This module will introduce students to reflective models to facilitate an attitude of reflexivity when developing ethical awareness. Reflexivity is a key feature of the module and students are encouraged to reflect on personal and professional development through group participation, large and small group experiential exercises, triads and individual reflection. There is guidance on the construction of a personal development journal and facilitation of a weekly personal development group.

A skills workbook informs students’ development of skills throughout the module. Students have opportunity to work in small skills groups focussing on development of skills required to build an empathic and respectful therapeutic relationship.

Students will have opportunity to develop their understanding of the importance of an ethical approach in a counselling setting, with reference to working with guidelines in the BACP Ethical Framework. Ethical and professional issues will be considered, including boundary setting, confidentiality, ethical dilemmas and the importance of supervision and practitioner self-care.
Students will develop an awareness of diversity and difference and the impact this may have on the therapeutic relationship. This will increase the student awareness of personal identity and the impact this has on personal, professional, and counselling relationships.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge that shows comprehensive critical awareness of and commitment to working within ethical and legal frameworks and codes of professional practice in online, phone therapy (OPT) and face to face work. Knowledge and understanding.
2. Demonstrate professional competence as a counsellor by communicating empathy and respect, maintaining professional boundaries, time management and self-management in relation to your own counselling practice. Application, communication.
3. Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current research and contemporary problems around a range of factors influencing the counselling process including aspects of diversity, (i.e. groups, families, culture, gender. Communicate conclusions clearly about howthis informs anti-discriminatory practice. Analysis, communication.
4. Demonstrate in depth awareness of personal values, beliefs and experiences with reflexive ability around their influence on building a therapeutic relationship that allows for autonomous planning and action. Reflection, learning.

Computer and projection facilities for lectures
Break out rooms for triad group work
Counselling textbooks
Access to Learning Resource Centre and library facilities

BACP (2018) Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Bolton, G. (2018) Reflective practice: writing and professional development. London: Sage
McLeod, J. (2019). An introduction to counselling and psychotherapy (6th Edn). Bucks: OU Press
Proctor, G. (2014). Values and ethics in counselling and psychotherapy. London: Sage
Reeves, A., and Bond, T. (2021) Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action (3rd edition). London. Sage.
Rose, C. (2011). Self Awareness and Personal Development: Resources for Psychotherapists and Counsellors. Hampshire: Palgrave McMillan
Stafford, M., and Bond, T. (2020) Counselling skills in action. London: Sage

Certificate in Counselling level 3
Undergraduate degree 2:1
Prior experiences and/or alternative qualifications may be accepted where possible

This module brings together development of key counselling skills, personal qualities, and ethical awareness essential in building respectful and empathic relationships. You will learn about the importance of reflective practice informing your therapeutic approach. Understand the value of reflexivity in developing awareness of power differences and the range of factors influencing the counselling process in terms of diversity, (i.e., groups, families, culture, gender)

There are three elements of assessment for this module:

1: One tutor-observed readiness to practice assessment. Following the session, you will discuss the session and feedback with tutors in order to demonstrate ability to reflect on practice (LO1, 2,3 4).

2: 20 minute Recording of an online counselling skills session. You must demonstrate effective skills required to build a therapeutic relationship, evidence of working within boundaries of time, ability to stay with the client's emotional experience, and communicate respect and empathy. (Learning Outcomes 2 & 4).

3: 3500 word critical reflection of the recorded counselling session (Assessment 2) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 4).

Contact Hours:
65 hours of class time including lectures and small group work



Independent study hours; 135
65 hrs Reading

30 hrs Assessment preparation
40 hrs Personal reflection and journal writing

The module covers both theoretical and practical components. These focus on beginning, building and maintaining then ending therapeutic relationships. Skills and personal development activities take place for the remainder of the day, including small skills groups, personal development groups and other experiential activities.



The student day is split in to three parts- academic, practical skills and personal development work.



The ethical awareness, personal and professional development in this module will include discussions, experiential exercises, working in triads and larger groups. The interactive lectures will include tutor led presentations and facilitation of discussions of ethical and professional issues as well as diversity and power in the therapeutic relationship.

Students will be expected to undertake extra reading, both general and directed by the course tutors. This is necessary to help develop and broaden knowledge ethics with the purpose of accomplishing the assessed work and to encourage self-directed enquiry and learning.

Reflective practice is encouraged and facilitated by a personal professional development group and completing a personal development journal.