TS4S019 - Counselling Psychology Theory and Practice 1 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TS4S019
Module Title: Counselling Psychology Theory and Practice 1
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Therapeutic Studies
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Learning in Education
Module Leader: Rachel Davies
Module Team: Shelley Gait, Nicky Lewis, Anna Playle, Annie Beyer, Kirsty Richards
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100495 - counselling
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To enable students to develop a critical understanding of the philosophical value base underpinning Counselling Psychology professional practice.

To support students to develop a critical understanding of ethical issues and dilemmas encountered in professional practice, evaluate ethical professional codes, and apply to professional practice.

Develop students awareness of ethical and legal issues in relation to professional counselling practice, including introducing the professional role of counsellor.

Content Summary

The Philosophical and ethical value base of Counselling Psychology, and the surrounding debates and tensions in wider professional practice.

The development of a critical understanding of the relational, humanistic and pluralistic core model, which underpins the training.

Critical awareness of the different theoretical differences and contextual influences in Counselling Psychology and professional practice, including the scientific-reflective practitioner model.

The legislative and legal context, ethical issues, dilemmas of professional practice, and the application of professional standards and professional codes and guidelines (e.g. BPS, HCPC), and ethical decision-making models.

Principles of practice, i.e. contracting, note taking, confidentiality, and supervision, with reference to the ethical and practice guidelines (HCPC & BPS).

Working with specific practice issues, e.g. risk, suicide, dual relationships. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 16
Seminar 2
Practical classes and workshops 18
Independent Study 110
Directed Study 54
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate professional ethical codes to inform decision making and apply to ethical professional practice issues, dilemmas in counselling psychology practice. 

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Critical Evaluation and reflection on ethics and professional practice - issues in Counselling Psychology. 0 3000 100 No 50

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1
Essay 1

Reading List

Douglas, B., Woolfe, R., Strawbridge, S., Kasket, E. and Galbraith, V. (Eds) (2016) The Handbook of Counselling Psychology. 4 Edition. UK: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Galbraith, V. (2017) Counselling Psychology. London: Routledge.

BPS Division of Counselling Psychology (2017) Professional Practice Guidelines file:///C:/Users/sdgait/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/0LSDS20I/BPS%20Practice%20Guidelines%20(Third%20Edition).pdf

BPS (2009) Code of Ethics and Conduct https://beta.bps.org.uk/sites/beta.bps.org.uk/files/Policy%20-

%20Files/Code%20of%20Ethics%20and%20Conduct%20%282009%29.pdf

HCPC (2016) Standards of conduct, performance and ethics. http://www.hcpc- uk.org/assets/documents/10004EDFStandardsofconduct,performanceandethics.pdf

BACP (2016). Ethical framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/

BABCP, 2009. Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies http://www.babcp.com/Files/About/conduct--ethics.pdf (16th April 2013)

Tribe, R. and Morrissey, J. (Eds). (2015) Handbook of Professional and Ethical Practice. London: Brunner-Routledge.

Bond, T. (2015) Standards and ethics for counselling in action: Los Angeles: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Rosenthal, L. (2016) Incorporating intersectionality in psychology: An oppotunity to promote social justice and equity. American Psychologist, 71(6). 474-485.

Counseling Psychology Review 

Journal of Counseling Psychology 

British Journal of Guidance and Counselling 

British Journal of Psychotherapy 

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 

International Journal of Psychoanalysis 

Counselling Psychology Quarterly 

Counselling Psychology Review 

Applied Psychology 

Applied Psychology: Health & Well-Being 

Jounal of Analytical Psychology 

Psychodynamic Practice 

Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy 

British Journal of Clinical Psychology 

British Journal of Psychology Research Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice.