Psychology is about the scientific study of the human mind in relation to our thoughts, attitudes and behaviours. Counsellors can benefit from being familiar with psychological concepts in relation to differences in human behaviours that influences relationships, so they can assist people to understand themselves and those they care for. Psychological differences in mental health can be influenced by nature, family, culture, and environment. This unit will help students to come to an understanding of basic psychology concepts in how the brain works in relation to cognitive thought processes, influenced by nature and nurture, and how this affects mental health and sense of wellbeing. Students will develop foundational knowledge but also be given opportunities for critical thinking related to psychological literature, including philosophical ideas about the mind, as influenced by the cultural context. Having completed this unit students will be well prepared to commence further study in Counselling and Psychology having now transformed from consumers of knowledge to being able to interact with knowledge and be critical of it. Topics: This unit has 12 topics each of one week’s duration: 1 – The development of psychology and counselling as related professions: An historical perspective 2 – How do we know?: Epistomology, reasoning and the scientific method 3 – Cognitive thinking and subsequent behaviours: mental health 4 – Healthy thinking, attitudes and behaviours: sense of wellbeing 5 – Neurological issues: Brain-based issues from birth or acquired 6 – Nature and nurture: The influence of genetics and environment on emotion, cognition, behaviour affecting mental health 7 – Nature and nurture: How neglect and abuse can affect mental health 8 – Strengths-based Psychology: Positive Psychology and wellbeing concepts 9 – Developmental Psychology: The influence of Bowlby, Piaget, Erikson and Kohlberg on learning and moral development 10 – Social Psychology and Community Psychology 11 – Health Psychology: How do we promote community wellness? 12 – Cross-cultural aspects of the practice of psychology for counselling