This unit adds to the study of psychological theories and schools of counselling covered in Personal Philosophy of Counselling Practice by surveying a range of contemporary therapeutic approaches.
The unit pays particular attention to cognitive behaviour therapy and the contributions of Albert Ellis, Aaron Beck as well as Mark McMinn’s integration of psychology, spirituality and Christian counselling. Other approaches including Postmodern modalities are studied and evaluated philosophically, practically and theologically to enable students to continue to integrate a wider range of perspectives into their developing counselling practice leading to a personal model of counselling that reflects a thoughtful application of psychology and theology.
This unit adds to previous units by introducing a range of models of assessment and intervention to increase the repertoire of counselling skills. Special consideration is made of the use of technology in counselling including phone and e-counselling. The unit addresses the legal issues that arise in contemporary counselling situations utilising technology such as the use of notes.
In addition to increased knowledge and skills in counselling, the unit introduces the profession of counselling and some related issues including professional development and integration with allied professions including referral pathways.
Topics:
* Development of counselling approaches from psychoanalysis
* Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
* Integrative therapies
* Post Modern therapeutic approaches: Mindfulness and Acceptance Commitment Therapy
* Post Modern therapeutic approaches – Brief Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy
* Post Modern therapeutic approaches – Narrative Therapy
* Telephone, Skype and email counselling
* Christian and faith-based counselling
* Counselling using alternative modalities: To text or not to text?
* Counselling as a profession: Tips and tricks for an effective and sustainable career