Counselling Children and Young People (P02395)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HEA-P-HEA

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the practice of counselling children and young people, as conceptualised within the person-centred approach and psychodynamic perspectives. Grounded in theoretical understandings of child and adolescent emotional and psychological development, the course examines the therapeutic relationship and process, and the adaptation of approach required, when working with young people. Topics include differentiating developmental and therapeutic needs, the impact of childhood abuse and neglect, understanding and working with family systems, the social and political contexts of therapeutic practice with children and young people, and interdisciplinary practice. A distinctive feature of the course is its focus on non-verbal therapeutic approaches, introducing students to methods and techniques from play, art and drama therapy. Students are required to draw on their own therapeutic work within class sessions. The ethical and confidentiality issues raised by this are discussed in the first session.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : An optional course for students within the MSc in Counselling Studies (Advanced Practice), for students from other subject areas, who meet the specific requirements for this course (see below) and for visiting CPD students who may take the course as a free-standing learning opportunity. In addition to an undergraduate degree or equivalent, applicants need to have a) a qualification in counselling or psychotherapy OR b) an equivalent professional qualification AND experience of working therapeutically with children and young people.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Counselling Studies, (School of Health in Social Science, Schedule D)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) 30 minutes per week for 8 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should have
- an advanced understanding of theoretical concepts of child and adolescent emotional and psychological development
- the capacity to critically appraise how these theoretical ideas inform the practice of counselling in this field
- the capacity to identify, analyse and evaluate the distinctive features of counselling practice with children and young people, including the contexts in which this practice takes place
- the ability to evaluate and implement non-verbal approaches to therapeutic work with children and young people based on an advanced understanding of their theoretical underpinnings
- the capacity to conceptualise and analyse key themes in the practice of counselling children and young people with reference to the student - own practice

Assessment Information

One 4,000 to 5,000 word essay analysing a key theme in the practice of counselling children and young people. Students will critically reflect on the practice theme, integrating relevant research and literature, and drawing on their own therapeutic practice, as relevant.