SD2S12 - Introduction to Counselling Skills for Public Services 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: SD2S12
Module Title: Introduction to Counselling Skills for Public Services
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Leadership and Public Services
Faculty Sub Group: Leadership and Public Services
Module Leader: Sian Jenkins
Module Team: Jessica Marshall, Jennifer Law, Hayley Jenkins
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100647 - public policy
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To enable students to learn the principles and practice of good counselling skills in a public sector environment.  

To enable students to develop skills and understanding to manage and support themselves, colleagues and the public in various relevant settings. 

To develop counselling skills for the workplace in relation to counselling theories

Content Summary

A clear connection between knowledge building and skill development with focus on:- 

Developing skills in communication in a constructive way with an understanding of personality theories, difference and diversity 

Developing understanding and skills in strategies; deeper understanding of the individual; managing silence; dealing with timed responses, managing personal feelings, Problem solving and decision making: self-awareness; putting the person first; helping the person find solutions to current issues; encourage wider thinking and develop strategies. 

Understanding ethical concerns; relationships; accepting own limitations when dealing with others; communication limitations; equal opportunities; making first contact; confidentiality. Monitor interactions; review and summarise results; awareness of influence on the person; Allowing the person to develop their own plan to deal with the situation.  

Demonstrating skills by using academic theories such as Freud, Egan, Rogers, Beck and Ellis. Looking at your own strengths and weaknesses, self-evaluation, honing skills learnt, limitations; looking at own personal development.  

Understanding journal development and conducting role play.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 16
Seminar 12
Tutorials 12
Independent Study 160
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Comprehend, evaluate and reflect on theory and skills needed for effective counselling in support of leading positive relationships.
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the students own self which will enhance and restrict their practice in using counselling knowledge and skills

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 Individual assignment clearly evaluating skills learnt that could be used in the Public Sector and in life. 0 1500 30 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Personal development portfolio. An individual record which shows evidence of counselling skills learnt throughout the academic year. As part of the personal portfolio, student must undertake role play in a counselling situation and using a video to record evidence. 0 2500 70 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Aldridge, S and Rigby (2001) Counselling skills in context. Hodder and Stoughton. BACP 

Ballantine Dykes, F., Postings, T., Kopp, B., Crouch, A. Counselling Skills and Studies 2nd Ed  London Sage 

Bolton, G. (2014). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. Fourth Edition. London: Sage Publications Ltd 

Bond, T. (2015). Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action 4th Ed. London Sage

Cooper, M., O’Hara, M., Schmid, P. F., Bohart, A.C. (2013). The Handbook of Person-Centred Psychotherapy and Counselling. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Egan, G (2021) The skilled helper,. Cengage 

Geldard, K & D. Geldard (2003) Counselling skills in everyday life. Palgrave Macmillan 

Kelly Budd, Sandra McKeever, Traci Postings, Heather Price  A Student's Guide to Therapeutic Counselling Paperback – 20 Dec. 2019  London Sage 

Mearns, Dave., Brian Thorne, and John McLeod. Person-Centred Counselling in Action. 4th ed. London?; SAGE, 2013. Print. 

Nelson-Jones R (2011) Basic counselling Skills – A helper’s Manual, Sage.