CE1E9-30 Introduction to Relational Practice
Introductory description
In this module you will develop a variety of counselling skills in the context of a counselling relationship, practising these skills with peers in the classroom. You will begin to explore your capacity for empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and to learn to use skills that demonstrate and convey these qualities to a client.
You will also be supported to examine your own identity and background, and your beliefs, attitudes, values and assumptions about human nature and human interaction and how these might influence your capacity to offer a climate of acceptance, empathy and congruence.
We also explore the importance of contracting and examining boundaries in establishing a counselling relationship, and learn about the specific requirements for contracting in different settings, including face to face and online.
Module aims
To develop counselling skills and understanding of the counselling process
To develop capacity for reflective practice
To understand the processes involved in safely establishing the helping relationship
To reflect on the relationship between theory and practice
To understand self in relation to others
To enable students to meet fitness to practice progression requirements in line with BACP accredited professional training
To allow suitable personal development and awareness so as to be able to practice with awareness of, and to work appropriately with, personal bias
To explore the specific requirements of working in different context with clients, including face to face work, online and on the telephone.
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.
Contracting and boundary setting skills, awareness of ethics in practice
Counselling and listening skills, development of Rogers' attitudinal conditions
Reflective practice, giving and receiving feedback in practice groups, apply counselling theory to own and others' practice
Understanding the specific ethical and practical requirements of working in different contexts including face to face, online and one the telephone
Exploration of working within diversity
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Clearly contract with a client to establish the professional elements and boundaries of a counselling session
- Demonstrate appropriate skills to communicate empathy and non judgemental warmth in a counselling session
- Explain how aspects of own self and identity could impact on the counselling relationship
- Describe the personal impact of some aspects of own experience
- Evaluate own counselling practice
- Apply counselling theory to interactions with peers in the classroom
Indicative reading list
Cameron, R. (2020) Working with Difference and Diversity in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage.
Charura, D. and Lago, C. (Eds) (2021) Black Identities and White Therapies: Race, respect and diversity. Monmouth: PCCS Books.
Rogers C (2021), On becoming a person, Constable.
Reeves A (2018), An introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sage.
Cooper, M. & O'Hara, M., (2024) The Handbook of Person-centred Psychotherapy and Counselling, (2nd Edition) Palgrave Macmillan
Bond T (2021), Standards and Ethics for counselling in action, Sage.
Reeves A (2015), Working with risk in counselling and psychotherapy, Sage.
Turner, D. (2021) Intersections of Privilege and Otherness in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Mockingbird. Abingdon: Routledge.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Counselling skills
Contracting and holding boundaries in counselling practice
Developing the helping relationship
Develop self awareness and apply theory to self
Reflective practice
Transferable skills
Capacity to work on own initiative and in cooperation with others
Capacity to understand research and apply in formative way to practice
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Reflection on own learning and practice
The ability to form good, supportive, challenging and trusting relationships with others in which sensitive personal material can be considered
The capacity to accept the process of challenge, self-reflection and change
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | (0%) |
| Seminars | 7 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Tutorials | 2 sessions of 30 minutes (0%) |
| Practical classes | (0%) |
| Supervised practical classes | 20 sessions of 2 hours 30 minutes (17%) |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | (0%) |
| Private study | 142 hours (47%) |
| Assessment | 100 hours (33%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Reading on counselling practice and integrative approaches to this
Reflective writing (journal)
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Self Reflective Learning Assignment | 40% | 40 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Self reflective assignment demonstrating self awareness and personal development in the context of the counselling relationship |
|||
Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
|||
| Observed Practice and Evaluation of own Practice | 60% | 60 hours | Yes (extension) |
|
Evaluation of observed counselling practice demonstrating theoretical understanding, reflection on practice and effective use of feedback - 1500 word essay in response to 20 minute observed practice |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Tutor feedback on essays, verbal and written feedback on observed sessions.
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- CE299-30 Counselling Approaches and the Reflective Practitioner
- CE350-30 Working at Depth and the Reflective Practitioner
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UCEA-X1GB Undergraduate Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship