Counselling Psychology

This module is designed primarily for students who wish to go on to counselling psychology and psychotherapy postgraduate courses (as distinct from Clinical Psychology and other related professions) following their degree. Each week will include both a theoretical component and a practical component where students will be able to try out various approaches in role-plays and triad work. Triad work is a standard counselling training practice where students take the role of counsellor, client and observer and try out techniques in this triad. Students are encouraged to talk about general aspects of life or minor problems rather than anything they are likely to find distressing and are encouraged only to disclose information that they are comfortable sharing.

The theoretical component of the module introduces students to key theoretical approaches in counselling psychology and psychotherapy (focusing on humanist/existential and cognitive behavioural) as well as covering various types of therapy (one-to-one, group therapy, brief therapy and relationship work). There is a critical emphasis throughout the course considering issues of power, ethics, difference, and research on therapeutic effectiveness and processes. The material covered on this course will be similar to that in many foundation courses in counselling psychology and psychotherapy. Therefore it is important that students taking the course attend every week so that they, and their colleagues, get the full benefit. Students are also encouraged to engage in an appropriate placement or voluntary work during the year they are taking this module so that they can reflect on this experience during their course and in the assessment.