The overall aim of this module is to enable students to critically reflect on the process of integrating Christian faith, religion and spirituality with the knowledge, understanding and practice of counselling and psychotherapy. In addition, students will critically evaluate the ethical use of Christian faith, religious and spiritual interventions in clinical practice. Furthermore, the module aims to deepen students’ awareness of the overlap, similarities and differences between pastoral care, spiritual direction, and counselling which is underpinned by a Christian worldview.
This module aims to build on and deepen the students’ previous learning and experience of working at relational depth within the therapeutic alliance in clinical practice. The Module will enable students to gain an in-depth understanding and critical awareness of various theoretical and clinical perspectives to working at relational depth within counselling and psychotherapy. In addition, this module will assist students to reflect on the clinical, ethical and relational implications in counselling practice of the various approaches, appreciate issues of power and diversity in the therapeutic relationship, and assist them in articulating their own philosophical and clinical stance with regards to working at relational depth in the therapeutic relationship.
Issues of trauma, abuse and dissociation are quite common in counselling clients and may not always be apparent at assessment. This is therefore an important area in which all counsellors require awareness, knowledge, and skills. This module is designed to assist students to critically develop their knowledge base: theory, approaches and skills. For some counsellors, trauma, abuse and/or dissociation are or have been personally significant, but by this stage in their development, the risks of training and working in more depth in this area should be balanced by more highly developed self-awareness and mature self-care. However, students may wish to consider having counselling support if necessary.
