CHCCSL007 Support Counselling Clients in Decision-Making Processes
Overview
This module will introduce you to some key models and practices of decision-making that can be applied within the counselling process to assist clients in clarifying their goals, exploring options, and developing a course of action.
Trigger warning:
This Module may include content that deals with sensitive and emotionally challenging topics. Some of the topics covered in this course may include trauma, abuse, addiction, mental health issues, and relationship difficulties. These topics may evoke strong emotions, memories, or reactions in some learners. It is important to prioritise your own self-care and seek support as needed.
If you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to reach out to your trainer, student services or a mental health professional for support. The following services may be helpful:
Section 1: An Introduction to Decision-Making
This section of the module will provide you with an introduction to how counsellors can facilitate client decision-making/problem-solving process using a seven-step model. You will learn how counsellors can help clients to set realistic goals, explore options and systematically evaluate these to come to a well-informed solution/decision.
Section 2: Additional Decision-Making Models
In this section of the module, you will learn about alternative models of decision-making/problem-solving that may be appropriate to use for specific client issues. Exploring these additional models will help expand your knowledge and skills in assisting clients in the decision-making process.
Section 3: Practice Considerations
In this section of the module, you will learn about some potential obstacles and challenges that counsellors may encounter when assisting clients in the decision-making/problem-solving process. You will also learn more about the ethical principles important in counselling and how these apply to decision-making.
Unit Title
CHCCSL007 – Support counselling clients in decision-making processes
Unit Purpose
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist clients to clarify their goals, explore options and develop a course of action.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit.
Content
Section 1: An Introduction to Decision-Making
Section 2: Additional Decision-Making Models
Section 3: Practice Considerations
Resources/Readings
Readings A – D are located directly after the learning material for this module.
Suggested Hours
Although everyone will work at their own pace, we suggest you allow approximately 80 hours to complete this unit competently, including seminars, tutorials, assignments and practical activities.
Time Frame
The recommended time frame for this unit is four (4) weeks.
Assessment
This unit will be assessed by completing the CHCCSL007 Assessments.
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to
| Element | Performance Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1.Assist clients to clarify goals and requirements | 1.1 Explain clearly to clients the policy on record-keeping and confidentiality 1.2 Encourage clients to identify and explore their aims, requirements and ideas 1.3 Assist clients to identify practical goals and requirements for these, and discuss with clients how goals might be modified based on client strengths 1.4 Identify situations where aims and requirements of clients cannot be met, and make referrals to alternative sources of guidance and support |
| 2. Explore options with clients | 2.1 Identify collaboratively potential courses of action for meeting individual aims and requirements 2.2 Identify and explore factors which could influence the preference for, and ability to achieve, a course of action 2.3 Determine and explore features and likely consequences of possible courses of action 2.4 Check client’s understanding of what is likely to be involved in each possible course of action |
| 3. Support client to reach decisions | 3.1 Assist clients to assess possible advantages and disadvantages of each possible course of action, and their appropriateness for meeting client requirements 3.2 Encourage clients to decide on a course of action and to consider alternatives which could be used, if necessary 3.3 Document decisions and agreed ongoing support within organisation guidelines |
Knowledge Evidence
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
- Legal and ethical considerations for counselling, and how these are applied in individual practice:
- codes of conduct/practice
- discrimination
- duty of care
- human rights
- 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
- different agency and organisation models of counselling and intervention
- types of goals that may be set for different circumstances
- key concepts, principles and practices of 3 different decision-making models
- obstacles to decision making and planning in the counselling context
- problem solving and action planning techniques in the counselling context
- referral options.
Performance Evidence
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:
- worked collaboratively to provide decision-making and action planning support to at least 3 clients
- demonstrated skills in working with 3 different decision-making models for the following:
- identifying and exploring options
- counselling process and methods
- problem solving
- action planning
- documenting decisions.
