List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select counselling therapies | 1.1 Analyse client needs, issues and desired changes to be addressed 1.2 Incorporate analysis of client’s developmental status and response to change 1.3 Identify and consider co-existing issues in selecting courses of action 1.4 Interpret information about counselling therapies and determine their application, benefits and limitations in addressing client’s needs, issues and goals 1.5 Identify and respond to own level of comfort and issues in relation to using identified counselling techniques 1.6 Select most appropriate counselling therapies for application in identified situations 1.7 Communicate details of therapies to be used with client using language the client understands and document in client records |
2. Use counselling therapies | 2.1 Use techniques according to the principles and application of selected therapies to assist clients 2.2 Combine techniques and processes from different therapies in an effective way 2.3 Use counselling skills appropriately in the context of each counselling modality and technique 2.4 Identify indicators of client issues requiring referral and report or refer according to organisation requirements |
3. Evaluate use of counselling therapies | 3.1 Evaluate use of techniques and therapies in the context of individual clients 3.2 Reflect on and review own role as counsellor and identify areas for future improvement 3.3 Maintain and enhance knowledge of emerging trends in use of counselling therapies |
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
provided counselling to at least 3 different clients, cumulatively using at least 3 different counselling therapies, one of which must be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
provided counselling services, within scope of own role, addressing at least 4 of the following issues:
anxiety
family issues
grief and loss
parenting
pregnancy
relationship
self-esteem
social isolation
stress management.
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations for the use of counselling therapies, and how these are applied in individual practice:
codes of conduct/practice
discrimination
duty of care
human rights
mandatory reporting
practitioner/client boundaries
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
rights and responsibilities of workers, employers and clients
work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
work health and safety
issues and concerns with which clients may present, their characteristics and the types of counselling therapies that may be used in response, including:
anxiety
family issues
grief and loss
parenting
pregnancy
relationship
self-esteem
social isolation
stress management
features of at least 5 counselling therapies (including CBT) including their:
historical development
terminology
underpinning concepts and principles
processes used in applications
benefits and limitations for different clients
roles of counsellor and client
how different therapies may be combined to address particular needs
indicators of client’s issues requiring referral
credible sources of information on counselling therapies and trends.
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
client information
individualised counselling plans
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
scenarios that involve complex interactions with real people in face-to-face situations where candidate and client are physically present in the same room
scenarios that involve problem-solving.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must have 2 years experience working in a counselling role and hold a qualification in counselling or related field that involves counselling, at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent qualification).