Couple and Relationship Counselling 1 (P02939)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : HEA-P-CRC1

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. 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. 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. 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.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : This is an option course for postgraduate students in Counselling Studies and for students on other programmes who have some experience of therapeutic work with couples or relationship work.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Counselling Studies, (School of Health in Social Science, Schedule D)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 4 hour(s) per week for 5 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:
? analyse cultural and sociological understandings of contemporary families and relationships
? conceptualise and analyse couples in relationship with reference to issues of difference, diversity and power
? critically appraise the place of couples counselling in current therapeutic thinking and practice
?analyse the main theoretical concepts of couples counselling within the psychodynamic perspective and the person-centred approach
?evaluate how these theoretical ideas inform the practice of counselling in this field
?conceptualise and analyse key themes in the practice of counselling couples with reference to the student?s own practice and personal history

Assessment Information

One 4,000 to 5,000 word essay analysing a key theme in the practice of couple and relationship counselling. Students will critically reflect on the practice theme, drawing on their own practice development and integrating relevant research and literature.