module specification

This module supports your progression through a supervised counselling placement in line with the BACP Ethical Framework and trainee professional practice standards. Building on the supervised clinical hours you accrued in year 1 you will engage in continued direct client work, supported by regular clinical supervision and reflective practice. The module places particular emphasis on safe and effective practice, including maintaining professional boundaries, safeguarding, self-care, and the effective use of supervision to enhance client work. This module requires the completion of a minimum of 80 hours of supervised clinical practice, which contributes toward the minimum 100 hours of clinical practice required to fulfil the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy training requirements.

You will be encouraged to critically reflect on your developing practice and professional identity, consolidating your readiness to work ethically, responsibly, and competently within a counselling setting. A minimum of 100 hours of clinically supervised counselling practice is required to meet module requirements.

In this placement module you may choose to change your placement or add a second placement. However, please note that all supervised counselling hours must comply with BACP requirements for trainee student members and all required course placement paperwork submitted prior to commencing any new placement. Any new placement must be approved by the Placement Officer prior to you commencing work within them. 

Once you have accrued 100 hours of clinical practice you must remain in placement until the end of the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy training in line with BACP requirements.

PY7W00

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.

This module is situated entirely within a supervised counselling placement, where all learning is grounded in direct client work within a professional therapeutic context. You will consolidate and advance your counselling and therapeutic competencies 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 adherence to the placement organisation’s policies, protocols, and procedures.

A central focus of this module is the progressive development of ethical, relational, and professional competencies as a trainee counsellor. You will cultivate the ability to integrate counselling theory into practice, apply the BACP Ethical Framework with discernment, and navigate complex professional and organisational dynamics. Emphasis is placed on developing safe and ethical practice, maintaining professional boundaries, safeguarding and risk and managing your own process to work in the best interests of your clients. Supervision actively supports the ongoing refinement of these competencies, enabling you to build the skills, reflective insight, and professional confidence required for competent, autonomous practice as you work towards becoming a qualified professional counsellor.

On successful completion of the MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy Year 2 Placement Module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced reflexivity and self-awareness in the use of self, critically considering positionality, power, privilege, difference, and cultural context, and evaluating how these factors influence therapeutic relationships, clinical decision-making, assessment and case formulation.
2. Identify, assess, and respond to risk, safeguarding concerns, and ethical dilemmas, exercising professional judgement and accountability while making informed use of supervision, organisational policies, and professional/legal frameworks.
3. Respond constructively to feedback from supervisors, demonstrating openness, self-directed learning, and professional responsibility to support ongoing skill development, self-care, and readiness for safe and ethical placement practice.
4. Integrate advanced counselling theory and skills into your placement practice, demonstrating ethical, competent, and anti-oppressive practice.
5. Establish and maintain high-quality therapeutic relationships with diverse clients, demonstrating relational competence, cultural awareness, sensitivity to power dynamics, and adherence to BACP ethical standards.
6. Demonstrate professional competence in placement practice, including accurate record keeping, adherence to organisational policies and data protection requirements, and safe and effective delivery of OPT counselling.