module specification

This module includes problem-based learning exercises throughout the module which aims to support develop students’ professional and basic counselling skills in practice. It further aims to address issues pertaining to clinical supervision and in the development of clients/service users case formulations whilst adhering to the Data Protection Act (2018) and the BACP code of ethics (2018). Anonymised client case studies will be discussed via different counselling modalities drawing critical reference to psychodynamic, cognitive and humanistic etc theories. Students would be expected to employ advanced counselling skills in practice which should be reflected in their case formulations and reflexive practice whilst demonstrating ethical and professional practitioner skills.

Data Protection Act (2018), BACP ethics, case formulation, reflection, advanced counselling skills, problem-based learning, clinical supervision

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Delivery and discussion of the module syllabi will be via interactive lectures and tutorials. In addition to the weekly seminar workshops which will provide a forum for the application of theory to practical problems, students are expected to work in groups to learn from each other and learn how to independently use other resources available, e.g. library, the internet, WebLearn and own organisation. The module will also have its own dedicated Web Learn site to enables staff and students to readily contact each other and offers an on-line support/learning.

Workshops and seminars:

Information and materials relating to the workshop will be circulated once the course has commenced.   The seminars and workshops will familiarize students with various aspect of the course.  All workshops will relate to lecture topics and may be tested in the examination.   Hence, each student is expected to do the prior reading and consult few recommended texts and be actively involved in the seminar activities and group discussion.

The usual programme each week will comprise of a lecture followed by seminar workshop activities and group discussion. The workshops will use the content of the lecture and pre-circulated material for class discussion and group work. 

Students will gain core knowledge and understanding of the topics through lectures, but deeper understanding, evaluation and skill development will be promoted through directed study of recommended reading material, seminars, and online resources.

On successful completion of this module, students will:

1. Have an understanding of good working ethical counselling practice
2. To develop a critical awareness of the main counselling modalities in practice and in their application to case presentations.
3. To formulate and present anonymised counselling case presentations and to develop a counselling reflexive log to support professional and skills- based self-development.
4. Be able to respect differences in plural society and cultural values of BME groups and those from varying socioeconomic backgrounds in practice

There will be two components of assessment: a portfolio of work (100%); an assessment of competence (pass/fail).

1. The portfolio will consist of:

a) A counselling placement contract completed before the placement

b) A consent form concerning client anonymity and use of client material completed before the placement

c) A clinical supervision log completed at least every two weeks (1000 words)

d) A summary of advanced counselling techniques used accompanied by a critical reflective overview (3000 words)

e) An ethical and professional overview based on the student's reflective practice, which identifies best practice in a healthcare setting (1000 words)

Ideally a minimum of two/three anonymised client cases should be included along with a case formulation, an overview of what the student has gained since working with clients, the use of (and why) varying counselling modalities used, the issues (if any) addressed in supervision and how ‘these matters’ were addressed ethically and professionally.

2. The assessment of competence will be completed by the student’s line manager and cover core elements of counselling practice such as: ethical conduct, communication skills, ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and so on.

A student who fails this component will be required as a reassessment to complete a short reflective account of why the components were failed and what action needs to be taken to improve in these areas (500 words).

American Psychiatric Association., (APA, 2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th Ed.  Arlington. American Psychiatric Publishing. Washington

Bager-Charleson, S, & Van Rijn, B., (2011). Understanding Assessment in Counselling and Psychotherapy. 1st ed. Exeter, Learning Matters, Ltd. (Core)

BACP (2018). Ethical framework for the counselling professions (Core)

https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/3103/bacp-ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions-2018.pdf

BACP (2018). The ethical framework presented in British Sign Language.

https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/ethical-framework-bsl/

Bor, R & Watts, M, (2016). The Trainee Handbook. A guide for counselling and psychotherapy trainees. London: Sage. (Core)

Corrie, S., Townend, M., & Cockx, A., (2016). Assessment and Case Formulation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Los Angeles and London: SAGE.

Data Protection Act (2018). (Core) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents/enacted

Dryden, W., (2007). Handbook of individual therapy, 5th ed. Los Angeles and London: SAGE. (Core)

Kirk, H.W., Weisbrod, J.O.A., Ericson, K.A., (2003). Psychosocial and Behavioural Aspects of Medicine. Baltimore and Philadelphia. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Milner, J & O’Byrne, P (2003). Assessment in Counselling: theory, process and decision making. 3rd ed. Hampshire, New York, Palgrave. (Core)

.Van, R.B., (2015). Assessment and Case Formulation in Counselling and Psychotherapy, Los Angeles and London : SAGE. (Core).