This module will introduce students to reflective models to help them develop a sense of reflexivity when developing ethical awareness. Reflexivity is a key feature of the module and students are encouraged to reflect on personal and professional development through group participation, large and small group experiential exercises, triads and individual reflection. There is guidance on the construction of a personal development journal and personal development groups. Students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of the importance of an ethical approach in a counselling setting. Ethical and professional issues will be considered, including concepts related to confidentiality, ethical dilemmas and the importance of supervision and practitioner self-care. Students will develop an awareness of diversity and difference and the impact this may have on the therapeutic relationship.

Assessment 1; Ethical Awareness Case Study
Summative Assessment:
This 1,500 word Case Study will contain a number of sections comprising short answer questions will assess students' awareness and understanding of ethical dilemmas and professional issues and attitudes in a counselling context (learning outcomes 1,2, 3, 4) with reference and use of to the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethical framework.
This assessment will ask students to:
With the case study provided use the BACP (2018) Ethical Framework to address the ethical issues present and justify your decision making throughout the given stage’s of Bond’s (2010) six-stage model.

Formative Assessment
Discussion of ethical dilemmas and application to real life examples in small and large groups.

On this module students can expect to engage in learning experiences through lectures, seminars, and small and large group work. Students should also be aware that they will need to build in time outside of the course for independent reading, assessment preparation, personal reflection and journal writing.

This module aims to build ethical awareness, personal and professional development in counselling. Throughout the module we will include discussions and experiential exercises working in triads and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of ethical and professional issues as well as diversity and power in the therapeutic relationship. 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 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 and completing a personal development journal.

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF ETHICAL ISSUES AND POTENTIAL PROFESSIONAL DILEMMAS IN A COUNSELLING CONTEXT.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE A PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE TO HELPING OTHERS WHICH CAN BE APPLIED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS.

Communication

3. COMMUNICATE AN UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS OF A RANGE OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE COUNSELLING PROCESS IN TERMS OF DIVERSITY (I.E. GROUPS, FAMILIES, CULTURE, GENDER etc..).

Analysis and Communication

4. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO APPLY THE BACP ETHICAL FRAMEWORK AND OTHER RELEVENT WIDER READING TO ETHICAL PROBLEM SOLVING.

Application and Problem Solving

Development groups and triads
Computer and projection facilities for lectures
Break out rooms for triad group work
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre and library facilities

BACP (2018) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy,

Bond, T. (2015) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action (4th edition). London. Sage.

McLeod J (2019). Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (6th edition). OU Press