CO2507: COUNSELLING SKILLS 4 (2018-2019)

The theme Integration brings together different theoretical perspectives in the counselling/psychotherapy field. The process of increasing and integrating counselling skills and self-awareness is further developed by the contributions from  different theoretical perspectives.

The module begins with a review of Counselling Skills 3 and discusses students' expectations. It presents the Gestalt and Transactional Analysis counselling perspectives. There are 2 units on ethics, one of which again looks at boundaries and the other looks at listeners’ responsibilities in the context of the counselling approach. Awareness is raised about issues related to social inclusion in the use of the counselling approach.

The course also raises the issue of stress for users of the counselling approach and for those with whom they work. Skills practice is given much attention in this module. Counselling Skills 4 draws to a close with a two-staged approach to a final review of personal development in relation to this module and the entire course, ending with a self-evaluation assessment.

A compulsory charge of £30 is made for this course to cover the COSCA workbook, COSCA professional registration, COSCA Certificate, and associated handling costs.

This course may not be suitable for anyone who is currently receiving counselling or has faced a serious emotional issue in the last six months.

Class size is limited to 15.  Students must be able to attend the same class at the same time over 10 weeks. There is a strict attendance requirement of at least 85%. Students who miss more than two 3-hour classes, for any reason, cannot pass the course.
Students will be required to pay the COSCA materials fee of £30 at the online store before the first class and before your workbook will be issued.

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

More Information about Week Numbers

1st Attempt

In-course assessment: essay (25%); learning log (25%); oral assessment (50%) [divided between practice 25% and participation/attendance 25%]. Candidates should note that to achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required. Attendance at 85% of the weekly seminars for each module of Counselling Skills 1-4 is a requirement of COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland).

Resit

In course assessment: essay (25%). Candidates should note that a resit is not permitted of the other three elements of the course. To achieve credit for the course overall, a pass in each element is required.

A reflective personal learning log, between 300 – 500 words in length will be completed by all students and submitted to tutors after week 2 on a weekly basis. The log is an opportunity for students to reflect on their experiences of learning in the class, how they relate theory to practice and their own personal awareness, growth and development. Skills practice is included in each class. Tutors provide feedback on practical skills on a group or individual basis as appropriate in each of the 12 classes. Oral participation is assessed in the whole class group and with all class members and includes attendance.

Weekly: A reflective learning log will be read by tutors on weekly submission and any necessary feedback or concerns communicated to students. At the end of the course 10 logs will be graded linked to the CGS and weighted at 25% of the overall course mark.

Oral practice: Tutors give verbal feedback to the group and individuals in each of the 10 classes.

Oral participation: Tutors will give individual feedback as necessary during the course.