The module will focus on the further development of core skills to professional counsellor level, the ability to set appropriate contracts with clients and work therapeutically with clients on placements. It includes in-depth reflection on the use of supervision as consultative support for professional counsellors. The module links closely with the other year 2 modules in that skills development is set in the context of professional/ethical/legal frameworks, requires personal and professional development.

This module will be incorporated in weekly 6 hour sessions over 30 weeks, two one day workshops and residential weekend (the sessions incorporate elements from all modules). This module includes experiential work in triads and larger groups. These interactive sessions allow students to practice their counselling skills consistently at the level of professional counsellors. Counselling will be modelled by tutors and peers and video tapes will be used for feedback purposes. Students are required to undertake additional reading to allow them to continue to develop their practical skills in conjunction with awareness and critical evaluation of counselling theory and research.

Summative assessment
1. A CLIENT CASE STUDY with transcribed audio tape (one 20 minute or two 10 minute sections from one session) with a 3,000 word CRITIQUE of the session on tape. Weighted at 80%. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)
2. A PRESENTATION of this client case study. Weighted at 20% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)
3. A SECOND AUDIO-TAPE of a different client session (one 20 minute or two 10 minute sections from one session) - zero rated. (Learning Outcome 4)

All elements of assessment must be passed.

This will ask students to:
1. Provide evidence of critical understanding and professional and safe use of counselling skills
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of counselling skills and critical evaluation of counselling practice as a near-qualified practitioner
3. Demonstrate ability through the use of counselling skills of analytical and thoughtful engagement with fundamental theoretical and ethico-legal issues.

Formative assessment
Students will be regularly assessed by peers and by tutors on their ability to counsel effectively and ethically. Personal reflection and peer group discussion will also be used extensively.

Counselling textbooks
Learning Resource Centre
Access to video/DVD recording and playing equipment
Rooms and chairs suitable for counselling practice

Bor, R. & Watts, M. (Eds.) The trainee handbook: a guide for counselling and psychotherapy trainees. London: Sage
McLeod, J. (2004) The counsellor's workbook: developing a personal approach. Maidenhead: Open University Press
Tolan, J (2003) Skills in person-centred counselling and psychotherapy. London: Sage
Tolan, J (1995) Case Material and Role Play in Counselling Training. London: Routledge
Prochaska, J. O. & Norcross, J. C. (2007) Systems of Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Analysis (6th Ed.) Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks-Cole

If studied via part-time route:
Year 1

If studied via full-time route:
Counselling certificate or equivalent