Year 1
Introduction to Counselling (Mandatory)
This module introduces you to an overview of the major theoretical approaches: Psychodynamic, Humanistic-Existential and Cognitive-Behavioural. You will consider the underlying assumptions of these approaches and examine concepts of psychological health and dysfunction, evaluate the methods for change and personal growth and begin to consider how these theories might inform an integrating approach to practice.
Counselling Skills (Mandatory)
You are introduced to reflective practice and given the opportunity to apply this to skills practice in small group settings. This allows you to develop competency with counselling skills and understand the professional and ethical considerations required for a secure and containing counselling environment, which is required for eligibility for a counselling placement in your second year of study.
Self-Awareness (Mandatory)
It is an essential aspect of any counselling training that you reflect not only on knowledge learnt but also on the inner emotional life of themselves and others. This module addresses the BACP requirements for a substantial self-awareness component and is designed around a core experiential group which forms the central learning resource of the module.
Personal and Professional Development (Mandatory)
You will be introduced to the necessary professional skills and knowledge required for the development of competent counselling practice including risk assessment, the purpose and use of supervision, the application of the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice (BACP EFGP), business and therapeutic contracting, issues of equality and diversity, legal aspects of practice, and guidance regarding placements.
Year 2
Counselling Skills (Mandatory)
This module continues to develop applied practice by providing a dedicated opportunity for students to further develop their counselling skills and awareness of the therapeutic process. Students develop competency with counselling skills, understanding of the professional and ethical considerations required for a secure and containing counselling environment, and the self-awareness required as they commence counselling placement in their second year of study.
Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice (Mandatory)
This module continues the theme of personal development by providing you with a dedicated structure and opportunity to identify personal development needs and to promote and enhance self-awareness. The overall aim is to provide a sound foundation for the development of your counselling practice
Working as a Practitioner/Case Discussion (Mandatory)
This module builds on the Personal and Professional Development module from the first year and looks in detail at important professional issues such as ethical dilemmas, boundaries, law, and competence. This module will encourage you to consider how you can plan a career supported by a professional organisation with a solid ethical framework for practice.
Humanistic Developments in Counselling (Mandatory)
In this module, you will build on the humanistic perspective introduced in the first year and will be introduced to how Gestalt and Existential approaches to counselling can be utilised in an integrating framework of practice.
Research Skills (Mandatory)
The Research Skills module aims to introduce you to the basic principles of introductory research relevant to counselling and psychotherapy. You will learn about qualitative and quantitative research methods, using examples from current published research and apply these skills in a small scale pilot research project.
Psychodynamic Therapy (Mandatory)
You will consider the emotional roots of early life and the significance this holds for relationships through an exploration of Attachment Theory and recent developments and discoveries in the field of neuroscience.
Year 3
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Mandatory)
This module will enable students to acquire a sound knowledge of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and the capacity to bring this understanding to consideration of clinical case examples. Students will learn the broad principles underlying CBT to understand the clinical value of this approach which refers to interventions and treatments that address cognitions (thoughts, beliefs and assumptions) which directly or indirectly cause emotional difficulties and distress.
Dissertation (Personal Integrative Approach) and Reflective Practice (Mandatory)
This module draws together the taught elements of student experience, your practice experience, and the personal models and application of integration. You are encouraged to explore integrative practice at both the theoretical and practical level in order that you can express your own unique approach to integrative counselling for both academic and professional audiences.
Issues in the Counselling Room (Mandatory)
This module focuses on the problems which commonly present in the counselling room alongside an in-depth look at emotions like shame and guilt, anger and an exploration of the processes that arise out of the relational dynamics within the counselling room like power and attraction. The module acknowledges that understanding of these various issues will come from a wide range of different theories and philosophical bases.
