This module considers the issues involved in setting up a private professional practice for counselling children and young people. Aspects such as finding a venue, 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. You will develop a greater understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas.

A written assignment of 2,000 words that requires you to critically examine and discuss issues involved in setting up a professional counselling practice (LO1, LO2, LO3).

Learning strategies may include interactive lectures and skills practice sessions which consist of workshops, discussions, group-work, role-play, and individual tutorials. Reflection and reflective practice along with critical thinking will also be a key element of the programme in to facilitate professional learning. Independent study time includes researching, reading and reflection as well as assignment preparation.

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

Library
IT resources including PowerPoints
VLE - SOALR
Core texts

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

This module considers the issues involved in setting up a private professional practice for counselling children and young people. Aspects such as finding a venue, 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. You will develop a greater understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas.