Counselling Practitioner

A key aspect of the professional role and responsibility of the therapist is to engage in rigorous self-examination, monitoring thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour in the therapeutic relationship.

This module also explores the relatively new concept of working at relational depth in counselling. The development of the therapeutic relationship is central to any encounter in counselling. Working at relational depth can significantly intensify this experience, and can have a profound and enduring impact on both client and counsellor.
 

Alongside personal development and the deepening of competencies in therapeutic practice, themes may include exploring transference and countertransference; working with imagery, metaphor and dreams; and the use of the self in therapy (e.g., transparency, immediacy, self-disclosure and resonance). 

This module will focus on ways in which counsellors enable clients to find their voice by articulating their views, issues and experiences within the therapeutic relationship. 
 

You will examine the limitations of talking therapy and will explore potential mitigation of such limitations via a range of techniques and creative therapeutic approaches for example creative artwork, sand tray, clay, expressive writing, empty chair techniques and music therapy. You will engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of creative approaches in counselling.
 

With reference to relevant ethical codes of practice, you will be encouraged to consider how to use the techniques in a sensitive and ethical way maintaining the client's autonomy and safeguarding their wellbeing.

With a focus on the professional and organisational context for therapy, this module brings together elements of continuing personal and professional development to prepare you to work as a counsellor in practice after qualification. A deepening understanding of the professional role and responsibility of the therapist will be fostered through reflexive engagement with issues such as boundaries and contracting. 

You will consider how the use of supervision can enhance both personal and professional development. You will explore the ethical challenges and considerations of working in a demanding and often isolating profession. 

You will reflect on how to build both professional and personal supportive networks and how to develop strategies for managing stress in the workplace. This will include the management of your own self-care needs and the development of appropriate self-support and self-care strategies.

Engagement with a range of theoretical perspectives is key to understanding people and their experiences. To this end, this module will explore a range of theories of human development. You will engage critically with these theories, in the light of an awareness of their philosophical origins.
 

Influential theorists such as Bowlby and Erikson will be considered alongside perspectives on human development within wider frameworks informing humanistic counselling.
 

You will consider how theories of human development theories may apply to yourself and your clients, and subsequently reflect on implications they may have within humanistic counselling practice.

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge of and skills in research in the field of counselling. This will include a critical consideration of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and their associated methods, as well as philosophical positioning in research. 
 

You will be supported in the identification of a research topic and the articulation of a research question. Key aspects of design will be considered, and you will be taught how to develop and write a research proposal. Ultimately, the module will prepare for applying this learning to a dissertation research project at Level 6.
 

You will be taught how to conduct a literature review in a systematised way and you will be taught how the development of a rationale for a research project must be underpinned by the literature. Research ethics and integrity will be explored, with a focus on the particular complexities and challenges associated with research in counselling.

This module examines ways of working with clients who present with a range of issues that affect their everyday living to such an extent that help is sought to address them.
 

You will learn to recognise the signs and symptoms associated with mental distress. You will engage with a range of research-informed therapeutic responses to work with clients who 
present with challenges such as anxiety; depression; bereavement; loss; and suicidal ideation or intent.

Particular consideration will be given to the use of supervision when working with this latter population, as well as legal and ethical implications; when to refer on to more specialist services; and local and national support services that are available.
 

More generally, you will think about referral and the compatibility of counselling/psychotherapy and psychopharmacological interventions in conjunction with other professionals.

In this module, you will explore the theory and practice of contemporary and emerging counselling approaches within the therapeutic landscape. This exploration will encompass a variety of innovative methods and perspectives.
 

For instance, you will explore Shinrin-Yoku, also known as forest bathing. The holistic approach will be another focal point, highlighting the importance of addressing the mind, body, and spirit in a unified manner to promote overall well-being.

Additionally, the module will cover mindfulness, a practice that has been integrated into modern therapy to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation. 

Through these diverse approaches, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how contemporary and emerging methods can be applied to support clients effectively in their therapeutic journeys.

This module offers an experiential learning environment within a therapeutic group setting. By integrating research and group work theory, you will cultivate a critical understanding of your current and ongoing group experiences, including your levels participation. 
 

The module also has a focus on group leadership, prompting you to evaluate various approaches and critically analyse the theory and practice of group facilitation. You will enhance your group facilitation skills by designing and facilitating a workshop for your peers.

This module aims to enhance your theoretical and practical understanding through the discussion of various counselling situations and dilemmas. 
 

You will delve into the challenges experienced by counsellors, such as ethical dilemmas. By examining these you will apply a diverse theoretical knowledge and participate in experiential exercises to gain insight into therapeutic practice in different contexts. You will be required to engage in group discussions as part of this module.

The module provides an opportunity for you to build upon and apply the key intellectual, transferable and practical skills gained at Levels 4 and 5 of the programme, in order to design an appropriate research project for their counselling dissertation.
 

Throughout the module, a series of lectures, seminars and workshops will further develop students research design skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
 

In addition, you will develop a critical understanding of ethical challenges associated with carrying out counselling research leading to the development of a research project that adheres to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018) and BGU’s Research Ethics Committee standards.

The aim of this module is to enable you to undertake a small-scale research project on a topic of your choice in the field of counselling practice. It will build on the methods and skills developed in the module Research skills and methods.
 

This dissertation module includes obtaining ethical approval, collecting data, analysing data, and reporting and discussing findings. 
 

The module will enable you to demonstrate ethical awareness when undertaking a research project; problem solving; project planning and organisational skills; reasoning and the development of an argument through familiarity with the literature; the ability to present data and information; use of analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills; and the ability to apply theory to practice.