Theories of Counselling and Psychotherapy PGT (Conv) PSYCH5093

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Psychology and Neuroscience
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course covers the history and general features of counselling, psychotherapy, and counselling psychology in the UK. It critically evaluates the three main theoretical approaches (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and person-centred experiential) in depth. The aims and assumptions of these approaches will be discussed along with their respective evidence bases, and frameworks for integrating approaches will be outlined.

Timetable

Five 2 hour teaching sessions over a five week block.

Requirements of Entry

At least 2:1 honours degree in a science subject.

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

Students will work individually to submit an annotated bibliography (30%) in advance of a group-based essay (70%). Students will work in groups based on their chosen client group, and each group will submit an essay on the topic provided. 

Course Aims

This course aims to discuss and critically evaluate the three main theoretical approaches to counselling (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and person-centred experiential), discussing their strengths and limitations specifically with reference to recent research on particular client groups. 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Reflect critically on the history of counselling in the UK

■ Discuss the basic assumptions of the three main approaches to counselling

■ Critically evaluate in detail different commonly used counselling methods with reference to recent research

■ Critically evaluate the application of various counselling approaches to specific client groups

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.