Masters of Social Science in Counselling Psychology

Purpose

This qualification gives an opportunity to learners who are interested in registering as Counselling Psychologists with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). This qualification also entails an approved and appropriately supervised internship under the guidance and supervision of a registered psychologist with appropriate training and experience within the relevant scope of practice.

Rationale

Learners will use their educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods functioning independently as professional counselling psychologists in a variety of contexts ranging from private practice to employment in the private and public sectors. Learners adhere to and comply with the professional guidelines laid down by the Professional Board of Psychology for professional practice thereby ensuring that they contribute to society with the highest level of ethic and community concern. Learners will demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of study that provide opportunities for continued personal growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 240 Credits:

• Mini-dissertation, 120 Credits.
• Counselling Psychology Internship, 0 Credit.
• Counselling Psychology, 120 Credit.

1. Integrate specialist knowledge within the field of counselling psychology.
2. Integrate different sources of specialist knowledge within the field of counselling psychology and choose appropriate literature to inform their treatment plans.
3. Carefully design an appropriate treatment plan including relevant therapeutic techniques as it is prescribed within the scope of counselling psychology.
4. Conceptualise a client case, determine the current challenges and creatively design problem solving skills within the scope of counselling psychology.
5. Show ethical awareness in own client cases, address the issues effectively and contribute to the development of ethical standards within the field of counselling psychology.
6. Show insight and respect for the systems related to chosen/recommended interventions.
7. Make effective and relevant therapeutic interventions on child, adolescent and adult level.
8. Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues and engage in appropriate ethical behaviour in professional activities.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in interview and psychometric assessments by accurately completing diagnostic or intake interviews and assessment batteries.
10. Use effective individual, group and community interventions that are based on empirical rationale and demonstrate the ability to document the course of their interventions in clear process notes.
11. Competently and independently implement referrals and interventions with a broad range of patient populations under the supervision of a senior psychologist.
12. Demonstrate competence in an empirical approach to a clinical practice as reflected in case presentations that include demonstration of knowledge of the pertinent research literature, assessment of the critical idiographic and cultural data and integration of data into workable treatment plans.

• Competently manage the ethical and legal aspects of a counselling practice.
• Assess and diagnose different needs and problems at the individual, group and community levels.
• Design, plan and apply certain therapeutic intervention strategies to address identified needs and problems.
• Administer a wide spectrum of psychological assessment instruments.
• Effectively manage consultation processes between individuals and/or groups with due care and awareness of cultural diversity.
• Conduct scientific research and document it in a responsible and ethical manner in order to facilitate the expansion of the knowledge base of Psychology as a science.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in the field of counselling psychology to produce significant insights.
• Use resources and communicate ideas and findings by means of referral letters, feedback sessions with clients and significant others and in a research dissertation.
• Develop their own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.
• Operate independently, take responsibility, initiate processes and implement systems through own client case work, research dissertation and accountability.

Integrated Assessment

The Department of Psychology adheres to a strategy of continual assessment incorporating formative and summative activities on the relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level. Formative assessment includes assignments, class tests, essays, reflective reports, supervision practices progress reports, case studies and class activities. Summative assessment includes tests and examination papers, portfolios, oral exams and a research Dissertation. During the internship year progress is assessed by the internship organisations through supervision, case presentations, and academic discussions.