ED504N: COUNSELLING IN A HEALTH-CARE SETTING; WORKING WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION (2018-2019)

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. The three modules are:

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 1

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

. The module considers work done in England by the NHS/IAPT and examines at depth different bodies of research which explore the causal factors of anxiety and depression and considers different forms of treatment which exist and the research evidence for each

Learning Objectives

develop students understanding and awareness of research concerning the causes and critical factors in anxiety and depression across different population cohorts.

 introduce students to the range of interventions in working with clients who present with depression or the recognised symptoms of depression. This analysis will consider the details of each approach and the evidence base which supports its use

 provide students with a direct advanced understanding of the principles and practice of Mindfulness and how it is learned, used and offered as a treatment

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this option students will:

 develop a deeper understanding of the aetiology and treatments for depression

 broaden their capacity for providing informed analysis of the relative strengths and weakness of alternative approaches in the treatment of depression.

gain a deeper understanding of specific alternative psychotherapeutic approaches

 have an advanced awareness of the core principles and elements in Mindfulness as a

therapeutic support which potential clients can use as part of the process of self-help in

managing symptoms of anxiety and depression

 engage in an advanced analysis of their own therapeutic practice to consider how it may

change and develop or may be reinforced as a result of the study and discussions which

are part of this module

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

More Information about Week Numbers

Two essays each worth 50%.

There are no assessments for this course.