Counselling, Trauma and Attachment (P02396)

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

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the practice of counselling adult clients who have experienced significant traumas such as sudden death, abandonment, childhood abuse, social displacement, political violence, natural disaster, abuse of power in the workplace, sexual violence.

Topics include: what makes an event or events traumatic; trauma and the life course; the short term and long term effects of trauma, the significance of attachment patterns in emotional regulation and trauma, post traumatic stress and working with memories of trauma; trauma and attachment; resilience and recovery; neuroscience and trauma; trauma and the body; sensorimotor processes and recovery from trauma; trauma and survival; therapeutic issues in working with trauma; vicarious trauma and other issues for the therapist.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : This is an optional course for students within the MSc in Counselling Studies (Advanced Practice) and for visiting Continuing Professional Development students who may take the course as a free-standing learning opportunity. Applicants need to be able to meet one of the following entrance requirements 1) A first degree or equivalent in any subject and accreditation as a counsellor or psychotherapist. 2) A first degree or equivalent and a qualification in counselling or psychotherapy to Diploma level and two years post-qualifying practice (which may be waived for those who have undertaken substantial practice prior to securing professional qualifications). 3) Accreditation as a counsellor and psychotherapist and evidence of potential to study at postgraduate level.

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 : 5 hour(s) per week for 4 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should have
- an advanced understanding of theoretical concepts of trauma, post traumatic stress, neuroscientific processes following trauma, and therapeutic issues presented in working with trauma
- the capacity to identify and critically appraise the significance of attachment patterns and affect regulation in the therapeutic relationship with people who have experienced trauma
- the capacity to identify, analyse and evaluate the distinctive features and key themes of counselling practice with clients who have experienced trauma
- the capacity to conceptualise, contextualise and critically assess power dynamics and ethical issues arising in therapeutic practice with clients who have experienced trauma and to implement coherent and effective strategies to address these
- an advanced critical understanding of their capacity to undertake therapeutic practice with clients who have experienced trauma

Assessment Information

One 4,000 to 5,000 word essay analysing a key theme in the practice of counselling clients who have experienced trauma. Students will critically reflect on the practice theme, integrating relevant research and literature, and drawing on their own theraeutic practice.