Study Guide

Objective

• you are familiar with counselling theory and different perspectives on counselling
• you know how to counsel different clients and client groups systematically and in a goal-oriented way
• you know how to apply different counselling approaches and methods

Content

• counselling as a basic work method of social service professionals
• a solution- and resource-oriented approach
• a systemic approach
• motivating clients to change with the help of motivating discussion
• counselling in electric environments

Teaching methods

Co-operative learning
Independent learning
Exam

Exam schedules

5.5.2025 8.15-9.45 Exam (ET) 10.15-14.45 Group counselling presentations (ET, KP)
3.6.2025 15.30- 17.30 Re-exam (KP)
The date of the second re-exam will be agreed separately

Content scheduling

Attendance is mandatory in this study course, because attendance supports the development of skills needed in the professions in the social services (e.g. professional interaction, dialogicity, knowledge of work methods) which cannot be acquired solely through independent study.

24.3.2025: 10.15-14.45 Orientation, course goals and forming groups on Salo Campus. Counselling as a basic working method for bachelors of social services. Different counselling approaches (theories) and counselling methods. A solution- and resource-oriented approaches, motivational interview. Kaija Penttala
31.3.2025: 9.00-14.00 How to counsel individuals - exercises (independent work)
7.4.2025 10.15-14.45 Counselling presentations (KP)
14.4.2025 9.30-14.45 Roles in a group and the group development process. Communication skills as a part of group counselling. Systemic approach. Essi Teuri
28.4.2025 9.00-14.00 Group counselling exercises (independent work).
5.5.2025 8.15-9.45 Exam (ET) 10.15-14.45 Group counselling presentations (ET, KP)
3.6.2025 15.30- 17.30 Re-exam (KP)

Exam
Hohman, M. (2012). Motivational interviewing in social work practice. Guilford Press. pp.1-19.
McLeod, J. An introduction to counselling. E-book. Adapted version. pp. 78-83, 122-204, 225-242.
Lectures.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Guidance exercises and teamwork
pass/fail
Exam F-5

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

The student demonstrates significant shortcomings in responsibility and engagement when participating in group activities and course-related interactions:
-there is a lack of active participation in discussions and interactions throughout the course or
-considerable development is needed in establishing goal-oriented approaches and planning for counselling individuals and groups.
OR
-The student has not demonstrated the ability to differentiate between counselling and other forms of interaction.
-There is insufficient evidence of understanding the stages of group development and the corresponding roles and responsibilities of the facilitator at each stage.
-The student has not shown familiarity with various approaches or methods of guidance.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has completed the tasks of individual and group counselling and has participated successfully in group activities and interactions in the course, and
- shows that student knows how to distinguish professional guidance from other types of interaction
- shows that student knows the development stages of the group
- demonstrates familiarity with some counselling approaches and methods

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has completed the tasks of individual and group counselling and has participated successfully in group activities and interactions in the course, and
- shows that student understands guidance as a form of professional interaction
- shows that student knows the development stages of the group and the counsellor's tasks in the different stages
- shows that student knows different approaches and methods of counselling

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has completed the tasks of individual and group counselling and has participated successfully in group activities and interactions in the course, and
- demonstrates excellent understanding of counselling as a form of professional interaction
- shows excellent knowledge of the group's development stages and the supervisor's duties in the various stages of guidance
- shows that he has a comprehensive knowledge of the various approaches and methods of counselling