Introductory description

In this module, you will be introduced to the underpinning theories of relational counselling and psychotherapy. You'll gain a secure understanding of the key principles of the person-centred approach and will explore and appraise the importance of the relationship between counsellor and client in therapeutic work. You'll also learn about how person-centred counselling fits into the wider framework of counselling approaches and begin to explore how you might use an understanding of your personal context, values and beliefs to develop your own integrative approach to counselling. You will have the opportunity to begin to critically appraise the theories we introduce, exploring them in relation to their cultural, historical and socio-political context. This module also aims to begin to develop your self-awareness around themes of cultural identity and diversity.
You'll explore these concepts through formal lectures, experiential exercises, and exercises and experiences in a variety of group contexts, including beginning to apply relevant counselling skills to practice work with peers in the classroom.

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.

Rogerian person-centred approach and the necessary and sufficient conditions
Person-centred therapy in context - broad comparison with other approaches and on the directive/non-directive spectrum
Conceptualising integrative practice - ways of integrating theory and some introduction to integrative theories
Introduction to cultural and social context - ways of understanding our identity
Oppression and identity in social systems
Applying theory to practice and self development
Self-awareness
Beginning to explore own integrative orientation

Learning outcomes

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

• Explain the key theoretical principles of Rogers' person-centred approach
• Evaluate own ability to respond empathically
• Analyse some relational circumstances that may impact on ability to demonstrate empathy
• Explain key components of a relational model of integrative counselling
• Compare person-centred counselling to other major theoretical approaches
• Describe how personal values and identities may contribute to own developing integrative approach

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

Understanding of person-centred and relational models of counselling
Ability to compare and contrast different counselling approaches
Applying theory to practice and self development
Ability to reflect on own cultural and social context and to understand the impact on relational practice

Transferable skills

The ability to apply theoretical knowledge to a helping context
The capacity to identify and accurately describe theoretical ideas
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
The ability to write reflectively
The use of IT skills, including word processing, accessing library information and using a virtual learning environment