Working with Addictive Tendencies

Working with Addictive Tendencies

Unit Description

This unit provides students with a range of methods and approaches for working with people who struggle with addictive tendencies.

This unit provides students with a range of methods and approaches for working with people who struggle with addictive tendencies. The Process Oriented model, the Anthroposophical model, substance abuse counselling models such as Motivational Interviewing and the twelve-step self-help program of Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous will be critically compared and analysed within the context of the National Drug Strategy. Theoretical material on addictive tendencies will be explored, using case studies and examples from clinical practice.

Students will work experientially to examine their own addictive processes in everyday life in order to develop self-awareness. Students will develop skills in working therapeutically with people struggling with addictions.

Unit Code

208

Unit Type

Core Unit

Study Period

Year 2, Semester 2

Credit Points

2.0

Unit Coordinator

Katrina Dickson

Consultation Times

30 minutes before and after workshop intensives and by appointment during the semester

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  • (a) Critically examine the process oriented approach to working with addictive tendencies and differentiate from other substance abuse counselling and self-help approaches
  • (b) Analyse the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol and other drugs abuse and the role of society, family and peers in developing and maintaining addictive processes
  • (c) Critically reflect on their own addictive processes using the holistic model of psychotherapy
  • (d) Apply the holistic model for working with addictive states to case studies and competently demonstrate case conceptualisation and treatment planning skills.

Graduate Attributes

Attributes Statement
Ethical practice and integrity Our graduates will demonstrate high ethical standards in their practice and follow professional Codes of Ethics to do good (beneficence) and avoid harm (maleficence)
Professionalism Our graduates will have a highly developed understanding of their work roles and responsibilities and uphold a high level of professional conduct in their work
Holistic awareness Our graduates will have an in-depth understanding of how the physical body, the psyche and mind/ spirit/self are in constant interaction and relationship with each other and with the environment
Communication Our graduates will have well-developed written and oral communication skills, including listening deeply and receiving, interpreting and transmitting complex information, on many levels of awareness with colleagues, clients and the community
Critical thinking Our graduates will have critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate and analyse information and make informed professional judgements

Delivery Mode

Workshop intensive on-campus, Start of Semester 4

9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday 18 – Saturday 23 July, 2023

12 hours in total.

Online delivery

2 x 1.5 hour Zoom discussions. Total = 3 hours Synchronous Online Training.

Study Buddy activities

11.25 hours over the semester, guided by lecturer.

Student Workload

The total unit workload is equivalent to 4.68 hours per week over the semester, 75 hours in total.

  • 12 hours on-campus workshop intensive
  • 3 hours Zoom discussion
  • 11.25 hours study buddy work
  • 48.75 personal study hours

Available in Courses

This unit is available in the following courses:

Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Holistic Practice)

Created: April 28, 2021, 4:48 p.m. • Updated: Oct. 16, 2023, 2:08 p.m.