Both clinical experience and research indicate Person-Centred and Experiential psychotherapies to be effective with a wide range of psychological disturbance. Consequently, this module provides opportunities to develop understanding of these perspectives in regard to various psychopathological processes with consideration of a number of emotional, cognitive and behavioural reactions to life events. The module promotes your engagement with respectful yet critical consideration of models both within and from outside the Person-Centred and Experiential framework in order to facilitate your understanding of the wider context of mental health. Models of psychopathology prevalent within the UK’s Mental Health Provision including DSM-5 and ICD-10 categories are critically considered in relation to modality specific viewpoints in order that you develop an informed dialogue with approaches based upon contrasting underlying assumptions. This includes active consideration of assessment, diagnosis, articulation and referral in order to support the implementation of your methodology appropriately when dealing with complex problems or those of an unfamiliar or unpredictable nature. The ethical imperative of maintaining fitness, competence and anti-oppressive practice is emphasised in order to ensure client and therapist safety. You will critically consider a wide range of psychotherapeutic responses in the context of Person-Centred and Experiential practice with particular attention to contemporary perspectives such as processing styles, pre-therapy and contact work. Additionally, this module advances your learning by examining evidence-based practice and the issues that contribute to the hierarchy of evidence and its implications for Person-Centred and Experiential approaches.

Total hours = 56
• Group process – 16 hours
• Experiential and theoretical learning – 12 hours
• Supervised clinical practice in small and/or large groups – 16 hours
• Self-reflective journal writing – 4 hours
• Student-focused activities encouraging active participation,(including accessing electronic systems and support staff for data, literature, resources and contacts, tutorials) – 8 hours

Total hours = 144
• Self-directed independent study including research, reading, assignment planning and writing – 74 hours
• Placement preparation and attendance – 30 hours
• Personal therapy (preparation, attendance, post-session journaling) – 12 hours
• Clinical supervision (preparation, attendance, post-session journaling) – 12hours
• Tutor-directed independent study (including workshop preparation) – 16 hours

FREETH. R. (2007) Humanising Psychiatry & Mental Health Care: The Challenge of the Person-Centred Approach. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing.
JOSEPH. S. & WORSLEY. R. (2005) (eds.) Person-Centred Psychopathology. Ross-on-Wye: PCCS Books.

• Creative materials
• Audio-recording/playback devices
• Access to an approved placement which provides suitable learning opportunities, and a suitably qualified supervisor to provide the required ratio of supervision hours to clinical practice
• Access to a suitably qualified therapist to provide the required sessions of personal therapy

1. Demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of person-centred and experiential approaches to personality processes, behaviour and defence.
Analysis

2. Demonstrate the independent learning ability required to advance your knowledge, understanding and professional expertise when critically appraising the relevance of theories proposed by alternative models of psychopathology to your clinical work as a person-centred/experiential practitioner.
Learning

3. Demonstrate the therapeutic attitudes and professional expertise necessary to person-centred/experiential psychotherapy practice with a range of client populations within the field of psychopathology and mental ill-health.
Reflection

Part A - Reflective Report (50%): a written report evidencing learning outcomes 1 and 2 (3000 words +/- 10%).

Part B - Presentation (50%): a 25 minute group presentation, evidencing learning outcome 3

Both elements must pass independently in order to receive an overall pass for the module.