Module: Counselling & Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Counselling & Psychology
Module Code	PSY1052 (ITS: PSYC408)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides an overview of counselling and psychotherapy drawing on a range of theoretical models and discussing their application to practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1. Discuss the nature and diversity of contemporary counselling and psychotherapy 2. Critically appraise the philosophical positions of psychodynamic, cognitive- behavioural, humanistic and systemic theories. 3. Appraise the process of counselling and psychotherapy from the perspective of ‘beginnings’, ‘middles’ and ‘endings’. 4. Analyse and critically examine the core characteristics associated with an effective therapist from the humanistic (person –centred) approach i.e. empathy, congruence and unconditional positive regard. 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the precursory communication skills relevant to establishing a sound therapeutic relationship, such as active listening, physical and

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Group work	12	No Description
Independent Study	89	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20974	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Rosaleen McElvaney	Module Teacher	Nigel Mulligan, Pamela Gallagher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	1. SESSION ANALYSIS: 500 words (20%) TITLE: Critically analyse Rogers’ demonstration of the three core conditions (empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard) as shown on the Gloria DVD. 2. ESSAY: 2,500 words (80%) TITLE: Critically evaluate one theoretical model of choice (from the following: cognitive-behavioural; humanistic; systemic; psychodynamic), describing the key principles of the model.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Essential Reading List
Corsini, R. & Wedding, D. 2011, Current psychotherapies, 9th Ed., Brooks/Cole. Belmont, CA, US

Corey, G. 2004, Theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy, 7th Ed., Wadsworth Publication Co Belmont, CA.

Feltam, C., Hanley, T. & Winter, L. (Eds.) 2017, The Sage handbook of counselling and psychotherapy, 4th ed Ed., SAGE London,UK

Geldard, K. 2003, Counselling skills in everyday life, Palgrave Macmillan New York, US

Mearns, D., & Thorne, B. 2007, Person-centered counseling in action, 3rd Ed., SAGE London, UK

McLeod, J. 2009, An introduction to counselling., 4th Ed., Open University Press Berkshire, UK

O’Farrell, U. 2006, First steps in counselling., Veritas Dublin, Irl.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None