CE9C2-20 Course CE9A4: Psychotherapeutic Relationship 1: Introduction to Theory
Introductory description
This module will establish the theoretical foundation for the course. You will be asked to critically consider key philosophical ideas which underpin an Integrative (HPI) approach to psychotherapy and counselling. There is also a strong emphasis on Clarkson's relational model (working alliance/ real and unreal relationship), plus Orleans's & Gilbert's additional intercultural and coaching/mentoring modes of therapy. HPI is contextualised within a two person psychology which finds its focus in the nature of the therapeutic relationship.
To convert this into practice, we teach aspects of the theory and applications of a phenomenologically based person-centred, gestalt and existential approaches. There is an introduction to the unreal relationship. There will also be an introduction to how research can bring theories to life and how these can generate practice which results in therapeutic growth and change, and what their limitations might be.
Module aims
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To critically analyse and synthesise knowledge of a range of classic and contemporary theoretical approaches (e.g Clarkson et al) and their application to therapeutic practices relevant to a holistic and integrative approach to psychotherapy.
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To critically understand and evaluate the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the context of the taught theories.
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Understand and appraise the underpinning philosophic basis to the therapeutic relationship in terms of phenomenology and introductory aspects of the unreal relationship
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.
History of Counselling and Psychotherapy integration
models of integration, holism, challenges of integration and the therapeutic relationship
Principles: the archetypes of therapy: relationship,
Archetypes of the therapeutic relationship
The phenomenological approach in practice and an introduction to the real relationship 1 (Rogers)
Integrating with integrity (Worsley)
clinical aspects of the unreal relationship (key psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles: transference, counter transference, and projection)
holding, containment, and empathic attunement
Cycle of awareness and dialogic relationship (Real relationship 2)
Neo-humanism: emotional theory and emotional schemas
Person centred experiential & working with somatic process
Vivas
Creative experiential approaches
Reflections on learning and therapeutic endings
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of Rogers' person centred approach
- Critically understand and appraise the integrative approach
- Evidence knowledge, understanding and criticality of phenomenological principles
- Demonstrate a critical understanding & application of the therapeutic relationship
- Evaluate the value of holism in terms of the therapeutic relationship
- Evaluate the concept of integration in terms of the therapeutic relationship
Indicative reading list
Clarkson, P., (1990). A multiplicity of psychotherapeutic relationships. British Journal of Psychotherapy, 7(2), pp.148-163.
Clarkson, P., (2003). The therapeutic relationship. John Wiley & Sons.
Evans, K. and Gilbert, M., (2005). An introduction to integrative psychotherapy. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Gelso, C.J. and Carter, J.A., (1985). The relationship in counseling and psychotherapy: Components, consequences, and theoretical antecedents. The counseling psychologist, 13(2), pp.155-243.
Gelso, C.J., (2018). The therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy practice: An integrative perspective. Routledge.
Norcross, J.C. and Goldfried, M.R. eds., 2005. Handbook of psychotherapy integration. Oxford University Press.
Spinelli, E., (2005). The interpreted world: An introduction to phenomenological psychology. Sage.
Worsley R. (2012).'Integrating with Integrity' in: The Tribes Of The Person-Centred Nation, 2nd Edition: An Introduction To The Schools Of Therapy Related To The Person-Centred Approach. Ross-on-Wye: PCCS Books.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Students will:
*Learn about key psychotherapeutic theories mainly in the context of the real relationship, although there will be an introduction to the unreal relationships that dovetails into year two.
*Analyse, crically evaluate and synthesise key psychotherapeutic theories, philosophical underpinnings and holistic and integrative trends and insights.
*Convert theory into practice (praxis) as part of their developing therapeutic practitioner identity
Transferable skills
This module promotes an inter-relational set of theoretical understandings and skills that will enable students to begin their vocational careers as a trainee Psychotherapist or Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. The transferable aspects of these skills based on theoretcial learning include:
*A heightened awareness of the importance of relationship and empathic listening in helping work and vocational and organisational settings, which can be applied and modelled to support others and in team contexts.
*Insights about human being and behaviour to support interpersonal and group interaction and collaboration.
*Embedding academic thinking and writing skills which can be applied in a range of professional and personal contexts.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (22%) |
| Private study | 75 hours (38%) |
| Assessment | 80 hours (40%) |
| Total | 200 hours |
Private study description
Reading
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Critically evaluate Worsley’s integrative approach in the context of phenomenology and Rogers’ person centred approach | 50% | 40 hours | Yes (extension) |
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We are requiring the students to critically evidence their emerging knowledge and understanding of Rogers' theory, and phenomenology in contrasting Worsley's integrative stance. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Critically evaluate your understanding of the concepts of holism and psychotherapy integration and their implications fo | 50% | 40 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Critically evaluate your understanding of the concepts of holism and psychotherapy integration and their implications for the development of the therapeutic relationship. Consider one aspect of theory which has impacted on your own experiences as a client in therapy. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
via Tabula
Pre-requisites
A first degree of 2:1 or above.
Students are required to have completed an introduction to counselling skills qualification of at least one year in duration, which is of at least 3 hours per week and contain a discreet personal development group component.
Demonstrable experience of working with vulnerable people in a professional or voluntary capacity
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of TCES-C8B9 Postgraduate Taught Psychotherapy and Counselling