Introductory description

This module provides students with a consolidated range of Theories, Approaches and an understanding of how to apply them appropriately within the practice setting of Level 5. A fundamental range of theories will be matched and refined in relation to practical issues current in Counselling practice. The range of theories will both underpin (relationally) and guide (integratively) all practice and the developing nature of the therapeutic relationship.
New theoretical approaches and models will allow students to begin at L5 to create and refine their own integrative style of practice. 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. This particularly includes developing understanding, self awareness and critical analysis of key considerations in working with cultural and individual difference, emphasising the importance of cultural competence and awareness of own identities.

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.

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.

Formal input in relation to key theories particularly the psychodynamic approach
Consideration of relevant models of integration
Experiential learning around counselling themes
Ethical Framework and understanding ethical intervention
Exploring own identities and background, and the impact on relationships in counselling and in the group
Diversity and Cultural awareness.

Learning outcomes

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

• Communicate clearly knowledge and understanding of key counselling theories and processes.
• Utilise, and describe an accurate understanding and application of, relevant theory relating it to specific presenting issues in practice and therapeutic themes.
• Identify, critique and apply key considerations in working with cultural and indivdual difference
• Explore own identity, cultural background, bias, prejudice and assumptions
• Identify and apply appropriate models of integration to their developing integrative approach

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Exploration and application of relevant research,

Subject specific skills

Consolidated theoretical understanding of core models
Ability to identify key features of main counselling modalities and their relevance
Capacity to describe relevantly the incorporation of approaches into consolidated integrative therapeutic model
Monitoring and evaluation of theory and research to practice
Awareness of implications of working within diversity

Transferable skills

• Capacity to consolidate and apply knowledge and skills.
• Consolidation of theoretical models, adding in fresh knowledge
• Ability to make decisions in complex situations, and sometimes with incomplete information
• Capacity to understand and critically evaluate research
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing - to include skills such as the ability to articulate
  and compare more involved theoretical concepts and arguments,
• The use of developed IT skills, and a consolidated capacity to access library information
• The ability to use virtual learning environments confidently
• The developed ability to identify appropriate sources of information and to extract relevant information to suit
  specific contexts