At Morling, our mission is to equip men and women with the knowledge that they need to serve God in many different roles: pastoral ministry, in the work place, Christian education, missions work, counselling, and chaplaincy. We also recognise that it is often difficult to stop working in order to pursue further study. In order to accommodate students who wish to audit a unit (not for credit) specifically for Professional Development, the following units are offered.
Our Professional Development units are offered in a variety of ways, including on-campus (in Sydney and Perth), online via Zoom, on-campus intensives and blended intensives.
See the bottom of the page for help with how to enrol for these units.
Unit Codes: COU932i
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Intensive
On-Campus Days: 6 days - 8-10 and 15-17 Feb 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
In this unit students will develop their understanding of the impact of psychological trauma on individuals, families and communities and recognize its culturally appropriate expressions. Students will also apply their knowledge of the current theories and models for understanding, to work with people and groups who have, or are experiencing crisis, psychological trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD). This will include the neurobiological, psychosocial, and socio-spiritual-cultural elements of trauma.
Students will apply their trauma-informed counselling skills and methods to the specialized assessment and counselling of clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma. And students will learn how to implement a crisis assessment and will develop practical strategies and interventions to work therapeutically with clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 8 February 2024
Census Date: 12 February 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU933 / CHA921
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Intensive
On-Campus Days: 31 Jan - 2 Feb and 5-6 Feb 2024
During this unit students will examine and appraise contemporary theory and practices of group process.
The unit is designed to develop the student’s applied skill and knowledge in group dynamics. It will assist students to develop the necessary theory, methods, and skills to convene and facilitate a variety of psychoeducational groups. Students will learn how to assess and select suitable group members, facilitate and lead the group through the various stages of group development. They will critically evaluate the curative factors of group processes and develop skills to establish and maintain these factors through group facilitation.
Enrolment Due Date: 26 January 2024
Unit Start Date: 31 January 2024
Census Date: 4 February 2024
Unit End Date: 17 May 2024
Unit Code: CHA801
Location: Sydney and Perth
Delivery: On-Campus Intensive
On-Campus Days - Sydney: 5 days - 14-15 March and 16,17,20 May 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
On-Campus Days - Perth: 5 days - 21-22 March and 2,3,6 May 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
This unit is designed to foster the development of self-awareness and understanding of its role in chaplaincy and spiritual care. Situated within a Christian worldview this unit assists students to develop the foundational attitudinal concepts and skills of sensitivity, attuning, attending, positive regard and respect.
Students will develop communication skills that are sensitive to cultural difference. Students are provided an extended opportunity to develop and practice generic chaplaincy and spiritual care skills within an experiential context, culminating in a site visit to a hospital (subject to current health directives), where students will practice chaplaincy skills in a ‘live setting’, under the supervision of the hospital Chaplaincy Department in conjunction with a Morling College Chaplaincy lecturer.
This unit facilitates the growth and development of the student in both personal and interpersonal domains.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: CHA822
Location: Live Online via Zoom
Delivery: Weekly Zoom Class
Dates: 19th February - 27th May 2024
Times: Mondays | 6:00pm-9:00pm (Sydney time)
This unit outlines the impact of ageing, how common health conditions affect the spiritual and psychological perspectives of older persons, models of spiritual and pastoral care that provide meaning and promote spiritual growth and the process of spiritual assessment. Students will develop a pastoral and theological understanding of the spirituality of ageing through the integration of rituals, symbols, sacred texts and prayers as facilitators of meaning. This unit also explores the social context of ageing and the impact this has on spiritual wellbeing in order to promote spiritual growth within the community and in diverse, multi-disciplinary settings.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: CHA832
Location: Sydney and Perth
Delivery: Mixed Delivery
Dates and Times:
Live Online (Zoom) - Week 1-6 and 12-14 | Thursday evenings, 6.00pm-8.45pm AEST (3.00pm-5.45pm AWST)
On-Campus Intensive Days: Perth: 29-30 April 2024 | Sydney: 2-3 May 2024 | 9.00am-5.00pm
In this unit, students will learn to identify the impact of psychological trauma on individuals, families and communities and recognise its culturally appropriate expressions. Current theories and models for understanding and working with people and groups who have, or are experiencing crisis, psychological trauma, grief, and loss, will also be examined.
Students will also develop an understanding of the impact of traumatic, disenfranchised, and prolonged (non-finite) grief on individuals, families, and communities. This will include neurobiological, psychosocial, and socio-spiritual-cultural elements of these experiences. Students will learn practical strategies and interventions to aid in chaplaincy work with people who are experiencing grief, crisis, and trauma. In addition, students will explore the impact of working in this context on the chaplain including strategies for self-care.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU815
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Weekly Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Wednesday evenings starting 21 February 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm
This unit considers the integration of theological concepts and spirituality with the practice of professional counselling in an ethical manner. It also explores the concepts of "who am I" as a person, as a Christian, as a counsellor and as a professional, and how these integrate within therapeutic relationships.
Students are extended in their ability to reflect critically as they explore issues and topics related to the relational and theological dimensions of the Christian counsellor.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU816
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: Blended Intensive
Online Zoom Sessions: 3 Sessions - dates TBC
On-Campus Days: 3 days - 3-5 April 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
This unit will prepare students in the area of mental health assessment and intervention, and will critically evaluate the factors involved in mental health and wellness and mental distress and illness. It will examine the role of counselling in the field of mental health.
Students will appraise the developments and knowledge from the field of neuroscience and apply this knowledge to the principles of mental health. Students will also be familiarised with mental health assessment tools and their application to mental illness and emotional disorders in clients. This unit will examine how to accurately identify and document critical client issues and formulate referral and professional practice strategies.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU931
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Weekly Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Monday evenings starting 12 February 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm
This unit will prepare students to work with children and adolescents within a range of settings. It introduces the knowledge and skills necessary for those who wish to undertake counselling practice with this client group.
Students will be given opportunity to develop a greater understanding of child and adolescent development including the impact of childhood experiences on development and implications for practice with this client group. Ways of engaging children and adolescents within the therapeutic relationship, suitable counselling interventions and strategies and the legal and ethical implications of working with children and adolescents will be explored. Consideration will also be given to the skills needed to work collaboratively with the parents and/or caregivers of the child or adolescent client.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU934
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Weekly Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Thursday evenings starting 22 February 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm
This unit introduces students to a broad range of theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of family counselling with an emphasis on the systemic and relational components commonly associated in working with families.
Students will gain an understanding of family development and transitions across the life span, develop insight into theories and models of healthy family functioning. Throughout this unit, students are encouraged to develop an increased understanding of their personal values, biases and own family histories that impact their role as a relationship therapist.
Enrolment Due Date: 2 February 2024
Unit Start Date: 19 February 2024
Census Date: 15 March 2024
Unit End Date: 31 May 2024
Unit Code: COU815
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: Blended Intensive
On-Campus Days - Sydney: 4 days - 15-16 and 18-19 July 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm, PLUS 3 Zoom sessions TBC | 9:00am-5:00pm
This unit considers the integration of theological concepts and spirituality with the practice of professional counselling in an ethical manner. It also explores the concepts of "who am I" as a person, as a Christian, as a counsellor and as a professional, and how these integrate within therapeutic relationships.
Students are extended in their ability to reflect critically as they explore issues and topics related to the relational and theological dimensions of the Christian counsellor.
Enrolment Due Date: TBC
Unit Start Date: TBC
Census Date: TBC
Unit End Date: TBC
Unit Code: COU932i
Location: Sydney (on-campus) and Perth (Livestream)
Delivery (Sydney): 2 x 3 day On-Campus Intensives: 11-13 plus 18-20 July 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
Delivery (Perth): Livestream 10:30am-6:30pm AWST
In this unit students will develop their understanding of the impact of psychological trauma on individuals, families and communities and recognize its culturally appropriate expressions. Students will also apply their knowledge of the current theories and models for understanding, to work with people and groups who have, or are experiencing crisis, psychological trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD). This will include the neurobiological, psychosocial, and socio-spiritual-cultural elements of trauma.
Students will apply their trauma-informed counselling skills and methods to the specialized assessment and counselling of clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma. Students will also learn how to implement a crisis assessment and will develop practical strategies and interventions to work therapeutically with clients who are experiencing crisis and trauma.
Enrolment Due Date: TBC
Unit Start Date: TBC
Census Date: TBC
Unit End Date: TBC
Unit Code: COU933 / CHA921
Location: Sydney and Perth (COU933 only)
Delivery: On-Campus Intensives: 3-5 plus 8-9 July 2024 | 9:00am-5:00pm
During this unit students will examine and appraise contemporary theory and practices of group process.
The unit is designed to develop the student’s applied skill and knowledge in group dynamics. It will assist students to develop the necessary theory, methods, and skills to convene and facilitate a variety of psychoeducational groups. Students will learn how to assess and select suitable group members, facilitate and lead the group through the various stages of group development. They will critically evaluate the curative factors of group processes and develop skills to establish and maintain these factors through group facilitation.
Enrolment Due Date: TBC
Unit Start Date: TBC
Census Date: TBC
Unit End Date: TBC
Unit Code: CHA821
Location: Live Online (via Zoom)
Delivery: Weekly Zoom Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Tuesday evenings starting 23 July 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm (Sydney time)
This unit outlines current developments and knowledge of the nature, course, common trajectories, and types of dementia, as well as an understanding of current palliative care theory in a chaplaincy and spiritual care setting.
Students will develop an applied understanding of end-of-life care, including grief and loss and appropriate responses to palliative care in a chaplaincy and spiritual care setting. This unit will explore the theological and spiritual insights and ethical dimensions that emerge as care is offered to aged persons with dementia as well as exploring the role of chaplaincy and spiritual care within a multidisciplinary approach to dementia care and palliative care.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: CHA901
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus weekly class
Dates & Times: weekly - Tuesday evenings starting 23 July 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm (Sydney time)
This unit provides a theoretical base for understanding the dynamics of the leadership development process in chaplaincy and spiritual care contexts. Students will develop an understanding of personality types and their use in recruiting, team building, conflict management and other interpersonal dynamics in the chaplaincy and spiritual care setting.
This unit will provide opportunities for students to analyse their own personal development patterns and leadership style. Students will examine their own formation as a chaplain, so that they are better equipped to mentor and empower others. This unit analyses leadership patterns of biblical characters and management dynamics as described in the Bible to inform developing leadership styles in chaplaincy and spiritual care contexts.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: COU815i
Location: Perth
Delivery: Weekly On-Campus Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Wednesday evenings starting 24 July 2023 | 6:00pm-8:45pm (Perth time)
This unit considers the integration of theological concepts and spirituality with the practice of professional counselling in an ethical manner. It also explores the concepts of "who am I" as a person, as a Christian, as a counsellor and as a professional, and how these integrate within therapeutic relationships.
Students are extended in their ability to reflect critically as they explore issues and topics related to the relational and theological dimensions of the Christian counsellor.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: COU816
Delivery: Blended Intensive (3 days on-campus, plus 3 Zoom sessions)
Sydney On-Campus Days: 11-13 Sept 2024 | 9am - 5pm PLUS 3 Zoom Sessions (dates TBC)
Perth On-Campus Days: 11-13 Sept 2024 | 9am - 5pm PLUS 3 Zoom Sessions (dates TBC)
The unit will prepare the student in the area of mental health assessment and intervention. It will critically evaluate the factors involved in mental health and wellness and mental distress and illness. It will examine the role of counselling in the field of mental health. The unit will appraise the developments and knowledge from the field of neuroscience and apply this knowledge to the principles of mental health. Students will be familiarised with mental health assessment tools and their application to mental illness and emotional disorders in clients. This unit will examine how to accurately identify and document critical client issues and formulate referral and professional practice strategies.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: CHA831
Delivery: Blended Intensive
Sydney On-Campus Days: 13 and 14 September 2024 | 9am - 5pm PLUS 3 Zoom Sessions (dates TBC)
Perth On-Campus Days: 13 and 14 September 2024 | 9am - 5pm PLUS 3 Zoom Sessions (dates TBC)
The unit will prepare the student to engage in the area of mental health. It will critically evaluate the factors involved in mental health and wellness, and mental distress and illness. It will examine the role of chaplaincy and spiritual care practice in the field of mental health, including referrals to others in a multidisciplinary team environment. Additionally, this unit will examine the multidisciplinary approach to the management and treatment of mental health disorders. Further, the student will learn to identify mental health disorders and their presentation. Mental health assessment tools are used to recognise the presentation of mental illness and emotional disorders in clients and to conduct risk assessments. This unit will analyse spiritual assessment models and their utilisation in mental health and acute mental health care settings. The student will learn to apply creativity when spiritually caring for others who are managing acute mental distress and illness.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: COU941
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Weekly Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Monday evenings starting 22 July 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm
This unit of study will further expand on the knowledge and skills developed in COU931 Child and Adolescent Counselling 1 with a focus on the range of presenting issues that may be encountered when working with this client group. Specific therapeutic approaches including the use of practical and creative interventions, and suitable media for working with children and adolescents and ways to determine the most suitable approach will be explored. Students will be familiarised with indicators and interventions of ASD and ADHD client presentations. Practical strategies for counselling children and adolescents in the context of family therapy will be explored.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Unit Code: COU944
Location: Sydney only
Delivery: On-Campus Weekly Class
Dates & Times: weekly - Thursday evenings starting 25 July 2024 | 6:00pm-8:45pm
This unit extends on COU934 Relationship Counselling 1 and aims to enhance students’ skills for conceptualising and working with the couple dyad. The emphasis in this unit will be on working with the couple dyad to promote intimacy and connection. Students will develop an integrated approach to relationship counselling including advanced therapeutic insight and interpersonal skill that fosters personal integration, theoretical coherence. Students will learn to establish a creative and responsive style when working with a range of presentations in relationship therapy utilizing a professional and ethical framework.
Enrolment Due Date: 5 July 2024
Unit Start Date: 22 July 2024
Census Date: 16 August 2024
Unit End Date: 1 November 2024
Casual enrolments are available for anyone who wishes to attend classes, but does not want to complete assessment tasks or gain credit towards an award. You can enrol online for Casual (Audit) Enrolments here.
Have questions about our units? Contact us and we'll be happy to help you get started.
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