Introductory description

This module provides students with a range of approaches and an understanding of how to apply them appropriately to a practice setting. These theories will be explored in relation to practical issues current in counselling practice. The range of theories will both underpin relational principles and guide all practice and the developing nature of the integrative therapeutic relationship.

This module is delivered through a mixture of learning and teaching methods, including didactic presentations, small group work and discussion, and case studies/scenarios. Topical, relative issues recounted in the media are utilised to enable students to put the theoretical concepts in context. Formative and summative assessments aim to facilitate students’ ability to begin to develop a critical understanding of key concepts and issues; enabling them to develop further autonomous learning, problem solving, research skills and to work effectively with others. Formative feedback will be provided for essay plans and case study material. Summative assessments include a written assignment and a case study in which students consider ethical issues, good practice and processes. This module develops employability skills in students through building a current awareness of key professional and ethical issues for students working within multidisciplinary teams and within various organisational settings.

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 look at key theories of person-centred, relational and integrative counselling practice; the philosophical underpinning of theoretical ideas and their socio-political contexts with a focus on cultural identity and diversity; the BACP Ethical Framework in relation to theoretical models and their application; application of theoretical models to skills work and awareness of the self.

Learning outcomes

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

• Describe accurately and apply key theoretical principles of Roger’s person-centred approach to the counselling relationship and process.
• Describe integrative models of counselling practice.
• Compare models of counselling on the directive/non directive spectrum and their impact on the counselling relationship and process
• Understand fundamental principles of different models as the beginning of a relational approach to practice.
• Describe and apply ethical and socio-political issues, cultural identity and diversity to models of counselling.
• Apply models of counselling to personal counselling practice and self development.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

• Identification of key theory in integrative counselling
• Formative application of theory to counselling practice
• Basic formulation of therapeutic approach
• Reflection on counselling theory and its relevance to practice

Transferable skills

• the capacity to acquire new knowledge
• the ability to apply new knowledge to a helping context
• the capacity to identify and accurately describe theoretical ideas
• the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing - including the ability to present information well and to self-reflect in written communications where appropriate
• the use of IT skills, a capacity to use word processing facilities and a capacity to access library information
• the ability to use virtual learning environments
• the ability to identify appropriate sources of information and to extract relevant information to suit specific contexts