Module Descriptors
THEORY, RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN COUNSELLING 2
PSYC60507
Key Facts
Health, Education, Policing and Sciences
Level 6
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Mairi Smith
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 97
Independent Study Hours: 203
Total Learning Hours: 300
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Stoke Campus
Assessment
  • AN ESSAY weighted at 50%
  • A POSTER PRESENTATION weighted at 50%
Module Details
Special Admissions Requirements
Certificate in Counselling (minimum Level 3)
Texts
Bond T. (2000). Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action.. 2nd edn. London. Sage.
Cooper M, O'Hara, M, Schmid P, Wyatt G (Eds) (2007). The Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling. Basingstoke: Palgrave McMillan.
Dryden W, Branch R (Eds)(2012). The CBT Handbook. London: Sage
Jenkins, P. (1997). Counselling, Psychotherapy and the Law. London: Sage.
Lapworth P, Sills C, (2009). Integration in Counselling & Psychotherapy: Developing a Personal Approach. London: Sage
Mitchels, B, Bond T, (2011). Legal Issues Across Counselling & Psychotherapy Settings: A Guide for Practice. London: Sage
Resources
Blackboard
Library
PowerPoint / Projector
Learning Resource Centre
Learning Strategies
This module will be incorporated within weekly 3 hour sessions over 30 weeks; half of two one-day workshops (7 hours), the work within sessions incorporates elements from both course modules.

The module includes lectures, discussion, student-led presentations and workshops (90 hours). These sessions allow involve indepth exploration of contemporary counselling issues and tutor guided reading will assist in developing a broad base of professional knowledge and the skills required to make informed ethical decisions. The legal ramifications of counselling will be taught in conjunction with tutor-guided reading. Directed and self-directed reading will form part of the module to broaden theoretical knowledge and to research their specific theoretical interests in greater depth.

Independent Learning
Assessment preparation and planning of assignments 83 hours
Independent reading 120 hours
Additional Assessment Details
There are two parts to the assessment for this module.

Summative Assessment

1. A 3,500 word ESSAY conceptualising moral and ethical issues in counselling drawing on theory, research and experience from own counselling practice. Weighted at 50%. (assessing LO's 3 & 4).

2. A Poster Presentation: Theory to Practice weighted at 50%. Deliver a 10 minute poster presentation demonstrating an ability to apply counselling theory to practice. Drawing on theory and research and apply this knowledge to own counselling practice. The presentation will be followed by a 10 minute Q & A session (assessing all LO's).

Both assessments MUST be passed in order to pass the module.

Formative assessment
Regular tutor feedback is given on development and understanding of theory and professional, ethical and legal aspects of practice. Peer feedback is a regular aspect.
Continual assessment through tutor-led and peer group discussion.
Indicative Content
Theory and research knowledge will be further informed by an in-depth study of client issues and psychopathology. The theories will be explored in greater depth whilst continually being grounded in historical context and current research and practice. Students will be encouraged to develop their own integrated model of counselling theory and practice to prepare them for their practice post-qualification.

The professional, legal and ethical element will provide continued opportunities to ground skills practice and theoretical knowledge on a professional ethico-legal foundation, working within the BACP Ethical Framework. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate their own moral and ethical principles in relation to issues such as confidentiality, therapeutic boundaries, ethical dilemmas and clinical supervision.