)
SWI-PSS110 (Not currently available)
SWI-PSY10007-Brain and Behaviour (no longer available)
and one of
SWI-PSY10004 (Not currently available)
SWI-PSS120 (Not currently available)
SWI-PSY10008-Fundamentals of Psychology (no longer available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
SWI-PSS270 (Not currently available)
Others
Please note: this subject was previously known as PSY20001 Introduction to Theories of Counselling
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students are required to use MindTap software for this unit. This is available, along with the associated e-text directly through the Cengage website:
https://login.cengagebrain.com
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.