Certificate in Counselling (minimum Level 3)

Blackboard
Library
PowerPoint / Projector
Learning Resource Centre

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

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 specific theoretical interests in greater depth.

Independent Learning
Assessment preparation and planning of assignments 63 hours
Independent reading 140 hours

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 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.

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 the 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 theory to practice. Draw on theory and research and apply this knowledge to own counselling practice. The presentation will be followed by a 10 miniute Q & A session. (assessing all LO's)

Both elements of assessment MUST be passed in order to pass the module.

Formative assessment
Regular tutor feedback on development of understanding theory and professional, ethical and legal aspects of counselling practice. Peer feedback is a consistent feature of the course.
Continual assessment through tutor-led and peer group discussion.

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. You will be encouraged to develop your own integrated model of counselling theory and practice to prepare you for your practice post-qualification.

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