MSc Integrative Counselling

This theory module introduces students to the literature and theoretical knowledge base of Gestalt Therapy Theory (GTT) and begins the process of thinking critically about application of GTT in their clinical work. This module will offer students understanding of the core approach in their integration model. In addition to this, students will also look at the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how to adopt a relational stance to practice.

This module will focus on four themes 1. Diversity and Equality, 2. Safeguarding & Safety, 3. Ethics and Professional Issues, 4. Confidentiality, Data Protection & GDPR. Students will acquire an increased awareness of the ethical and professional issues involved in counselling practice. Attention will be given to the practical aspects of the profession, such as contracting, referrals, managing boundaries, as well as an appreciation of wider issues such as culture, belief systems, sexual orientation, risk assessment, collaborative working and the on-going role of supervision.

This module will begin with focusing on core therapeutic skills and the essential elements of practice. The main emphasis will be on therapeutic frame and the development of specific skills associated with the key theoretical modalities covered on the course. Students will gain understanding of the therapeutic process from the point of referral to the first session, middle stages and ending of the counselling relationship, of the use of the therapeutic relationship in relation to the therapeutic process and of the role and importance of supervision. Supporting students through the development stages of their practice via the on-going support of clinical placement and clinical case discussion groups, seminars and personal and professional development groups. Student’s clinical practice and case discussions are then enhanced and supported by the theoretical and practical integration of the two core component models taught on the program with advanced skills being taught in parallel. The module links efficacious clinical practice with a research ethos and skills to help the student identify an initial focus for their research project. 1) Intermediate skills & clinical case discussion 2) Intersection of research and practice 3) Integration of component models into coherent integrative theory and practice.
Theoretical Perspectives (1) & The Counselling Relationship
This theory module introduces students to the literature and theoretical knowledge base of Gestalt Therapy Theory (GTT) and begins the process of thinking critically about application of GTT in their clinical work. This module will offer students understanding of the core approach in their integration model. In addition to this, students will also look at the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how to adopt a relational stance to practice.
Ethical, Professional and Contextual Issues
This module will focus on four themes 1. Diversity and Equality, 2. Safeguarding & Safety, 3. Ethics and Professional Issues, 4. Confidentiality, Data Protection & GDPR. Students will acquire an increased awareness of the ethical and professional issues involved in counselling practice. Attention will be given to the practical aspects of the profession, such as contracting, referrals, managing boundaries, as well as an appreciation of wider issues such as culture, belief systems, sexual orientation, risk assessment, collaborative working and the on-going role of supervision.

This module provides a continuation from the module ‘Therapeutic Perspectives & The Counselling Relationship’, further developing your understanding of key theoretical ideas, as you reach the stage of applying theory to your own clinical practice. Your central focus on this module will be on psychodynamic theory and the concept of integration. You will explore counselling integration and how to assimilate theories into a coherent model of practice. The module will also explore stages of human development and the key issues encountered at these stages.

All students must attend the taught component of this module in order to achieve minimum hours for BACP. The module aims to enable students who already have a foundation in counselling theory and skills to fully appreciate the role and application of research in this area. During the module students will be introduced to a variety of methods and approaches, which will be examined with a highly practical focus. Emphasis will be placed on the kinds of issues and research questions which are commonly addressed in counselling, and which might be addressed using different research approaches. Students will demonstrate their acquisition of the knowledge by presenting a proposal suitable for a final year dissertation (Formative assessments). The students will need to make an application for Newman University ethical approval, which must be achieved prior to carrying out the Systematic Literature Review As the module progresses students will have the opportunity to focus on and explore a particular area of clinical practice, and of theory in relation to practice. Students design, plan and execute an in-depth Literature Review with a systematic search strategy and methodology and a narrative synthesis. Students will consider applications for counselling practice. The Systematic Literature Review should draw upon and critically evaluate a range of both classic and contemporary research findings through a clearly identified systematic search strategy using the following databases: PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences and PsycARTICLES.

This module aims to provide an overview of key perspectives on psychological and emotional distress. It includes a consideration of neurobiological contributions to the understanding of developmental challenges and its psychological consequences. The module seeks to encourage students to understand mental ill health rom a clinically informed fashion, in terms of aetiology, classification and treatment. The specific way fields of counselling and psychotherapy assess and manage these issues will be explored, focusing especially on the therapeutic application entailed, and the therapeutic justification for decisions. This module will also promote an appreciation of the multi-cultural issues that can arise in various treatment settings, and the counselling field more broadly. Assignments are designed to develop students’ understanding of the main models of psychopathology and raise awareness of key issues in the field, while at the same time building on their analytical, evaluative and presentation skills.