Module title

Preparation for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice

CRN

32896

Level

Level 5

Assessment title

Option 1) Describe the main features of process-experiential/ emotion-focused therapy and compare and contrast this to classical person-centred therapy.

Option 2) Explore a common presenting problem (e.g. depression, anxiety), its assessment and how it might be conceptualised using person-centred theory

Weighting within module

This assessment is worth 100% of the overall module mark.

Submission deadline date and time

How to submit

You should submit your assessment via the Turnitin portal on Blackboard on or before the submission deadline.

The Turnitin portal can be found in the assignment section and is clearly linked “2500-word theory essay”. Please ensure that the essay is anonymised, removing your name and any other identifiable information.

Assessment task details and instructions

The assessment for this module will be a 2500-word essay. This will form 100% of the marks for this module.  You must use double line spacing on your assignment. You only submit one assignment, but there are two options for you to choose from:

Option 1) Describe the main features of process-experiential/ emotion-focused therapy and compare and contrast this to classical person-centred therapy.

Option 2) Explore a common presenting problem (e.g. depression, anxiety), its assessment and how it might be conceptualised using person-centred theory

It is strongly recommended that you include references to relevant research literature in your assignment.

For option 1 essay you will need to;

(i)                  Critically analyse humanistic philosophy and the principles that underpin the Person-Centred approach. You will need to demonstrate criticality regarding both theory and practice. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of person centred theory and present a balanced view in relation.

(i)                  You will demonstrate evidence of wider reading by accessing evidence in relation to Process-experiential/ Emotion focused therapy and make comparison to classical person centred therapy. Further criticality will be achieved by contrasting the two modalities and highlighting areas of difference when working with clients. 

What follows is designed to help you decide where to place emphasis in your essay, based on the percentage of marks available for each aspect of your assignment.  It is a guide to help you and is not indicative of the final mark you can expect to achieve.

For option 2 Essay you will need to;

(ii)                You will demonstrate evidence of wider reading by accessing research evidence in relation to person centred theory and make links to a common presenting problem (anxiety/depression). You will consider the  effectiveness  of Person centred Theory when working with a particular context. Therefore, your essay will demonstrate your awareness of working in a person centred way with a presenting problem.

(iii)              Your essay should evaluate person centred theory when working with a common presenting problem and develop the discussion to include how therapeutic change within the client/counsellor relationship is brought about.

What follows is designed to help you decide where to place emphasis in your essay, based on the percentage of marks available for each aspect of your assignment.  It is a guide to help you and is not indicative of the final mark you can expect to achieve

Assessed intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

1. Outline humanistic philosophy and the principles which underpin the Person-Centred approach in application of both theory and practice

2. Interpret the research evidence on Person Centred Theories of human growth and development and the origins of psychological distress

3. Evaluate the Person-Centred Core conditions for therapeutic change in the counsellor/client relationship in practice

4. Appraise contemporary perspectives on the self with reference to post-modern psychological theories and illustrate how these approaches aid an understanding of client work

5. Define complex psychological processes and effective methods for working with these in practice

Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills

1. Explain the role and function of a range of therapeutic agencies

2. Compare examples of multi-disciplinary working

3. Review the recording keeping requirements in preparation for counselling practice

4. Explore own values and attitudes in relation to difference and diversity and the ways in which these impact upon counselling practice

Transferable Skills and other Attributes

1. Convey complex information effectively in oral & written forms through engagement in group-work and summative assessment
2. Analyse interactions with others through individual reflection & group-work
3.  Exercise decision making when evaluating key issues in the theory and practice of Counselling & Psychotherapy via group-work and summative assessment
4.  Consolidate and demonstrate independence in accessing and searching information resources and manage search results and confirm knowledge of referencing in summative assessment
5.  Exercise personal responsibility for class attendance, completion of directed and self-directed study
6.  Prepare for work in customer focused environment through the development of communication skills, ability to work with others, problem solving, management of own learning and competent use of IT – developed through group activities and summative assessment

Module Aims

1.         To prepare students for professional counselling & psychotherapy practice and the factors involved in multi-disciplinary working

2.         To enhance students’ comprehension, critical awareness and application of Contemporary Person Centred/Experiential Theory and Practice

3.         To cultivate students’ perceptions of working with difference and diversity in counselling & psychotherapy practice

Word count/ duration (if applicable)

The word limit for the theoretical essay is 2500 words. The word count includes all words from the title to the reference list , but excludes the reference list and any front page,  which may include the assessment guidance or word count. For the avoidance of doubt, the citations (in-text references) are included in the word count. Any submitted work, which exceeds the specified word count, will be subject to mark deductions in line with the School of Health and Society policy. The word count for this assignment must be added at the end of the evaluation, before the reference list.

Any assignments exceeding the word limit of 2,500 words will be assessed in line with the University of Salford policy on word count and any penalties will be detailed in the feedback provided.