Working with Adolescents: Counselling Essentials
Working with Adolescents: Counselling Essentials
An introductory program that equips teachers, coaches, and mentors with the essential counselling theory and practical skills to confidently navigate sensitive conversations and support the mental health and developmental needs of the young people in their care.
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When working with adolescents as a teacher, coach, confidante or mentor, you are not always prepared for the often highly sensitive nature of the information with which you are confronted. This introductory program delivers basic theory and practical counselling skills to help you meet the various mental health needs of the young people you work with.
This program aims to enhance your knowledge of adolescent development, the mental health issues facing young people today, and provide you with increased confidence to support them in your role.
Topics covered
- Key factors in adolescent counselling
- Differences with counselling adults
- Adolescent development - biological, psychological and cognitive
- Challenges of adolescence - sleep, peer groups, alcohol and drugs and the internet
- Risk factors and protective factors for adolescence
- Mental health issues including anxiety, depression and suicide
- Micro skills of counselling - what to say
- Counselling theories
- Ethical issues in counselling adolescents
- Self care and burnout prevention for counsellors
Duration
Online program: one 2-hour online class per week over nine weeks.
Participants are expected to complete approximately 10 hours of readings, learning activities, and independent study each week throughout the program.
Course Materials and Equipment
Course materials are provided digitally through the online learning management system (Monash PDE Platform). Participants will need reliable internet access and a laptop, computer, or other compatible device to access learning resources and participate in program activities.
As classes are delivered live online, your device must be equipped with a camera, microphone, and audio capability.
The following textbook is recommended for the prescribed readings: Geldard, K., Geldard, D., & Foo, R. Y. (2019). Counselling adolescents: The proactive approach for young people (5th Ed). Sage Publications.
Date and Time
There are currently no scheduled intakes for this program. To register your interest and be notified when future dates become available, please contact us by filling in the Enquire Online form on this page.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this program. However, it is designed for, and most relevant to, those working or seeking to work in education, community services, nursing, allied health, youth work, sporting associations, and related fields.
Participants must be at least 18 years of age on the program start date.
Assessment
Assessment requirements include:
- Active participation in class discussions and activities, with a minimum attendance requirement of 8 out of the 9 sessions
- Completion of homework and independent learning tasks
Recognition
On successful completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Faculty of Education, Monash University.
What participants say
The Adolescent Counselling program consolidated and expanded my skills and knowledge around young people's mental health, giving me greater confidence in my capacity to support this cohort in my current role. In addition to possessing warmth, professionalism and considerable expertise, the lecturer was able to effectively deepen my theoretical understanding by drawing on extensive experience and illustrative case studies which, coupled with the knowledge of my peer learners, provided rich and meaningful content and a comprehensive overview of this complex material.
Anita
The course exceeded my expectations. It was interesting, challenging and rewarding. As an educator, I have developed a deeper understanding of my students. The reading materials provided in this course was detailed and interesting and the feedback was always positive and constructive.
Angela Foletta
I have a much better understanding of this topic, and it has given me the tools needed to feel more confident in my workplace. The presenters' work related experiences and knowledge were invaluable, and go beyond what you will find in any textbook.
Nigel Higgins
