Foundations of Counselling
Duration
- 1 Semester/teaching period
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Aims and objectives
1). Apply knowledge of different counselling theories and communication skills to a range of counselling problems and client groups.
2). Identify and evaluate how their interpersonal style and beliefs affect the counselling process.
3). Explain and demonstrate the importance of maintaining an effective working alliance in the counselling process.
4). Conduct a counselling session that demonstrates an acceptable level of micro counselling skills and self-reflection.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
This unit will involve up to 150 hours of work including:
| Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
| Face to Face Contact Seminars |
3 |
12 |
36 |
| Online Contact (Only for activities where there is synchronous contact with students eg online seminar, Blackboard Collaborate) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Specified Learning Activities Readings Watch counselling sessions on DVD (streaming) Assessment preparation (including on-line tests) |
3 .5
5 |
12 12
12 |
36 6
60 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent study |
1 |
12 |
12 |
| TOTAL |
|
| 150 hours/12.5cp |
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Online test(s) (10) | Individual | 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Empathy exercise | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3 |
| Role play of counselling session | Group | 20% | 4 |
| Analysis of counselling session | Individual | 30% | 4 |
General skills outcomes
* Communication skills.
* Analysis skills.
* Problem solving skills.
* Ability to work independently.
* Teamwork skills.
Content
• Empathy and empathic listening to clients
• Listening to self as counsellor and roadblocks to counselling
• Questions, probes and summaries
• Facilitating client self-challenge
• Helping clients tell their stories
Study resources
- Reading materials.