module specification

This module is a continuation of Year 1 theories module. In the module you will be initially exploring key psychodynamic theories and concepts.  As the module progresses, you will be introduced to integrative frameworks which cut across particular modalities and promote creative, person centred, relational and reflective practice. As part of the module, you will explore classic psychoanalytic and object relations perspectives alongside more contemporary relational, intersubjective and attachment-based conceptualisations. Building on this foundation, within a relational focus, the module will support you in developing an integrative practice, drawing together psychodynamic, person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and other relevant perspectives in a way that is clinically meaningful and responsive to client need. Special attention is given to the application of ESJF principles in clinical work, from formulations, choices of intervention and the use of self in practice. Teaching is delivered through tutor presentations and interactive class discussion, with a strong emphasis on case studies and clinical practice examples. You will be encouraged to link theory to your own developing practice, reflect critically on different models, and experiment with creative ways of integrating ideas in a coherent and relationally attuned way.

PY7236

Available for Study Abroad? /NO

In this module you will explore classical and contemporary models of psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy, and examine how different counselling modalities can be applied to complex and diverse client presentations. You will critically engage with theories of psychiatric diagnosis and consider their role, usefulness, and limitations within clinical practice.

You will develop skills in working with complex client presentations through case conceptualisation and formulation, selecting and applying informed interventions using integrative approaches and working across and between modalities. You will learn to work effectively in different therapeutic contexts and formats, including face-to-face, online, and time-limited work.

The module will support your personal and professional development through reflective and reflexive practice, including working with rupture and repair and making effective use of feedback from clients, supervisors, and peers. You will also engage with difference, diversity, ethics, power, and risk as central elements of advanced therapeutic practice.

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

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

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of classical and contemporary psychodynamic theories and psychotherapy models, and their relevance to complex and diverse client presentations.
2. Critically apply counselling modalities and integrative approaches to case conceptualisation and formulation, selecting informed interventions appropriate to client needs, context, and presentation.
3. Critically examine psychiatric diagnoses and related theories, evaluating their role, limitations, and ethical implications within clinical practice.
4. Work effectively with complex client presentations across different therapeutic contexts and formats, including face-to-face, online, and time-limited work, demonstrating adaptability and clinical judgment.
5. Engage in advanced therapeutic practice through reflective and reflexive self-awareness, using feedback from clients, supervisors, and peers to work with rupture and repair, difference, diversity, ethics, power, and risk.