1. Demonstrate systematic understanding of what constitutes ‘self’ within person-centred psychology and ‘use of self’ in the person-centred and experiential modalities. Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate independent learning ability when critically comparing person-centred and experiential perspectives regarding therapist presence with those of alternative psychotherapy/counselling approaches to advance your knowledge, understanding and professional expertise. Learning

3. Demonstrate critical awareness and evaluation of contemporary knowledge regarding relational ethics, equality, diversity and inclusion and the relevance of these to your professional identity. Analysis

Building on existing knowledge of the philosophical and theoretical underpinning of your approach, this module provides opportunity to develop and advance understanding of clinical and research practice within the person-centred and experiential ‘tribes’. The emphasis on values and principles is maintained, stressing the personal and professional dimensions and the quality of the therapeutic relationship in theory and ethical practice. You will revisit the phenomenological and relational foundations of person-centred and experiential modalities where the therapeutic relationship is deemed to be the locus of therapeutic potential; engaging with the argument that these approaches take this aspect of professional education further than most other professional trainings in psychotherapy. Consideration will be given to the use of the practitioner’s own presence in the therapeutic and supervisory relationships. Your self-understanding will be refined in support of your capacity to be therapeutically available to clients including those who may be very troubled or hard to reach. There will be opportunities to consider what constitutes ‘Self’ including exploration of how aspects of diversity may be creatively utilised within the therapeutic relationship. A variety of therapeutic techniques will be critically explored together with contemporary perspectives regarding pluralism and integration within the person-centred and experiential framework. You will be facilitated to develop your ability to be critically self-reflexive, contributing to understanding of how personal development, emotional competency and ‘use of self’ potentially impact the therapeutic relationship as well as the process of therapy and its outcomes. Relevant research findings will be explored.

Professional Statement (100%): a written assignment evidencing learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 of this module (4000 words +/- 10%).

Specify the number of Scheduled Learning & Teaching Hours attributed to each type of activity (eg lecture / lab / workshop). Total hours should equate to Scheduled Learning & Teaching Hours identified on page 1 of this form.

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

Specify the number of Guided Independent Study Hours attributed to each type of activity (eg reading / assessment preparation). Total hours should equate to Guided Independent Study Hours identified on page 1 of this form.

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

BALDWIN, M. (2013) The Use of Self in Therapy. 3rd Ed. New York: Routledge.
GELLER, S. M. (2017) A Practical Guide to Cultivating Therapeutic Presence. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
GELLER, S. M. & GREENBERG, L. S. (2012) Therapeutic Presence. A Mindful Approach to Effective Therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
WOSKET, V. (1999) The Therapeutic Use of Self. London: Routledge.

• Creative materials
• 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