The emphasis is on personal learning within the group and the application of this learning in personal, group and societal settings. The module does not involve taught material. A personal development group will be facilitated by a staff member. Students will be working towards taking full responsibility for their personal and professional development needs.

The module will focus on the further development of core skills to professional counsellor level, the ability to set appropriate contracts with clients and work therapeutically with clients on placements. It also includes critical reflection on the use of supervision as consultative support for professional counsellors. The module links closely with the other year 2 modules in that skills development is set in the context of professional/ethical legal frameworks, and requires personal and professional development.

This module will be incorporated within weekly 3 hour sessions over 30 weeks and half of two one-day workshops (7 hours), the work within sessions incorporates elements from both course modules.

The module includes experiential work in triads, small groups and larger groups (90 hours). 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 (203 hours). Counselling practice will be modelled by tutors and through the use of appropriate DVDs/ Video tapes.


Independent Learning

Writing in journal 60 hours
Assessment preparation and planning of assignments 53 hours
Independent reading 90 hours

Dallos, R. (2006). Attachment Narrative Therapy: Integrating Narrative, Systemic and Attachment Therapies. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Dryden W, Branch R (Eds)(2012). The CBT Handbook. London: Sage.
Lapworth P, 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, Wilkins P (2011). Client issues in Counselling and Psychotherapy: Person Centred Practice. London: Sage

Blackboard VLE
Learning Resource Centre
Library (including e-resources)
Video/DVD
Video/DVD/ Digital audio recording equipment
Access to appropriate counselling suite

Certificate in Counselling or equivalent (minimum Level 3)

There are FOUR parts to the assessment for this module:

A REFLECTIVE ASSIGNMENT of 2500 words (weighted at 40%), based upon a personal development log (LO's 1 and 2)

An audio tape of 20 minutes accompanied by a 3000 word critique (weighted at 50%)

Presentation written critique comparing differences in online/phone therapy (OPT) compared to in person 500-700 words (weighted 10%)

PORTFOLIO 2 (zero weighted):
- 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 1:6, and no less than 1.0 hour per fortnight regardless of contact hours)
- 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

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

Formative assessment
Students will be required to show their personal development log to tutors on at least one occasion during the module and tutors will give feedback on whether the log shows the required level of critical evaluation and self-acceptance required of students who wish to be professional counselling practitioners.
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.

The emphasis is on personal learning within the group and the application of this learning in personal, group and societal settings. The module does not involve taught material. A personal development group will be facilitated by a staff member. You will be working towards taking full responsibility for your personal and professional development needs.

The module will focus on the further development of core skills to professional counsellor level, the ability to set appropriate contracts with clients and work therapeutically with clients on placements. It also includes critical reflection on the use of supervision as consultative support for professional counsellors. The module links closely with the other year 2 modules in that skills development is set in the context of professional/ethical legal frameworks, and requires personal and professional development.