Lectures and seminars build on theoretical content from year 1 to give an in-depth and current view of counselling theories. This is accompanied by information on diverse ways of developing an integrative counselling approach.

You will work in small groups to analyse and reflect on your application of theory into practice. The emphasis is on personal learning within the group and the application of this learning in personal, group and societal settings. Groupwork also includes opportunity to use skills recordings in an interpersonal recall process (IPR), which facilitates reflexivity in developing your integrative approach. These practical sessions link theory, ethics, cultural and societal influences in critical reflection on counselling practice

There is one element of assessment for this module:

1. A 3000-word essay (weighted at 100%) that describes the personal philosophy, theoretical concepts and ethical principles informing their rationale and integrative counselling approach. The approach must show awareness of personal identities, and diversity by reflecting on cultural competence as part of their integrative way of working. (LO 1,2,3,4)

Formative assessment:
IPR process includes peer and tutor reflections on both abilities to link theory and practice and reflect on their developing integrative approach.

1. Describe and comment on a variety of contemporary counselling approaches, critically evaluating their applications, and limitations in practice. Analysis, Knowledge and understanding


2. Demonstrate awareness of how to evaluate and integrate counselling theories, personal values and professional ethics that are informing development of your unique professional counselling approach. Application, Reflection, Problem-solving

3. Evidence and communicate reflective awareness and understanding of required professional counselling skills, including anti-discriminatory practice, and how they relate to your own counselling practice. Communication, Reflection

4. Demonstrate systematic knowledge, understanding and reflection on the relationship between counselling theory, research, ethical issues, and professional practice, with evidence of original thinking. Enquiry, Knowledge & understanding

Computer and projection facilities for lectures
Break out rooms for triad group work, recording facilities
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre and library facilities

Cooper, M., and Dryden, W. (2016). The Handbook of Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. London. Sage

Dallos, R. (2006). Attachment Narrative Therapy: Integrating Narrative, Systemic and Attachment Therapies. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Dryden, W., and Branch, R. (Eds)(2012). The CBT Handbook. London: Sage.

Lapworth P, and Sills, C. (2009). Integration in Counselling & Psychotherapy: Developing a Personal Approach. London: Sage

Rose, C. (2008). The Personal Development Group: The Students' Guide. London: Karnac

Rose, C. (2011). Self Awareness and Personal Development: Resources for Psychotherapists and Counsellors. Hampshire: Palgrave McMillan

Tolan, J., and Wilkins P (2011). Client issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Person Centred Practice. London: Sage

Certificate in Counselling level 3, face to face delivery
Prior experiences and/or alternative qualifications may be accepted where possible

This module deepens your knowledge of counselling theories and research. Current information on integration accompanied by discussions and exploration in groupwork refines the rationale informing your unique integrative approach.
You will have opportunity to reflect on your personal beliefs, identities, and cultural awareness to develop an approach that is coherent with you as a person.
The emphasis is on personal learning within the group and the application of this learning in personal, group and societal settings.

Contact Hours:
65 hours of class time consisting of lectures and small group work

Independent study hours: 135

65 hours’ reading

25 hours’ assessment preparation

45 hours’ personal reflection and journal writing

The module covers both theoretical and practical components.

The module includes experiential work in triads, small groups and larger groups. These interactive sessions allow the student to develop their levels of self-awareness, self-acceptance and counselling skills through group discussion, self-reflection and individual discussions with peers and tutors. Additional independent study, including tutor recommended and self-directed reading, will assist students in addressing weaker areas. This will encourage student self-development and the development of their counselling skills practice, in conjunction with an awareness of critical evaluation of counselling theory, research and professional issues.