AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY COUNSELLING
DIPLOMA OF COUNSELLING AND FAMILY THERAPY
YEAR 1
AIFC 410B Evaluate and Apply Basic Counselling Skills
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
The following written assignment is to be completed (typed) and sent to your tutor by ______/_______/__________
The assignment must be completed in 3000 - 5000 words. If you exceed the prescribed word limit (5000 words) you will be
asked to resubmit the assignment within one week.
Please carefully study instructions relating to assessment of assignments on pages 8 – 12 in your Handbook.
Keith is a 47 year old Christian man who has come to you for counselling as he is struggling with knowing who he is
and also in his relationship with God since his divorce one year ago. Keith has recently met a lady, Tania, but is
having difficulty being open with her.
1. Before your first session with Keith you review the concept of a Christian counsellor demonstrating the fruit of the
Spirit and applying grace with the client and explore the danger of confronting your client in the first few counselling
sessions. (1.1, 1.2) (300-500 words).
2. During the counselling sessions with Keith effective communication will be important. Explore each of the following
with Keith: (600-1000 words – 150-250 each)
a. The need to be open in sharing by drawing and explaining the Johari Window and its implications for the
counselling process. (1.3)
b. The five levels of communication and the importance of sharing at levels 4 and 5 (1.4)
c. The meaning of active listening and identify what may disrupt its effectiveness? (1.5)
d. The importance of self-exploration? (1.6)
3. On reviewing a session you had with Keith you discern the need to further develop your listening skills. As part of
your skill development revise the skill of active listening. In your answer include the following: (600-1000 words)
a. Describe what is meant by attending skills. (2.1) (150-250 words)
b. Describe how you would demonstrate respect to Keith. (2.2) (150-250 words)
c. How you might use the core condition of empathy in the counselling sessions. (2.3) (300-500 words)
4. Demonstrate genuineness by doing the following: (450-750 words)
a. Review your understanding of genuineness by completing of the “genuineness scales” (p.44) and
the genuineness exercise (p45), commenting on your results. (3.1) (150-250 words)
b. Encourage Keith to develop genuineness and openness in his relationship with Tania by helping him to
understand what behaviour pattern he may use in his relationship with Tania and how to become more assertive.
(3.2, 3.3) (300-500 words)
5. You have had a similar experience to Keith and are wondering if sharing it may give Keith some hope. Clarify the
guidelines, advantages and dangers of self-disclosure to help you with your decision.(4.1) (150-250 words)
6. Keith is endeavouring to be open in the counselling process; however the concerns he raises are very vague and
general. How might you encourage Keith to be more specific in expressing his concerns? (4.2) (150-250 words)
7. During the counselling sessions Keith is hesitant or reluctant to apply the new skills he has gained. He justifies his
reluctance to himself by saying he has been “learning a lot”. How would you challenge Keith? (450-750 words)
a. In preparation you review your previous sessions and consider how you have earned the right as a counsellor
to challenge Keith. (5.1) (150-250 words)
b. Briefly explore the relationship between balanced challenging and growth. (5.2) (150-250 words)
c. In the counselling sessions with Keith things are not progressing well. Discuss the purpose of immediacy and
how you would use it to check direction and re-establish the process. (5.3) (150-250 words).
8. Keith has had some problems communicating in his relationship with Tania which has caused some conflict in the
relationship. Explore with Keith how he can be more effective in communicating (explain the ground rules of good
communication and conflict resolution) (5.4) (300-500 words)
© Copyright 2014 Australian Institute of Family Counselling Ltd.
This work is copyright and is produced for the use of current AIFC students in pursuit of their studies.
It may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without permission of AIFC.
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