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 develop their counselling skills to the level of professional counsellors. Counselling will be modelled by tutors and use of video tapes. Students are required to undertake additional reading to allow them to develop their practical skills in conjunction with awareness and critical evaluation of counselling theory and research.

Summative assessment
1. A VIDEO TAPE with transcription (20 minutes or 2 x 10 minutes) demonstrating effective and ethical counselling practice. Weighted at 0%. (LOs 1 & 2)
2. A CRITIQUE of no more than 2000 words of the transcribed and submitted video tape weighted 100%. (LOs 1 & 2)

Both 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 beginning practitioner of mid-level training
3. Demonstrate ability through the use of counselling skills of 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.

Certificate in Counselling or equivalent
Undergraduate Degree or equivalent

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

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

The counselling practice module provides students with the opportunity to practice counselling skills and develop them to the level required for professional counselling. The module will focus on the consolidation of core skills, the ability to set appropriate contracts with clients. The module links closely with the other year I modules in that skills development is set in the context of professional/ethical/legal frameworks, requires personal and professional development. Counselling practice is grounded in theoretical traditions and supported by research evidence.