Lifespan development and counselling

In this unit you will examine major lifespan theories alongside the developmental issues and challenges that could be encountered by counselling professionals. You will examine historical and contemporary frameworks that guide an understanding of the developmental changes that individuals experience at different stages across the lifespan. In the infant and child development course material, you will examine topics such as temperament, personality, behavioural functioning and learning. Adolescent development topics will include social cognition, peer group relationships and the transition from childhood to adulthood. You will also examine the changing roles adults experience in their family, workplace and social groups as they reach middle age and as they proceed to an advanced age. This unit covers key principles and approaches needed by counsellors to help their clients adjust to, cope with, and take advantage of the changing opportunities presented at different stages across the lifespan. There will be opportunities for you to apply knowledge and skills to real world scenarios as presented through case studies. Cross-cultural variations and implications on counselling practice will be discussed across all topics.