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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

The PPP aspect of training incorporates two key course components that run through the entire 4 year MSc. Programme: professional and personal development; and clinical practice and supervision. The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the ideas and practices that facilitate integration of their personal and professional selves. The module provides guidance on the common factors that enhance therapy outcomes, enhances ethical sensitivity, promotes personal / professional reflection, and introduces students to the social, professional and legal context of psychotherapy practice. Students are expected to: attend personal therapy and group awareness sessions; observe, discuss and critique clinical practice; and participate in class based discussion and on line self directed learning activities. This work will recorded in their professional practice portfolio which provides evidence and a record of their personal and professional development over the duration of the course.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explore personal biases and values and how these influence views about psychotherapy practice.
2. Describe a model of personal / professional reflection and demonstrate its use as a practitioner.
3. Explore the social, professional and legal contexts within which contemporary psychotherapy is situated.
4. Develop a beginning appreciation of the ethical dimensions of therapy practice.
5. Demonstrate awareness of discriminatory practices.
6. Examine the common factors associated with positive outcomes in psychotherapy.
7. Demonstrate competence in essential (core) psychotherapy skills and processes.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture10Didactic Teaching
Lecture30Class Group Discussion & Role Play
Group work30Personal Therapy & Development Groups
Independent Study180Self-directed learning – preparation for and review of clinical issues, maintaining personal / professional reflection journal, updating logs, reading, assignments.
Total Workload: 250

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

Professional & Personal Development
Through personal and interpersonal experiential inquiry the student will develop an understanding of reflexive awareness of self-other relationships, begin to identify their personal biases and blind-spots, and appreciate the influence of the self of the therapist on the psychotherapeutic endeavour. The student will also begin to develop an understanding of the need for self care.

Clinical Practice
The student will observe and critically examine work with clients. Through a range of experiential exercises the student will demonstrate competence in essential (core) psychotherapy skills and processes (active listening, communicating empathy, rapport building, reflecting, summarizing, explorative questioning). This work will be carried out under the guidance of experienced practitioners.

Clinical Supervision
The student will engage in discussion and reflection on clinical work that they observe. This will involve awareness of non-verbal communication, understanding therapeutic boundary issues, and integration of theory and practice. Supervision work will be carried out under the guidance of experienced.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Bond, T: 2000, Standards and Ethics for Counselling in Action, Sage, London,
  • Feltham, C (Ed): 1999, Controvresies in Psychotherapy and Counselling, Sage, London,
  • Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: 2007, Code of Ethics and Practices for Counsellors, IACP, Dublin,
  • Hawkins, P. Shohet, R: 2000, Supervisioin in the Helping Professions, Buckingham Open University Press,
  • Wosket, V: 1999, The Therapeutic use of Self: Counselling Practice, Research and Supervision, Routledge, London,
Other Resources

None
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