ED504R: COUNSELLING CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE; WORKING IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (2020-2021)

This is a one-year (minimum) programme which is structured into three distinct elements but it is delivered in an integrated format since the learning and experience from each module impacts on the learning in the other two modules.

Each area of study is supported by tutorials and guided study directed by appropriate specialist counsellors. Students are required to prepare for each tutorial by reading a designated article which is used as the key text for that session. The articles for each term are given at the first meeting of the group and the learning aims for each session will build from the assigned reading. Students are encouraged to read other material related to the session theme and bring that

learning into the tutorial discussions. This module emphasises the importance of each student being responsible for their own learning journey and the role of the tutors is to support the learner on that journey. In effect, this means, each person’s thoughts and reactions to the content are valid and to be respected and that there is an expectation that all participants actively engage in discussions and experiential activities.

There are three alternative routes for the student building on the learning which has been covered in the Post-Graduate Diploma:

Option 1 Counselling in a Health-Care setting; working with anxiety and depression

Option 2 Counselling Couples; working with relationships

Option 3 Counselling Children and Young People; working in educational settings

Option 3 Counselling Children and Young People; working in educational settings

This option will focus on examining at depth key theoretical frameworks for working therapeutically with young people and children and it will provide an advanced investigation of evidenced based interventions in the area of family and couple work. It will build on the knowledge base of the Post-Graduate programme by providing a specialist consideration of the theories and their appropriateness in working with young people and children.

The option will examine the development from child to adolescent to adult, looking at physiological, emotional, behavioural and mental development. It will consider the signs and symptoms of when mental health and/or wellbeing are adversely affected. It will investigate how counselling supports the young person to develop their own resilience when dealing with difficulties and adversity

Learning Objectives

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Provide a reliable knowledge-base of human growth and development for students who wish to specialise in working with young people

ï‚· Provide a theoretical framework which is supported by research within which students can develop their therapeutic practice with young people

Provide a context of investigation and learning about the ethical and legal issues which are relevant to working with children and young people

ï‚· Provide an in-depth examination of current and critical themes relevant to the lives of children and young people with an examination of how to work therapeutically in these

Learning Outcomes

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Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of mental health problems in children, adolescents and young adults

ï‚· Students will have an advanced understanding of formal systems and processes for psychological assessment and measures of resilience and wellbeing in children

ï‚· Students will have an informed awareness of research concerning critical wellbeing themes of self-harm and suicidal ideation and evidence of best-practice interventions of support

ï‚· Students will have an in depth knowledge of sexuality, sexual development, sexual identity and social influences impacting on children and young people as they transition into adulthood

ï‚· Students will have an advanced knowledge of the relevance of attachment theory, systems theories and family dynamics as critical influences in human growth and development

ï‚· Students will have a good understanding of different areas of learning difficulties and ways in which therapeutic interventions can be introduced to support individuals who have learning difficulties

ï‚· Students will have knowledge of the legal issues which protect and support children and the professional guidance which applies in working with children and young people

ï‚· Students will gain an advanced understanding of various therapeutic frameworks and processes for working therapeutically with children and young people

• Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)