1. Systematically and creatively evaluate your ‘case’ selection in order to determine the degree of fit with philosophical and theoretical propositions of relevance to your work as a person-centred/experiential practitioner-researcher. Problem-Solving

2. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge when designing an ethically sound case study research project of relevance to person-centred and experiential philosophy, theory and practice. Application

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical evaluation of research methodologies and techniques and how these contribute to generating practice-based evidence within the person-centred and experiential framework. Knowledge and understanding

This module provides opportunities to consolidate knowledge and understanding of clinical and research practice and offers you a focus for further development of self-reflexivity, identity, and autonomy as a practitioner-researcher within the person-centred and experiential modality. You will be facilitated to foster your own developmental agenda and professional identity in order to determine your position within the person-centred and experiential framework, whether single-orientation or adopting a coherent integrative model consistent with commonalities among the person-centred and experiential approaches: thereby ensuring the development of a robust and informed approach to your individual therapeutic and research practice. Ethical dimensions of the therapeutic/research relationship are explored with attention to diversity and working with the client’s significant life events (as well as their emotional, cognitive and behavioural reactions to them). You will consider how this knowledge base might inform personal development and therapeutic practice in a range of contexts. Research in therapeutic practice is revisited at ‘grass roots’ level, exploring how it can be a personal journey of discovery and a continual transformational experience. Specific attention is given to the design and undertaking of practice-based research in order to inform how person-centred and experiential methods are implemented, as well as how these may be critically utilised as reflexive tools in your journey to becoming a competent professional. This attention to single case study research intends to encourage your contribution to practice-based evidence, as well as expand awareness of how to access research to inform and support your client work. You will critically consider a range of skills, both discipline-specific and general, enabling you to evolve as a competent, relational, critical, reflexive, ethical and legally cognisant practitioner-researcher, as is required for successful practice in this professional field. In addition, this provides a basis for assignments within the Independent Studies Stage, as well as preparation towards professional qualification and registration.

Part A – Presentation (25%): an individual presentation evidencing learning outcome 1

Part B – Case Study Research Proposal (75%): a written assignment evidencing learning outcomes 2 and 3 of this module (3000 words + or – 10%).

Please note:

• Both elements must pass independently in order to receive an overall pass for the module.
• The project must be awarded ethical clearance prior to commencement.

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

COOPER, M. et al. (eds.) (2013) The Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling. 2nd Ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
MCLEOD, J. (2010) Case Study Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage.

• 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
• Presentation Assessment Form
• Ethical Approval Application