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Solution-focused therapy is a strengths-based model that emphasises clients' natural resources and successful experiences to help them bring about change and a shift toward their preferred future. The primary purpose of this course is to introduce you to the theory, skills and tools of solution-focused brief therapy. You will examine social constructionism, the theoretical perspective that accounts for shifts in clients' perceptions and definitions and enables them to work towards building a more favourable future. You will also have the opportunity to engage with what it is like to think and act in a solution-focused manner. The emphasis will be on providing a balance of theory and practice to assist you to gain knowledge and confidence in working with individuals, and co-leading groups integrating a solution focused approach with principles of social justice, bicultural and multicultural counselling.
Upon passing this course, I will:Students will display evidence of understanding the social constructionist underpinning of the counselling/therapy relationship and interaction with diverse individuals and groups through completion of a literature review and in counselling practice.Students will explore and reflect on the nature of the counselling interaction in terms of the diverse participants involved, their needs, meaning-making, expectations, and desires.Students will demonstrate effective use and reflective critique of solution-focused counselling practice with diverse individuals and groups.Students will apply and reflect on principles of social justice, bicultural and multicultural counselling in group work.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of School
COUN678; COUN679
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Raesha Ismail
There are two texts required for this course: Hanton, P. (2011). Skills in solution focused brief counselling & psychotherapy.London: Sage.Sharry, John (2007) Solution-focused groupwork. (2nd Ed); London: SAGE.Additional readings will be provided on LEARN and in class.
We expect you to attend all scheduled class sessions and are required to complete all assessment tasks. Due to the practical, experiential, and groupwork nature of this course, punctuality and attendance is essential.
Please note that the due dates are 'firm'. If you cannot complete the written assessment by the due date you may have up to 7 days to submit it. In fairness to other students this will incur a penalty of one grade (i.e., from B+ to B). No assessment can be accepted once other students' marked assessments have been returned to them. Please ensure you discuss any late submissions and extension applications with us beforehand in writing.One opportunity for resubmission (pass/fail mark 50%) may be allowed where possible if you fail to pass a submission.
Domestic fee $2,494.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 9 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Health Sciences .