This module will introduce students to a number of core counselling theories. Students will learn how to link theory to the use of key counselling skills. This will include what should be stated in contracting and how to facilitate a counselling session using their core counselling skills and theoretical underpinning. We will also be continuing to use reflective cycles to help students understand how to engage in reflective practice. We will also be discussing continuing professional development and further study.

Summative Assessment:
2,000 word essay demonstrating an understanding of counselling theory and integrating learning from different counselling theories. (Learning outcomes 1-4).

Formative assessment
Continual assessment through individual and peer group discussion and seminar 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.

The module aims to include discussions, experiential exercises, working in triads and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of core counselling theory. Students will have the opportunity to link relevant theory and develop core counselling skills in regular skills practice groups. This will help students develop critical awareness and how to give and receive constructive and quality feedback. Through continuing with the personal development groups and writing in their personal development journal students will have the opportunity to engage in and develop reflective practice. 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 theory and core counselling skills with the purpose of accomplishing the assessed work and to encourage self-directed enquiry and learning.

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFERENT COUNSELLING APPROACHES.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. ENGAGE WITH AND EVALUATE THE COUNSELLING LITERATURE RELEVANT TO THESE MAIN APPROACHES.

Enquiry

3. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO ENGAGE IN A PROCESS OF EVALUATION OF THE USEFULNESS AND LIMITATIONS OF DIFFERENT COUNSELLING APPROACHES.

Learning and Analysis

4. REFLECT ON AN UNDERSTANDING OF COUNSELLING THEORY AS A FOUNDATION OF COUNSELLING PRACTICE.

Application and communication, reflection

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

Hedges, F. (2010). Reflexivity in Therapeutic Practice. Palgrave Macmillan
Bolton, G. with Delderfield, R. (2018). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. SAGE Pub
Stafford & Bond (2020). Counselling Skills in Action. Sage Pub.
Hough, M. (2021). Counselling Skills and Theory. (5th edition) Hodder Education