PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy

This long-established and hugely popular course is fully accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). It is designed to provide training in an integrative approach to counseling and psychotherapy. It will enable you to develop your own synthesis within a framework that is not tied to a particular theoretical school or perspective.

Year 1 – Module 1 – Counselling and Psychotherapy: Self, Skills and Theory 1 and 2

Main topics of study:

• Core Model and approaches to theoretical and technical integration
• Transtheoretical Integrative Process Model (Core Model)
• Core Model theory: themes and stage-related skills and strategies, therapeutic alliance; application of theory to practice
• Assessment and therapeutic planning
• Boundaries, contracting and beginning, ending, process and outcome goals
• Case notes and legal issues
• Social context and multiculturalism
• Journal writing
• Transition and Life Span development
• Coping with stress; assertiveness
• Personal therapy; Open circle; Peer Support Groups
• Core and generic skills; qualities, attitudes and values
• Interpersonal Process Recall and reflection as an integral part of practice
• BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice
• Clinical supervision
• Client work placement

Year 2 – Module 2 – Counselling and Psychotherapy: Application and Integration

Main topics of study:

• Alternative approaches, for example, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, gestalt, solution focus, and narrative.
• Principles and mechanisms of change
• Integrating concepts and techniques
• Common client presenting problems, for example, anxiety, depression, phobias, chronic insomnia, suicide, PTSD, and critical incidents debriefing
• Myers Briggs Type Theory and clinical practice
• Ethical decision making
• Other mental health practitioners
• Laboratory skills practise and audio/video recording commentary, analysis and evaluation
• Beginning, developing and ending client work contracts
• BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice
• Client work
• Clinical supervision

Year 3 – Module 3 – Counselling and Psychotherapy: Research

Main Topics of Study:

• Research methodology – mainly qualitative
• Writing a project proposal
• Conducting a literature review
• Ethical issues in research/applying for ethical approval
• Academic supervision
• Academic peer support/study groups
• Writing a research project or dissertation
• Reflection on experience
• On-going clinical work and supervision

Employability:

you will be able to work towards the next level of professional standing by seeking individual accreditation within the BACP, which requires 450 hours of supervised working. Past students have attained this level two or three years after graduating. Even if you do not go on to work as a counselor or psychotherapist, this course is a strong supplement and support for work you may already be doing in health, social care, or education.