Module Descriptors
COUNSELLING THEORY, ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
PSYC40500
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 4
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Danielle Fitzhenry
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 54
Independent Study Hours: 246
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
- ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
The counselling theory, ethics and professional issues module provides an introduction to several theoretical approaches; Humanistic, Attachment, Cognitive Behavioural, Systemic theories and aspects of Psychodynamic approaches. These are grounded in a historical context and the similarities and differences of each are explored and evaluated. The application of each within a therapeutic setting is considered. Students will have opportunity to develop their understanding of the importance of an ethical approach as well as application of theory in a counselling setting. Ethical and professional issues will be considered, including boundary setting, confidentiality, ethical dilemmas and the importance of supervision.
Module Additional Assessment Details
- Assessment 1; PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES ASSIGNMENT
- Length 2000 words, weighted 50%
- Teaching Block 1
- Summative Assessment:
- A written assignment of 2,000 words will assess students' awareness and understanding of ethical dilemmas and professional issues in a counselling context and the student's own occupational setting (learning outcomes 2, 4 and 5) with particular reference to the BACP Ethical framework.
This assessment will ask students to:
- Provide evidence of an understanding of professional and ethical issues, relating to ethical frameworks (such as BACP)
- Demonstrate their knowledge of using the ethical framework within their own practice.
Formative Assessment
- Discussion of ethical dilemmas in small and large groups.
- Assessment 2.: COUNSELLING THEORY
- Length 2,000 words, weighted 50%
- Teaching Block 2
- Summative Assessment:
- One 2,000 word written assignment integrating learning from different areas of counselling theory (learning outcomes 1-3).
This assessment will ask students to
- Provide evidence of an understanding and wider reading of theoretical concepts of counselling introduced in this module.
- Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through evaluating the issues that are raised
- Demonstrate their ability to engage with some of the fundamental theoretical issues.
Formative assessment
- Continual assessment through individual and peer group discussion. Students will have the opportunity to submit an essay plan relating to the topic area, which will be reviewed by peers and tutors.
Both assessments must be passed in order to pass the module.
- Length 2000 words, weighted 50%
- Teaching Block 1
- Summative Assessment:
- A written assignment of 2,000 words will assess students' awareness and understanding of ethical dilemmas and professional issues in a counselling context and the student's own occupational setting (learning outcomes 2, 4 and 5) with particular reference to the BACP Ethical framework.
This assessment will ask students to:
- Provide evidence of an understanding of professional and ethical issues, relating to ethical frameworks (such as BACP)
- Demonstrate their knowledge of using the ethical framework within their own practice.
Formative Assessment
- Discussion of ethical dilemmas in small and large groups.
- Assessment 2.: COUNSELLING THEORY
- Length 2,000 words, weighted 50%
- Teaching Block 2
- Summative Assessment:
- One 2,000 word written assignment integrating learning from different areas of counselling theory (learning outcomes 1-3).
This assessment will ask students to
- Provide evidence of an understanding and wider reading of theoretical concepts of counselling introduced in this module.
- Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through evaluating the issues that are raised
- Demonstrate their ability to engage with some of the fundamental theoretical issues.
Formative assessment
- Continual assessment through individual and peer group discussion. Students will have the opportunity to submit an essay plan relating to the topic area, which will be reviewed by peers and tutors.
Both assessments must be passed in order to pass the module.
Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours;
27 hrs Lecture
27 hrs small and large group work
Independent study hours;
73 hrs Reading
73 hrs Assessment preparation
100 hrs Personal reflection and journal writing
The course takes place weekly, for 4hr sessions, over 27 weeks (incorporating elements from both modules). In addition there is a one-day workshop (6hrs contact time) and a residential weekend (16 hrs contact time). The counselling theory, ethics and professional issues module will include discussions, experiential exercises, working in triads and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of theory, ethical and professional issues in some depth. Students will be expected to undertake extra reading, both general and directed by the course tutors. This is necessary to help develop and broaden knowledge of theory and ethics with the purpose of accomplishing the assessed work and to encourage self-directed enquiry and learning. Reflective practice is encouraged and facilitated by a personal professional development group, personal reflection and completing a journal.
27 hrs Lecture
27 hrs small and large group work
Independent study hours;
73 hrs Reading
73 hrs Assessment preparation
100 hrs Personal reflection and journal writing
The course takes place weekly, for 4hr sessions, over 27 weeks (incorporating elements from both modules). In addition there is a one-day workshop (6hrs contact time) and a residential weekend (16 hrs contact time). The counselling theory, ethics and professional issues module will include discussions, experiential exercises, working in triads and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of theory, ethical and professional issues in some depth. Students will be expected to undertake extra reading, both general and directed by the course tutors. This is necessary to help develop and broaden knowledge of theory and ethics with the purpose of accomplishing the assessed work and to encourage self-directed enquiry and learning. Reflective practice is encouraged and facilitated by a personal professional development group, personal reflection and completing a journal.
Module Texts
BACP (2009) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy,
BACP Information Sheets, www.bacp.co.uk (these will be available on Blackboard)
Bond, T. (2010) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action (3rd edition). London. Sage.
McLeod J (2009). Introduction to Counselling (4th Edn). OU Press
BACP Information Sheets, www.bacp.co.uk (these will be available on Blackboard)
Bond, T. (2010) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action (3rd edition). London. Sage.
McLeod J (2009). Introduction to Counselling (4th Edn). OU Press
Module Resources
Groups of 15 or more require extra tutors to facilitate learning in personal professional development groups and triads.
Equipment to record and save a piece of skills practice and provide opportunity for reflection and feedback in small group setting.
Computer and projector for lectures
Break out rooms for triad work
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre.
Equipment to record and save a piece of skills practice and provide opportunity for reflection and feedback in small group setting.
Computer and projector for lectures
Break out rooms for triad work
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills, min 24hrs
Prior experiences and/or alternative qualifications may be accepted where possible
Prior experiences and/or alternative qualifications may be accepted where possible