module specification

This module is designed to support you in finding and beginning a supervised counselling placement in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework and trainee professional practice standards. You will apply the therapeutic theories covered in MSc Year 1 to real client work, supported by regular clinical supervision and reflective practice. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective practice, including boundaries, safeguarding, self-care, and the effective use of supervision to support client work. The module enables you to critically reflect on your developing practice and professional identity, ensuring readiness to work ethically and responsibly within a counselling setting. Within this module, you are expected to have secured an approved placement and supervision. 

The placement officer provides information, advice and guidance on the placement seeking process. However, it is your responsibility to look for and secure your own placement. All placement paperwork needs to be uploaded to the Placement Portal before you can start a placement. This includes the Placement Agreement, Readiness to Practise letter, BACP membership letter and relevant insurance documentation. 

Please note that all supervised counselling hours need to be supervised in line with BACP requirements for all trainee student members and your placement must be approved by the Placement Officer prior to you commencing work within them.

None

This module takes place entirely within a supervised counselling placement, where all learning occurs through direct work with clients in a professional therapeutic setting. You will apply and further develop your counselling and therapeutic skills in response to clients seeking psychological support, supported by structured supervision and reflective practice. Placement activities include client sessions, supervision meetings, case discussions, record keeping and working within the placement organisation’s policies, protocols and procedures.

The module emphasises ethical, relational, and professional competencies as a trainee counsellor, including working within the BACP Ethical Framework and integrating counselling theory into your client work. Particular focus is placed on safe and ethical practice, developing and maintaining professional boundaries, safeguarding and risk awareness, and managing your own psychological process. Supervision supports both your client work and your ongoing professional development, helping you to develop the skills, awareness, and confidence required for competent practice in real world counselling contexts.

All learning in this module takes place within the placement setting, where you engage directly with clients under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. You will apply counselling theory and core skills to your therapeutic work supported by structured supervision, reflective practice, and professional development activities (i.e. note taking, peer, group and individual supervision). Learning activities include conducting client sessions, participating in supervision, maintaining reflective journals or process notes, and navigating organisational dynamics to develop ethical, relational, and professional competence. You will have the opportunity to learn to work remotely and/or in room with clients.  Blended learning elements, such as the use of Weblearn resources will be available to support your learning in this module.

On successful completion of the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Year 1 Placement Module you will be able to: 

1. Gain an understanding of counselling and psychotherapy providers and their philosophies and approaches. 
2. Communicate your experience, skills and understanding of BACP ethical principles and professional standards, awareness of safeguarding, diversity, anti-oppressive practice, and intersectionality, to potential placement providers and positively and effectively with counselling and psychotherapy organisation.
3. Evidence ability to engage with professional and ethical practice, including necessary administrative tasks
4. Demonstrate psychological robustness and resilience as a trainee counsellor, demonstrating self-care, management of your own process to secure a clinical placement.