Developing Professional Practice and Skills

Code

EDUC4128

School

Education

Level

4

Credits

30

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module introduces students to professional practice related issues. Core aspects for beginning counsellors will be addressed and will include, for example;

• Developing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship; understanding the contributions of client and therapist
• An in-depth examination of professional codes of ethics and their application; critical perspectives on systems of accountability
• Experiential workshops focused on ethical issues relating to therapeutic confidentiality, time keeping, record keeping, consent, boundaries (e.g. use of touch), and working within a safe level of competence
• The development of self-awareness through process group activity
• Skills development using tape assisted recall methods/IPR.

Students will gain skills and understanding in building therapeutic relationships, assess their capacity for working with clients and staying within their competence level. They will develop greater self-awareness by engaging in a range of activities including process groups, small and large group exercises and counselling skills sessions.

Target Students

MA Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy students or MA Counselling Studies students.

Classes

Taught through a series of seminars.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework 1: 3,000 words
• 50% Coursework 2: 3,000 words including process analysis of a skills session and includes an appended transcript from a 15 minute peer skills session
• Participation: For accreditation, students are required to attain a 90% attendance record in this module.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module students should have: 

Knowledge and understanding 
Developed an understanding of relevant ethical codes and frameworks  
Developed an awareness of issues and influences on the self and other in interpersonal relations and the implications of these for safe clinical practice 

Intellectual skills 
Developed the capacity to critically evaluate issues and for ethical decision making Developed the capacity for relating theory to explain personal and meaning life experiences

Professional practical skills 
Developed empathic and accepting attitude  
Developed clinical skills in a relevant PCE model including skills for assessment 

Transferable (key) skills 
Developed effective communication skills  
Developed criticality and problem solving skills 

Conveners

• Mrs Jen Holland