Module: Abnormal Psychology & Psychological Counselling

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Abnormal Psychology & Psychological Counselling
Module Code	PSY1087 (ITS: PY310)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

The first part of this module focuses on theory and research relating to abnormal human behaviour, its manifestations, and how such behaviours may be diagnosed and treated. The second part of the module examines the main concepts and theories relating to a range of psychological therapies, the skills and competencies developed by therapeutic practitioners, and contextual factors that impact on counselling practice.

Learning Outcomes

1. Assess historical as well as current trends in the psychosocial study and treatment of abnormal human behaviour
2. Formulate a systematic framework through which psychological disorders can be examined in detail
3. Evaluate the diagnostic criterion and associated treatments for various psychopathologies
4. Synthesise knowledge of therapeutic approaches and processes utilised, both historically and currently, in counselling and psychotherapeutic practice
5. Appraise the contextual factors that impact on counselling practice
6. Reflect on the skills and competencies needed to deliver effective psychological therapy

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	18	Online Distance Learning tutorials
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through online discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	297	Using self-directed learning resouces, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11752	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aoife McNicholl	Module Teacher	James Brunton

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	This assessment is an essay, focused on an abnormal psychology topic	30%	n/a
Report(s)	This second assessment involves writing a case study report, based on a specified case, recommending a provisional diagnosis and therapeutic plan for the client.	35%	n/a
Essay	The first part of this assessment involves commenting on the use of counselling skills and the application of psychological theory as demonstrated in a video of a counselling session. The second part of the assessment is an essay on a psychological counselling topic.	35%	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	l,
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

Part 1: Abnormal Psychology 1

- What is Abnormal Psychology?

- Contextual factors: Legal, Ethical and Societal Issues

- Researching Abnormal Psychology

- Psychopathology: Assessment and Diagnosis

- Stress, Trauma and Health

- Mood Disorders and Suicidality

- Panic, Anxiety, and Obsessions

- Somatic Symptoms and Dissociative Disorders

Part 2: Abnormal Psychology 2

- Schizophrenia and Psychosis

- Eating Disorders

- Substance use and Addictive Disorders

- Sexual Dysfunctions, Variants, and Abuse

- Personality Disorders

- Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Childhood and Adolescence)

- Neurocognitive Disorders

- Psychological Intervention: Outcomes and Issues

Part 3: Counselling Psychology 1

- What are Counselling and Psychotherapy?

- Research in Psychological Counselling

- The Effective Practice of Psychological Therapy: Foundation Skills and Competencies

- Psychodynamic Approaches

- Cognitive and Behavioural Approaches

Part 4: Counselling Psychology 2

- Humanistic Approaches

- Emerging Approaches

- Psychological Counselling across the lifespan

- Counselling in Different Contexts

- Ethical and Legal Issues When Practicing Psychological Therapy

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Hooley, J. M., Butcher, J. N., Nock, M. K., and Mineka, S.: 2020, Abnormal Psychology, 18th Ed., Pearson Education, Essex,
Corey, G.: 2017, Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 10th Ed., Cengage Learning,
Nelson-Jones, R.: 2013, Introduction to Counselling Skills: Texts and Activities, 4th Ed., Sage,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None