This module will introduce students to more specialised research and practice areas within counselling, focusing on areas (for example) such as spirituality, gender and sexuality, disability etc. This builds on previous modules to understand social and cultural contexts of these specialist areas of practice and different theoretical perspectives on them.

Counselling 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 specialist areas in counselling theory and practice to prepare them for their practice post-qualification.

The professional, legal and ethical element will provide students with 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.

Contact Hours: 65 hrs Lecture and small/large group work

Independent stud:135 hours of Reading, Assessment preparation, Personal reflection and journal writing

The module takes place from weeks 21-30. It will allow students to explore some specialist areas within the counselling profession. Students have the facility to explore certain specialist areas that they might like to focus on in future in depth, and will learn more about ways of working that are not based on a Western normative culture

The module will include discussions, experiential exercises, working in smaller and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitate discussions of ethical and professional issues as well as diversity and difference. Students will be expected to undertake extra reading, both general and directed by the course tutors. This is necessary to help develop and broaden knowledge ethics with the purpose of accomplishing the assessed work and to encourage self-directed enquiry and learning. Reflective practice is encouraged and facilitated by a personal professional development group and completing a personal development journal.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, to understand and evaluate the relationship between contemporary counselling theory, research & practice. Knowledge and Understanding, Learning

2. Communicate awareness of required professional counselling skills, including self-management, time management, maintaining boundaries, anti-discriminatory practice and how they relate to own counselling practice. Communication, Learning, Problem-solving

3. Describe and comment on awareness of a range of factors influencing the counselling process in terms of diversity, demonstrating awareness of own professional boundaries. Analysis, Communication

4. Demonstrate understanding of personal values, beliefs and experiences and the ways these impact on self and self in relation to others, being mindful of diversity and difference in facilitating professional counselling practice. Reflection and Learning

Computer and projection facilities for lectures
Large flat space room with tables for whole group lectures and small group discussions
Break out rooms for triad group work
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre and library facilities

Atkinson, D. R., & Hackett, G. (2004). Counseling Diverse Populations (3rd Edn). Boston: McGraw Hill.
Charura, D., and Lago, C. (2021) Black identities and white therapies: race, respect and diversity. UK: PCCS Books
Hope, S. (2021). Person-centred counselling for trans and gender diverse people. UK: Jessica Kingsley
McKenzie-Mavinga, I. (2009) Black issues in the therapeutic process. Basingstoke: Palgrave McMillan

Richards, C., and Barker, M-.J. (2013). Sexuality and gender for mental health professionals. London: Sage

Sue, D., and Sue, D. (2019). Counseling the culturally diverse. UK: Wiley

West, W. (2000). Psychotherapy & Spirituality: Crossing the line between therapy and religion. London: Sage.

West, W. (2004). Spiritual Issues in Therapy: Relating Experience to Practice. Basingstoke: Palgrave McMillan.

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

Do you have a specialist area you would like to focus on?
This module will help you to consider various specialist areas within counselling and psychotherapy. We’ll consider topics from spirituality, working with young people, working with gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity. This is your chance to hone in your specialist area to graduate with a good general knowledge of counselling as well as an in-depth understanding of some speciality areas.

There are three elements of assessment for this module:

1.20-minute recording of a counselling session (0%). The student must demonstrate awareness of required professional counselling skills, personal values, beliefs and experiences, while being mindful of diversity and difference (Learning outcomes 2 and 4)

2.The 3000-word interpersonal process recall essay is based on the recorded counselling session in Assessment 1. Students will need to consider both a critical awareness of professional boundaries (LO2) and communicate how a range of factors might impact on the counselling environment (LO3). They will need to be able to consider the relationship between what research says and how they practice (LO1) and show awareness of their own values and the impact that these have on the counselling relationship (LO4).

3. Portfolio

Students submit their completed portfolio form their 100 hours supervised placement

An on-going personal development log to be kept throughout the year

A record of client hours and dates (100 + client contact hours

A record of supervision hours and dates (supervision hours at a ratio of at least 1:8, and no less than 1.0 hour per fortnight regardless of contact hours)

50 hour and 100-hour supervision reports

A record of any training relating to counselling outside the University (e.g. at placement)

A contract between Staffordshire University counselling tutor team, placement counselling organisation, supervisor, and student

A statement signed by personal therapist of the student as evidence of attendance of personal therapy (at least 20 hours over 2 years)

BACP student membership