Module descriptions for the Certificate in Community Counselling in 2009

Psychology

Introduction to Psychology A

A survey of persons, ideas, and principles in the scientific studies of human

behaviour is given. The historical development and current status of psychology and

investigative activities and significant findings are reviewed.

Introduction to Psychology B

This module is a continuation of Introduction to Psychology A. The module

identifies and explains factors of personality, together with patterns of abnormal

behaviour. The module also examines the interface between sociology and social

psychology.

Psychology Development A & B

These modules provide an overview of the major theories of Developmental

Psychology. They aim to help the student understand the models of human

development from conception to adolescence and early adulthood to death, to

address contemporary concerns in life-span development, and to enhance the

awareness of methodological approaches by which human development is

investigated.

Abnormal Psychology A & B

These modules examine the diagnosis, causes and treatment of mental health

problems together with clinical assessment procedures.

Psychology and Spirituality

This module explores the relationship between psychology and the Christian

faith. It is an introductory reflection on the definitions of each of these as

academic disciplines and a brief evaluation of the differences and similarities of

the two. This module attempts to address some concerns students may have as a

result of conflicting views and experiences about psychology and the Christian

faith.

Community Counselling

Introduction to Counselling A

In this module the student is introduced to counselling methodologies and

techniques. This module will focus on characteristics of an effective counsellor,

crisis counselling and specialised counselling needs.

Introduction to Counselling B

 Part B includes the methodologies and techniques of secular and

Christian counselling.

Counselling and Pastoral Care

This module is an introduction to the practical theology of pastoral care and

counselling. The nature of practical theology, pastoral care and the relation

between theology and psychology are explored. Models and techniques of the

pastoral conversation are learnt and practiced and a sense of pastoral identity is developed.

Brief Counselling

The counsellor becomes frequently bogged down by an overly negative focus on

the problems of the client. Brief solution-focused counselling is rooted in positive

psychology. It is an encouraging method of enabling both counsellor and client to

speedily identify and work towards positive outcomes in the counselling

encounter. This module explores the various methods used in brief ‘solution focused’

counselling using role play and feedback as a primary teaching tool.

Youth Issues

The module will enable students to understand the contemporary issues facing

South African youth in the context of community and society, such as, alcohol

and drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, gang violence and malnutrition.

The module also encourages the student to read and evaluate perspectives

provided by South African social scientists and psychologists across the racial

and cultural spectrum.

AIDS Counselling

This module prepares the Christian mental health worker in basic counselling

principles and skills for counselling people suffering from HIV/AIDS. It

examines effective personal and community support structures to enhance the

quality of life of the person living with HIV/ AIDS and maintains the focus of a

Christian worldview on understanding HIV/AIDS in the context of trust, mutual

sharing, support and learning.

Crisis Counselling

In this module students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of crisis

counselling and knowledge to be equipped with strategies for crisis intervention.

It prepares the Christian mental health worker in basic counselling principles and

skills in crisis situations and maintains the focus of a Christian worldview on

understanding the nature of crisis and the management of crisis.

Family Studies

Family and Development A and B

These modules will survey the themes of marriage development and family

issues. The student will be introduced to the dynamics of change within marriage

and the family as part of a developmental psychology framework.

Singleness and Marriage

This module will focus on the themes of singleness and marriage. The student

will be introduced to the social dynamics of both themes, examined from a

biblical perspective, as well as analysing the effects of social norms presently

operating in a multicultural society

Lifeskills

In many spheres of training there has been an interest in life skills programmes.

This module explores how to design life skills programmes, how to facilitate

training groups, and how to demonstrate life skills. This module also examines

how to manage structured activities and how to evaluate their success. This is an

important module in helping the lay-counsellor to be fully equipped in personal

and group interventions.