SOWK2137 Theories in counselling [Section 1A, 2025]
An overview of the counselling process, major theories/models in counselling, and their applications will be introduced in this course. The politics of counselling, the therapeutic relationship, and ethical issues will also be examined.
SOWK2133 Population aging and the controversies [Section 2A, 2025]
SOWK2126 Special topics in counselling [Section 2B, 2025]
SOWK2126B Special topics in counselling
Recovery- Orientated, Strengths-Based Perspective: Stimulates or Suffocates Personal Development
Counselling is a fast-growing interdisciplinary area that has applications in various settings, including healthcare, social care, educational service, communities, civil society, governments, and the private sector. In this course, students will learn about the practice in counselling, through experiential learning interwoven with knowledge about related theories and evidence.
Recoveery-Orientated, Strengths-Based Perspective: Stimulates or Suffocate Personal Development? critically examines whether focusing on strengths truly inspires growth or risks constraining it. Students will explore the meaning, psychology, neurobiology, and cultural framing of strengths, alongside their role in upbringing, adversity, and mental health recovery. The course integrates Rapp and Goscha’s Strengths Model of Case Management**, longitudinal research, and contemporary issues such as AI coaching, social media, and workplace applications. Through lectures, experiential learning, and case studies, students will learn to apply, critique, and adapt strengths-based approaches in counselling and beyond.
** Rapp, C. A., & Goscha, R. (2012), The strengths model: A recovery-oriented approach to mental health services. NY, New York: Oxford University Press.
(Course image: screenshot from Microsoft desktop, 2 December 2025.)