module specification

PY7236 - Therapeutic Theories 1 (2026/27)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification
Module title Therapeutic Theories 1
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 200
 
80 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
72 hours Guided independent study
48 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   A theoretical essay (2000 words).
Coursework 50%   Counselling Vlog case formulation (10 to 15 minutes).
Running in 2026/27

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Thursday Morning

Module summary

This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches, with a critical awareness of how power, social injustice, and intersectionality shape clients’ lived experiences and therapeutic processes. In particular, it supports the development of an understanding of the philosophical, theoretical, and empirical underpinnings of these core modalities, alongside a critical evaluation of their applied effectiveness in relation to diverse client needs. These therapeutic frameworks will be directly mapped onto the therapeutic skills and competencies you will be practicing and developing in the adjacent module Therapeutic Skills 1 (PY7202)

In addition, the module begins to introduce you to the rationale and methods for integrative theory and practice, providing a foundation for the development of your integrative relational approach as you progress as a trainee practitioner.

The module will also introduce you to the theoretical frameworks and concepts underpinning Online and Phone Therapy (OPT).

 

Prior learning requirements

No pre- or co- requisites for the module

Available for Study Abroad? NO

Syllabus

You will explore the philosophical basis of counselling and psychotherapy; the history of counselling and psychotherapy; person-centred/humanistic and cognitive–behavioural models of counselling and psychotherapy; approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of counselling and therapeutic methods; integrative theories and practice; OPT theory; and theories of diversity, intersectionality, and decolonisation as they apply to therapeutic approaches. You will also give special attention to the application of ESJF principles when evaluating therapeutic theories for work with diverse client groups and settings.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The learning objectives will be achieved through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, group work, problem-based learning, discussions, case studies, experiential learning practices, and mutual peer-support sessions, supplementary guided web-based learning and self-managed independent study. Teaching will be largely delivered in room with some   synchronous online lectures. 

You will be encouraged to manage and take responsibility for your own learning and professional development and to use feedback from multiple sources to enhance your practice. Teaching will be supported by the use of Weblearn with learning resources provided to support engagement with the course content pre and post classroom teaching input. Teaching will be largely delivered in room with some synchronous online session inputs.

 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to: 

  1. Critically evaluate the main concepts of Person-Centred Therapy, considering their historical, philosophical, and theoretical roots, and demonstrate an advanced understanding of how these concepts influence modern counselling practice, with reference to contemporary research and scholarship.
  2. Critically analyse counselling and psychotherapy theories from an anti-oppressive, inclusive, and culturally sensitive perspective.
  3. Critically evaluate the main concepts of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), considering their historical, philosophical, and theoretical roots, and demonstrate an advanced understanding of how these concepts influence modern counselling practice, with reference to contemporary research and scholarship.
  4. Critically examine and articulate the rationale and methods underpinning integrative theory and practice, as they relate to your developing CBT and Person-Centred therapeutic skills. This should include reference to your understanding of theories of mind, theories of distress, models of change, relational processes, and the use of interventions in your therapeutic practice.
  5. Demonstrate a critically evaluative understanding of the theoretical frameworks and concepts underpinning Online and Phone Therapy (OPT). This includes assessing client suitability; principles informing contracting across different media; theories of confidentiality, security, and ethical practice in online environments; contingency planning for technological failure; theoretical perspectives on disinhibition; considerations in ending OPT work; and the application of theory to practitioner wellbeing and self-care.