MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: UPSNLM-60-1 Title: Clinical Practice in Psychodynamic Counselling Version: 1

Level: 1 UWE credit rating: 60 ECTS credit rating: 30

Module type: Professional Practice

Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Sociology and Criminology

Faculty Committee approval: QSC Date: 24/04/09

Approved for Delivery by: University of the West of England and Gloucestershire Counselling Service

Valid from: September 2009 Discontinued from: N/A

Contributes towards:

Awards up to BA (Hons)

Pre-requisites: Certificate in Counselling Theory and Practice or equivalent

Co-requisites: None

Entry requirements:

(If the module is offered as CPD or stand alone, indicate the entry requirements)

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of the role of the counsellor, their responsibilities and their accountability for meeting these requirements. (Components A and B)

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of the legal and statutory frameworks and the ways in which these relate to the relevant professional task. (Component B)

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the documents encountered when working within an organisation including the organisation’s policy and procedural framework and to meet the requirements of the role within that framework. (Components A and B)

    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and values of psychodynamic counselling in the context of the BACP Ethical Framework. (Components A and B)

    6. Evaluate their own practice including strengths and weaknesses in relation to criteria set by their supervisors. (Components A and B)

    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the value and challenges of undertaking research in the field of psychodynamic counselling. (Components A and B)

Syllabus outline:

This module will focus on:

    a. The requirements of the professional role of counsellor; the organisational context, its philosophy and structure; legal and statutory frameworks; the professional role in relation to the wider professional network and its organisational context.

    b. The development of reflective skills in supervision & group contexts.

    c. The application of theoretical knowledge, personal/ professional development, understanding of

individual client needs.

    d. The development of effective communication skills.

    e. The development of effective and containing relationships with clients.

    f. The student’s awareness and understanding of the importance of personal and professional

boundaries.

    g. Processing the impact of the work on the worker.

    h. Reflecting on the impact the worker has on the client and colleagues

    i. Authority and responsibility.

    j. Work undertaken with individual clients.

    k. The practical, administrative and reflective skills required to enhance and meet clinical outcomes.

    l. Record keeping, and issues relating to the keeping and protection of personal information;

Teaching and learning methods:

This module will be undertaken in a number of forms involving a programme of workshops, (Ethics and

Values; Working in an Organisation; Research) negotiated tutorial support, the framework of supervision

and individual study and will run in conjunction with the theoretical seminars, ongoing supervision of their clinical practice, and personal therapy. All of these provide opportunities for students to look at the ways in which theory and policy is applied and used to facilitate and understand clinical practice.

It is intended that the delivery of this module will be provided primarily by teaching staff and supervisors from Gloucestershire Counselling Service.

Supervision of client work will account for 63 hours of professional practice. The undertaking of one to one client work will account for at least 80 hours of professional practice

Reading Strategy

Students will be recommended a range of relevant literature and encouraged to read as widely as possible. All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely.

Indicative Reading List:

The following list is offered to provide validation panels/accrediting bodies with an indication of the type and level of information students may be expected to consult. As such, its currency may wane during the life span of the module specification. However, as indicated above, CURRENT advice on readings will be available via other more frequently updated mechanisms.

BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling Psychotherapy

The GCS Staff Handbook and GCS Centre Manual

Publications in Therapy Today

Bor, R. and Watts, M. (eds.) (2008) The Trainee Handbook: A Guide for Counselling and Psychotherapy trainees. London: Sage

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B (standard modules only) A: na B: na

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Pass/Fail

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Three role-plays carried out in the supervision group, followed by

a discussion of the dynamics encountered in the role play. Pass/Fail

Component B 100%

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Portfolio (4000 words) 60%

2. A written research assignment of 2000 words 40%

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A Pass/Fail

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Three role-plays carried out in supervision, followed by

a discussion of the dynamics encountered in the role play. Pass/Fail

Component B 100%

Description of each element Element weighting

1. Renegotiated portfolio (4000 words) 60%

2. A written research assignment (2000 words) 40%

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT: Attendance at taught classes is required.

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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