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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Health in Social Science : Counselling Studies

Postgraduate Course: Couple and Relationship Counselling 1 (CNST11047)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Health in Social Science CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
Summary Topics include: the social and political contexts of family life and coupledom in modern Britain; working with family systems; the significance of early relational experiences; the process of therapeutic work with couples; difference, diversity and power in relationships; therapeutic themes and challenges; the social and political context of therapeutic practice with couples. Students are required to draw on their own family and relationship experiences within class sessions. The rationale for and implications of this personal work will be fully explored in the first sessions.

The course will be delivered through 5 sessions of four hours, through interactive lectures, seminars and practice workshops. Set readings will be given each week.


Course description This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the practice of counselling couples and relationship work, as conceptualised in the dialogue between psychodynamic perspectives and the person-centred approach. Grounded in theoretical understandings of change in family relationships and contemporary couple relationships, the course examines the therapeutic relationship and process, and the adaptation of approach required, when working with couples on issues which affect their relationship.

A distinctive feature of the course is the inclusion of practice sessions, in which participants have the opportunity to practice the application of their learning in listening triads.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesThis course is also available for visiting Continuing Professional Development students who are qualified or training in counselling or psychotherapy, or practitioners in other fields with a relevant background in relation to the topic.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Analyse cultural and sociological understandings of contemporary families and relationships.
  2. Conceptualise and analyse couples in relationship with reference to issues of difference, diversity and power
  3. Critically appraise the place of couples counselling in current therapeutic thinking and practice.
  4. Analyse the main theoretical concepts of couples counselling within the psychodynamic perspective and the person-centred approach and evaluate how these theoretical ideas inform the practice of counselling in this field
  5. Conceptualise and analyse key themes in the practice of counselling couples with reference to the student¿s own practice and personal history.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Course URL http://www.health.ed.ac.uk/counsellingstudies/cpd/CoupleandRelationship.htm
Graduate Attributes and Skills On completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic features of couples and relationships counselling as conceptualised in the dialogue between psychodynamic perspectives and the person-centred approach.
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserMr Robert Goupillot
Tel: (0131 6)50 4328
Email: Bob.Goupillot@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Leopoldine Barde
Tel: (0131 6)50 3890
Email: L.Barde@ed.ac.uk
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