Module Code - Title:
EN6221
-
COUNSELLING THEORY AND PRACTICE 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces students to counselling theory and practice. The main theoretical frameworks of counselling and their application to guidance counselling practice are taught on this module.
Syllabus:
The humanistic and person-centred approaches are applied on this module. Content also includes introduction to psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural and existential theories which address client issues such as anxiety, self-esteem and motivation. Assimilative Integration will be explored as a model of mapping diverse theoretical perspectives and counselling practices. The counselling process as reflected in contemporary theoretical models will be experienced and the micro skills of counselling will be practised. Ethical practice for guidance counsellors is addressed.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the counselling process and relationship with young people and adult clients to support their development.
Demonstrate ability to apply counselling theory to personal, educational and career guidance practice.
Critically examine a range of issues and human conditions relating to the counselling process with clients such as anxiety, self-esteem, motivation and decision-making.
Develop counselling micro skills for practice within guidance counselling contexts with clients across the lifespan.
Critically examine Assimilative Integration as an effective model for building links across diverse schools of counselling
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Display the development of empathic communication skills for work with clients.
Resolve conflicting issues between personal beliefs and ethical considerations with clients and peers.
Exhibit an understanding of the ethical issues and problem solving techniques involved in the support of clients and their wellbeing.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/a
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Predominantly lectures and experiential and practice based approaches are used.
Students are required to keep a reflective journal within the paradigm of action research. Up to date research in the field is incorporated into the teaching.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Bond, T. (2000)
Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action, 2nd ed.
, London: Sage
Corey, G. (2013)
Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 9th ed.
, Belmont, CA: Brooks-Cole
Culley, S. & Bond, T. (2011)
Integrative Counselling Skills in Action, 3rd ed.
, London: Sage
Hough, M. (2014)
Counselling Skills and Theory
, Oxon: Hodder Education
Jones-Smith, E. (2016)
Theories of Counselling & Psychotherapy. An Integrative Approach
, California: Sage
McLeod, J. & McLeod, J. (2011)
Counselling Skills: A Practical Guide for Counsellors and Helping Professionals
, Maidenhead: Open University Press
Mearns, D. & Thorne, B. (2013)
Person-centred Counselling in Action, 4th ed.
, London: Sage
Reid, H. & Westergaard, R. (2011)
Effective Counselling for Young People
, Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Other Relevant Texts:
McLeod, J. (2003)
An Introduction to Counselling, 3rd ed.
, Buckingham: Open University Press
Sanders, P. (ed.) (2004)
The Tribes of the Person-Centred Nation: An Introduction to the Schools of Therapy Related to the Person-Centred Approach
, Ross-on-Wye, Herts: PCCS Books
Wampold, B. & Zace I. (2015)
The Great Psychotherapy Debate
, London: Routledge
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Gerry.Myers@ul.ie