Clinical Counselling MA

This module provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the basis of person-centred theory and therapy, and how this is applied in a practice setting. It also supports students in developing a reflective practice.

In relation to theory, the historical and philosophical basis of the person-centred approach are outlined which provides a foundation for the theory of personality, including the self concept, and actualising tendency. Following this, the theory of therapy is explored with a focus on the six necessary and six conditions of person-centred therapy. Students are also provided with foundational information about other counselling modalities in order to contextualise person-centred therapy further.

In considering how this is applied in practice, a comprehensive understanding is provided of case management, based on the BACP (2018) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, covering aspects such as contracting, boundaries, assessments, time limited practice, and working with risk. Throughout, the socio-political context of the student, the client, and the therapeutic process are recognised and discussed.

In addition, students are required to commit to reflective practice as a foundation for their future career as a person-centred counsellor. To support the development of this practice, the module provides opportunities for personal development, through scaffolded experiential exercises delivered to the whole group, a experiential weekend, and small groups where exploratory learning takes place.

This module enables students to develop their counselling practice. In doing so, students apply their theoretical learning alongside observational feedback from tutors and peers. Students will complete a 'fitness to practice' process towards the end of the module, and successful completion of the module will support student progression to Counselling and Professional Practice 2 - placement module. 

This module explores both the inner world of the individual, and the external structures and systems of power which contextualise their experience. It encourages students to critically examine how identity, power, and privilege influence the therapeutic relationship and the counselling process. It invites students to deepen their reflective practice and personal development focussing on both personal and systemic biases, and how these can impact client engagement, trust, and the therapeutic process overall. Students will consider how to work ethically and sensitively across difference, with a strong emphasis on promoting equality, respect, and inclusivity in practice, exploring how their increased self-awareness may translate in their counselling practice.

It examines a range of theories and models related to loss and grief, highlighting diverse responses to bereavement and change across different cultural and individual contexts, and explores theories related to attachment and trauma. The module also considers human development across the lifespan, offering insight into how developmental stages might influence psychological wellbeing and presenting issues. In addition, students will engage with more complex aspects of case management, including psychopharmacology, working within a multi-agency team, and working with third parties such as an interpreter or signer.

This module facilitates the application of counselling theory and skills in a professional setting through a supervised counselling placement. Students are required to complete a minimum of 25 client-facing hours in accordance with the BACP requirements, supported by individual and group supervision.

Students are expected to maintain a professional practice portfolio, including supervision records, placement logs, reflective journals and a case study.

This module facilitates the application of counselling theory and skills in a professional setting through a supervised counselling placement. Students are required to complete a placement following the BACP requirements, supported by individual and group supervision - this module facilities the undertaking of 75 client-facing hours. 

Students are expected to develop a professional practice portfolio, including supervision records, placement logs, reflective journals, and case studies. Students will also continue to focus on their personal development.

The module provides students with the opportunity to develop understanding and appreciation for practitioner research. This module facilitates the development of an appreciation of the potential value of counselling research and enhances students’ ability to critically evaluate research studies. It focuses on methodological and ethical research issues and develops skills in research design, data collection and analysis. The module aims to ensure that students have the requisite skills to conduct a small-scale research study and produce a dissertation that meets the requirements of the course.