This module considers the issues involved in setting up a private professional practice for counselling children and young people. Aspects such as finding appropriate premises, setting up a play therapy room, health and safety issues, insurance cover, record keeping, legal issues, fees and appropriate marketing strategies etc. will be addressed. Working with parents and multi-agency working will also be discussed along with the benefits and deficits of working from home. Participants will develop a greater understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas.

Summative: An assignment weighted at 100%

A written assignment of 1,500 words will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of a specific professional issue involved in setting up in private professional counselling practice.

There are a number of different professional issues considered in the module content. Students will collaborate as a group and identify which specific topic each of them will research and write about.

Every student will work on a different professional issue; however in the event of a large class group it will be possible for two students to independently cover the same topic.

Individual student assignments will be combined to make up the chapters of a book titled
“Issues Involved in Setting up a Private Practice for Counselling Children and Young People”. The completed book will be available to all students to be used as a working guide to support them in their future professional lives (LO 1 – 3).

Formative - Q and A, discussion, peer evaluation and feedback, self-evaluation, reflective journal,
role-play, quiz, presentation, debate.

Tutor Contact Hours – 48
30 hours – Interactive lectures
18 hours - Group work and discussion

Independent Study Hours - 102
60 hours reading and reflecting, library and internet searching.
42 hours assignment preparation

Kirkbride, R. (2015) Counselling Children and Young People in Private Practice: A Practical Guide. London: Karnac Books.
McMahon, G. Palmer, S. and Wilding, C. (2005) The Essential Skills for Setting Up a Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice. London: Routledge
Rye, J. (2017) Setting Up and Running a Therapy Business: Frequently Asked Questions. London: Karnac Books.
Bor, R. and Stokes, A. (Eds.) (2011) Setting up in Independent Practice: A Handbook for Counsellors, Therapists and Psychologists. London: Palgrave MacMillan.
Warren, G. (2010) Set Up a Therapy Business: A Step-By-Step Guide. Ethical Business Publishing.

Core texts
Classrooms
Computer, projector
Internet access
Library
VLE Moodle

1. Critically examine and discuss the issues involved in setting up a private practice for counselling children and young people.
Enquiry

2. Critically evaluate and discuss benefits and deficits of working from home.
Problem Solving
Analysis

3. Critically examine and reflect on own awareness of safety issues for both client and counsellor.
Reflection