As this is the final module for this award, it consolidates and builds upon the learning from the previous modules of the course. This module will also build on students’ knowledge of reflective models to help them engage in critical reflexivity as they analyse their own counselling skills and personal development to becoming a reflective practitioner. Reflexivity is a key feature of the module and students are encouraged to reflect on personal and professional development through group participation, large and small group experiential exercises, skills triads and individual reflection. Students will develop an ability to analyse skills used in counselling practice and make valuable links between the use of theory and core skills to facilitate the therapeutic process. We will also reinforce issues of consent and ethical practice learned in previous modules. Students will continue professional development and group learning through the collaborative exercises geared towards cultivating transferable skills that are valuable for future employability.

Summative Assessments:

1. Personal Development JOURNAL/ Skills Log (0% Pass/Fail, to assess LO 3).) A personal development journal will be kept throughout the module recording personal learning and reflections on the process of being engaged on the course in both the taught aspects and relationships with self and others. One theme must be submitted as a PowerPoint slide and will be discussed 1-to-1 with a member of staff.
In addition, students must submit evidence of four ‘skills practice feedback forms’ collated on separate weeks throughout the module.

2. A 20-minute video recording (0% Pass/Fail) made with another student (weighted at 0%). This will be marked pass/fail. (LO’s 2 and 4).

3. A 2,500-word Reflective Process Report (100%) A critical evaluation of the skills video recording that contains an interweaving of possible theoretical explanations for the use of skills and elements of reflexivity that highlights the personal historical roots of responses and areas for future development. (LO’s 1) The recording consent form must be in the appendix.

Please Note: All elements of assessment must be passed in order to pass the module

Formative Assessments:
- Discussion of ethical and professional issues and application to real life examples in small and large groups.
-Skills practice, case studies and regular feedback sessions
-4 Weeks of reflective group
-Personal Development Exploration Opportunities

Taught sessions may include lectures, workshop activities, discussions, experiential exercises, working in triads and larger groups, drop-in support sessions, and assignment preparation session.

1. Analyse and evaluate your own practice in relation to the use of individual and collaborative counselling skills and the practical use of contemporary theory in counselling approaches.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

2. Demonstrate an ability to facilitate a professional helping relationship which can be applied in different situations.

Application and Problem Solving

3. Evidence and communicate development and integration of personal growth and professional skills.

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

4. Demonstrate competence in using different counselling skills and in developing skills for ethical practice.

Application and Problem Solving

Access to counselling and observation suites, audio–video recording equipment and associated technical support.

Sanders, P., Williams, P. J., Rogers, A. (2021). First Steps in Counselling: An Introductory Companion. (5th Ed). PCCS BOOKS.
This is the core text for the counselling undergraduate course and is the backbone of all topics integrated into modules. This is the most updated version available.

BACP (2018) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (update due 2026)
This is the Framework that we teach our students around ethical understanding and practice. Also, this is provided by our postgraduate accrediting body (BACP). It is the most updated version; however, a new update is due to be released some time in 2026.

Hough, M. (2021). Counselling Skills and Theory. (5th edition) Hodder Education.
This book covers various core theories in counselling and links to practical applications through case studies.

Finlay, L. (2022). The Therapeutic Use of Self in Counselling & Psychotherapy. SAGE PUB.
This book supports the reflexive element of the module by highlighting the importance of the therapeutic use of self through topics such as power, social identity, and family narratives.

Achieve a pass on PSYC50838 Counselling Theory to Practice

As this is the final module for this award, you will be required to consolidate, demonstrate reflect and communicate and build upon previous knowledge gained in level 4 and level 5 counselling modules. Reflexivity is a key feature of the module, and you are encouraged to reflect on personal and professional development through group participation, large and small group experiential exercises, triads and individual reflection. You will develop an ability to analyse their skills used in a counselling practice recording and make links between the use of theory and core skills to facilitate the therapeutic process. This module will prepare you for post graduate professional counsellor training and coach you to complete the interview process for application.