Unit information: Humanistic Approaches to Counselling in 2014/15

Unit name	Humanistic Approaches to Counselling
Unit code	ACHS20001
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Mr. Sidgwick
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Applied Community and Health Studies
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce students to a range of Humanistic Counselling Approaches, to include the Person-Centred, Gestalt, Psychosynthesis and Transactional Analysis. There will be a specific focus on application to practice.

Aims:

This unit aims to extend students understanding of the Person-Centred theory and practice whilst introducing the other Humanistic approaches of Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Psychosynthesis. Theoretical concepts and applications of practice will be explored.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to:

1. Describe and evaluate the Person-centred approach
2. Outline and evaluate the three other Humanistic approaches – Gestalt, Transactional Analysis and Psychosynthesis
3. Compare the Person-centred Approach with the other Humanistic approaches, drawing out similarities and differences.
4. Evaluate theoretical models of counselling on the basis of professional and personal experience

Teaching Information

Lectures, Small group work, Seminars, Presentations, e-learning.

Assessment Information

Essay 4000 to 5000 words – Compare and contrast a range of Humanistic Counselling Approaches with the Person-centred Approach, making detailed reference to your own professional (work placement) and personal experience.

Reading and References

• Clarkson, P.; (2003) “Therapeutic Relationship” (2nd edition). Smallwood.Dover

• Embelton Tudor, L., Keemar, K., Tudor, K., Valentine, J., Worrall, M; (2004) “The Person Centred Approach: A Contemporary Introduction.” Palgrave MacMillan.Hampshire

• Joyce, P. and Sills, C.; (2001) “Skills in Gestalt Counselling and Psychotherapy in Action”. Sage.London

• Mearns, D. and Thorne, (1999) B.;”Person-Centred Counselling” (2nd edition). Sage.London

• Stewart, I. (1989) “Transactional Analysis Counselling in Action.” Sage.London

• Whitmore, D.; (2000) “Psychosynthesis Counselling in Action.” Sage.London