Pre-course activity

We know that some of you will be eager to prepare for the course by doing some background reading but we would also ask you to do some thinking and writing!

You will already be aware that all counselling training places strong emphasis on personal development, reflection on experience and developing self-awareness. It is likely that you have already done some work on these lines. Before you join the course, you are invited to write up to 2000 words (maximum) outlining your life story. It will be called ‘This is who I am today.’

It is likely to include some basic details (where and when you were born etc) but what is more important is formative experiences and key relationships that have contributed to who you are today. Do be open and include all important influences that have shaped the person you are today. One important theme to consider is how your life experience has led you to choose to become a counsellor.

There is no right or wrong way of doing this. Please be aware that it is NOT assessed and you will not be required to share ANYTHING with other people that you do not feel comfortable about. You will not submit this work but there will be opportunities to refer to and draw on this document throughout semester 1 and beyond.

Pre-Course Reading

Please do continue your process of wider reading around this subject using the reading list provided. You are encouraged to follow your interests in terms of reading (as there will be plenty of specific directed reading in semester 1).

We will be exploring the Person-Centred Approach (PCA) to counselling in semester 1.

A classic text in the person-centred tradition is “On Becoming a Person” by Carl Rogers. It is recommended that you obtain a hard copy of this book but you can also find an electronic copy available from the library.

We will also be using the following text (amongst others) by Janet Tolan.

Tolan, J. (2012) Skills in person-centred counselling & psychotherapy. 2nd edn. London: SAGE Publications (Skills in counselling & psychotherapy).

In consideration of what your training journey will entail, the following book by Cathy McQuaid is recommended.

McQuaid, C. (2014) What you really need to know about counselling and psychotherapy training : an essential guide. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.

Thursday 17 September

• 10:00 – 13:00 (Room CH004)
• 14:00 – 17:00 (Room DA006)

IMPORTANT: Please bring your photo ID with you on this date to complete enrolment.

You will be welcomed to the programme and cover key information about all aspects of the course on day 1. All of the information will be available to review online via our virtual learning environment Moodle. Your induction activities will continue across semester 1 as follows:

• Welcome to the Library
• Welcome to Student Success (for support with any aspect of study and student life)
• Meet your Academic Personal Tutor
• IT Support (for access to Birmingham Newman IT systems)
• E-Learning (for use of Moodle and digital teaching and learning resources)
• Academic Induction – PPD in Semester 1 will feature an introduction to vital academic skills including ‘Academic Boot Camp!’

Thursday 17 September

• Thursday
  • 10.00-13.00 and;
  • 14.00-17.00

Full details of your individual academic timetable, including Semester 2 timetable which may differ, will be available via your university email calendar after you have completed the pre-arrival task online and set up your student login.

There are three teaching sessions in Semester 1:

• 10am to 11am: Personal and Professional Development Group – PPD (Module COF431)
• 11am to 1pm: Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling Part 1 (Module COF432)
• 2pm to 5pm: Professional Counselling Skills (Module COF431 – same as PPD above)

PPD Group runs across all three years and supports you to make sense of the training from a personal perspective. Year 1 explores ‘Self and Identity – Who am I?’ The particular focus in Semester 1 is Self as Learner!

We strongly believe that everyone has a huge capacity for learning and personal growth but we also recognise that everyone has a unique relationship and expectations (hopes and fears) around education. For some it may feel very daunting. Therefore, this group will help you understand yourself as a learner to set off your training and education in the right direction.

Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling Part 1 takes a deep dive into the Person-Centred Approach to counselling theory. This session will be supported with group Reading Circles (which help you to share the challenge of reading academic theoretical papers!

Lunch is between 1pm and 2pm.

After that, Professional counselling skills takes you through to the end of the day. It builds on the theories explored in the morning and helps you to put the ‘theory into practice.’ It is a mixture of classroom learning and small group practice sessions. Reflecting on our counselling practice and learning from it is a vital skill that you will maintain throughout your whole counselling career. Therefore the focus is on learning and reflection (not on ‘being good’ at counselling!)

Throughout Semester 1, teaching and learning activities have focus very much on ‘learning to learn!’ As you already know, counselling practice focuses on personal growth. Learning and education has a lot in common with counselling in this respect. Semester 1 provides you with a solid foundation for the rest of the programme.

Emily Evans – Joint Course Lead

As joint course lead, Emily shares overall responsibility for the smooth running of the programme with Steve. She teaches across all three years in Case Discussion Groups and lectures on Psychodynamic theory and theoretical integration. You will meet Emily on Day 1 of the programme and at numerous points throughout the first year

Steve Roberts – Joint Course Lead

As joint course lead, Steve shares overall responsibility for the smooth running of the programme with Emily. He leads the Personal and Professional Development Group and teaches across a range of modules. Steve will meet you on Day 1 of the programme.

Jo Adams – Lecturer

Jo leads the Theoretical Perspectives for Counselling Part 1 (Year 1 Semester 1) which focuses on Person-Centred theory.

Cassie Roland – Lecturer

Cassie lectures and leads teaching on Ethics (in semester 2 of your first year), Mental Health in Year 3 and some Personal and Professional Development and Case Discussion groups across years 2 and 3.

Stephanie Carr – Lecturer

Stephanie leads teaching across a number of modules throughout year 1 and 2 starting with Counselling Skills (Year 1 semester 1)

You will meet other members of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Talking Therapies subject area teaching team as you go through the programme.