| CODE | PSY5809 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Counselling Approaches and Techniques: Theory and Practice | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 6 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The aim of this study-unit is to enable students to gain a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of some of the most influential approaches and techniques used in counselling. It will be made up of 5 parts, each part covering a major theory and approach, namely: Psychodynamic, Adlerian, Gestalt, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Systemic Family Therapy. Tentative Study unit Outline: Part 1 Psychodynamics - The Freudian concept of the structure of the psyche, - The Freudian revolution on the discovery of the unconscious and the impact of this on the psychological intervention, - the concept of defence mechanisms, - the knowledge of transference and counter-transference and their importance in the counseling relationship, - the working through - the need of good boundaries. - Brief history of the development of the psychoanalytic schools beginning from Freud, - The British Independent School: Klein, Winnicott, Bowlby, Fairburn etc. - The American schools. Kernberg, Kohut etc. - A brief introduction of Jung's divergent view of the psyche and therapy. - The implications of psychodynamic philosophical underpinnings for the counselling profession. - Critique and limits of psychodynamic counselling. Part 2 Adlerian - Basic Concepts - Theory of Personality and Theory of Psychotherapy - Social Interest and Family Constellation - Process of Psychotherapy - Dreams and Insights - The Therapist as Model - Applications of Adlerian Theory Part 3 Gestalt - Gestalt Psychology and Gestalt Theoretical Foundations. - Field theory and phenomenology - The Dialogic relationship in Gestalt therapy - Awareness and contact - Unfinished business and modifications to contact - Experimenting - Working with embodiment, energy and resistance - Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Interventions. Part 4 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - History - Theory of Personality - Cognitive Distortions - Cognitive Model of Depression - Anxiety disorders and Panic Disorders - Theory of Psychotherapy - Process of Psychotherapy Part 5 Systemic Family Therapy - Schools of Family Therapy - Systems Theory - Communication Theory - Systemic Coaching - Psychoeducation - Couples Therapy - Ethical Issues Required Texts: - Corey, G. (1992) (4th ed.) Theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. UK: Brooks/Cole. - Joyce, P. & Sills, C. (2001). Skills in Gestalt counselling & psychotherapy. London: Sage Publications - Jacobs, M. (2006) Psychodynamic counselling in action. London: SAGE Publications. - Singer, J. (1994). Boundaries of the soul. USA: Rev Up Su edition. Reading List - Brammer, L.M & Macdonald, G. (1996). The helping relationship: Process and skills. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. - Capuzzi, D & Gross, D.R (1997). Introduction to the counselling profession. London: Allyn & Bacon. - Chaplin, J. (1988). 'Feminist Therapy'. In: Rowan, & Dryden, W (eds) Innovative therapy in Britain. New York: Open University Press. - Clarkson, P. (1999). Gestalt counselling in action. London: Sage. - Compas, B.E. & Gotlib, I.H. (2002). Introduction to clinical psychology. New York: McGraw Hill. - Crough A. (1997). Inside counselling. London: Sage. - Eagle, M. (1984). Recent developments in psychoanalysis, a critical evaluation. New York: McGraw Hill - Egan, G. (all editions) The skilled helper. USA:ITP Publications - Frankl, V. E. (1992). (5th imp.). Man's search for meaning. UK: Hodder & Staunton. - Hedges, L.E. (1983). Listening perspectives in psychotherapy. New York: Jason Aronson - Houston, G. (2003). Brief Gestalt Therapy. London: Sage Publications. - Mitchell, S. A. (1988). Relational concepts in psychoanalysis. USA: Harvard University Press - Hycner, R. & Jacobs, L (1995). The healing relationship in Gestalt Therapy. Highland, NY: Gestalt Journal Publications. - Mckewn, J. (1997) Developing Gestalt counselling. London: Sage Publications. - Mearns D. & Thorne B. 1999, Person-centered counselling in action. London: Sage Publications. - Patterson, L.E., & Welfel, E.R. (1977) The counselling process. CA: Brooks and Cole. - Perls, F.S. Hefferline, R. and Goodaman, P (1951/1969). Gestalt therapy: excitement and growth in the human personality. New York: Julian Press. - Polster, E. & Polster, M. (!974). Gestalt Therapy Integrated: Contours of theory and practice. New York: Vintage Books. - Roth, A & Fonagy, P. (1996). The relationship between outcome and therapist training, experience, and technique.. London: Guildford - St Clair, M. (1996). Object relations and self psychology. USA: Brooks/Cole ITP Publications - Symington, N. (1988). The analytic experience. USA: Free Association Books - West, J, & Spinks, P. (1988). Clinical psychology in action. London: Butterworth. - Woolfe, R & Dryden, W (1996). Handbook of counselling psychology. London: Sage Publications. - Yalom, I. (1992). When Nietzsche wept. New York: Harper Perennial. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Roberta Attard |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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