Introductory description

Practitioner research is important in terms of helping to inspire and develop counselling practice.

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of self in relation to the therapeutic relationship through a reflexive approach to theory and research.

A variety of learning methods will be used including, lectures, experiential exercises (including ELG), encounter group experience. research group / online discussion, presentation and self-directed study.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will introduce reflexive research and evidence-based practice; how to read and apply research literature; introduce ethical research practices. It will provide a range of experiential exercises, relational experiences and encounters to enable you to apply this knowledge to develop an understanding of yourself in relation to others.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe the relevance of evidence based research.
• Locate and describe self within the therapeutic relationship.
• Source published research in the area of counselling relevant to their chosen interests.
• Identify key ethical considerations in researching self and others.
• Describe a range of ethical and research practices.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Producing an annotated bibliography on a self-reflective research topic.

Subject specific skills

• Initial research skills in understanding and evaluating practice based research
• Formative ability to apply the above to evidence based counselling practice
• Awareness of Self and of methods of researching and evaluating this
• Reflective counselling practice
• Developing understanding of Counselling and Psychotherapy professional ethical research codes and practices

Transferable skills

• capacity to understand and begin to evaluate research
• ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing - include skills such as the ability to describe key research findings and their implications
• the use of IT skills to identify relevant research and a capacity to access library information in support of this
• the ability to use virtual learning environments
• self awareness and reflexivity
• the capacity to work on their own initiative and in cooperation with others
• searching, reading and applying published research.
• academic writing
• presentation skills
• ethical awareness and knowledge of ethical practices