Professional clinical training in systemic psychotherapy & family therapy has been offered continuously at Bower Place since 1986. The Directors of the practice, Catherine Sanders and Malcolm Robinson, have taught courses that cover both theoretical and practical skills locally, interstate and overseas.The emphasis is on the development of a coherent theoretical framework and its direct application to clients. This training is specifically designed for students who have completed studies in a related field including social work, psychology, medicine and counselling.
A key feature of clinical training in the Graduate Certificate and Diploma in Family Therapy & Systemic Practice is the Practicum subjects. After completing Unit 1,an online theory subject, students work individually and directly with clients and as members of small peer teams consulting families who are referred to the Bower Place Complex Needs Clinic. This unique clinic offers high quality clinical services to clients at a low or no fee rate. It is a vehicle for training, research, and development of innovative therapeutic practice. The clinic is specifically designed to accept referrals from partner agencies and practitioners of highly complex co-morbid and therapeutically challenging matters.
The Bower Place Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice conforms to the 2009 Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia Minimum Training Standards and to the requirements for membership of the Australian Counsellors Association.
Bower Place Graduate Certificate & Diploma in Family Therapy & Systemic Practice
Unit 1: Introduction to Key Concepts in Family Therapy
Students are introduced to the key theoretical concepts underpinning systemic family therapy through readings and assignments. This unit is conducted online providing maximum flexibility.
Online, 20 hours
$700 including GST
Units 2 & 3: Family Therapy & Systemic Practice; Professional Practice Workshops
This unit comprises of attendance at workshops presented at Bower Place which cover a range of topics addressing individuals, couples and families through systemic theoretical perspectives. Each workshop is conducted by Malcolm Robinson or Catherine Sanders and other practitioners from Bower Place including Marten Johns, Jordan Bell, Carol Manning, Lynette Rose and Annalise Nicholls. Michele Banks who has recently returned from practice in London will co-present as a guest in 2012. The program for 2012 offers 38 workshops to choose from and students may elect to complete the unit in one year or spread it over two.
20 x 3 hour Workshops over 1 or 2 years
30 hours/Unit (60 hours)
$700/Unit including GST
Unit 4: Observation of Clinical Practice
Students are introduced to the Bower Place Complex Needs Clinic as observers where they begin to understand the practical application of theoretical concepts addressed in Unit 1. They are inducted into the processes and procedures of the clinic and actively participate in the pre and post session discussions which link theory to practice.
20 hours
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.
Unit 5: Supervised Clinical Practice (this unit completes the Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy & Systemic Practice)
Students progress from observers of clinical practice to active participants in the room with clients.The student is supported by experienced practitioners and is required to participate at a level commensurate with their level of skill and theoretical sophistication. Students receive feedback from teachers and peers. Students work with their peers participating in briefing and debriefing sessions, developing observational and analytic skills and designing intervention.
38 hours
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.
$1100 including GST
Units 6, 7 & 8: Supervised Clinical Practice
These units apply to students completing the Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy & Systemic Practice and requires a more full and active participation in the Complex Needs Clinic. Students are expected to progress from the supported role taken in Unit 5 to actively managing their own cases, both in the room and outside. Teachers continue to maintain a strong supervisory role but expect greater levels of skill, initiative and participation. In some cases students at this level work as co-therapists with less experienced students.
3 x 38hrs (114 hours)
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.
$1100 including GST
For enquiries, please email annalise.nicholls@bowerplace.com.au before lodging your application
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