This module focuses on professional issues that underpin good counselling practice. Learners will explore topics such as equal opportunities, codes of practice, contracts, boundaries, client referral, insurance cover, and confidentiality.
- Client assessment and referral
- Equal opportunity legislation.
- Health and Safety Issues
- Complaints procedures
- Contracting
- Insurance cover
- Ethical dilemmas
- Confidentiality
- Codes of practice
- Data Protection
- Supervision
- How to prepare a client for Supervision

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (48 hours)
30 hours – Interactive lectures
18 hours - Individual presentations, group work and discussion

Guided Independent Study: (102 hours)
50 hours reading and reflecting, library and internet searching.
52 hours assignment preparation

Core texts
Classrooms
Computer, projector
Internet access
Library
VLE Moodle

Jenkins, P. (2007) Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law. London: Sage Publications
Bond, T. (2015) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action. London: Sage Publications
Bond, T. and Mitchels, B. (2014) Confidentiality and Record Keeping in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage Publications
Carroll, M. (2001) Counselling Supervision: Theory, Skills and Practice. London: Sage Publications
BACP (quarterly journal) Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. Oxon: Routledge

1. Engage effectively with literature relevant to professional issues within counselling (Enquiry)

2. Demonstrate an understanding of professional issues involved with working in a counselling placement.
(Application, Knowledge and Understanding)

3. Evaluate how professional issues might be managed in counselling practice. (Analysis, Problem Solving, Reflection)

Written Essay 100% (2000 words)

A written 2,000-word essay that requires students to critically evaluate how professional issues might be managed in counselling practice. LO 1-3