Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents (Graduate Diploma/MSc, 3 year)
ObjectivesThis programme will teach you the essential knowledge and skills of psychodynamic counselling, with particular emphasis on its application to children and adolescents. It establishes an understanding of psychoanalytic theory and covers the technical processes of counselling children and adolescents, while developing the personal and professional awareness required for effective practice as defined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Years 1 and 2 are classroom-based and incorporate individual work experience. A supervised placement in a counselling agency starts in Year 2 and continues in Year 3 with more intensive supervision (MSc level). The programme attracts people from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including educational, medical, field and residential social work, youth work and voluntary agencies. On completion, many graduates go on to counselling posts in a variety of settings, whereas others remain in their current posts with enhanced competence.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Second-class honours degree in any subject or an equivalent professional qualification; non-graduates with academic and professional experience may be considered. Work with children/adolescents. Prior completion of a basic counselling course at Certificate level desirable.
Academic titlePsychodynamic Counselling with Children and Adolescents (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma)
Course descriptionPsychoanalytic theory and practice; psychodynamic approaches to working with children and adolescents; psychodynamic approach to individual development and social issues; infant and child development; infant observation; work discussion; counselling skills, processes, themes and professional issues; families; groups; organisational theory; forms of emotional disturbance; assessment and diagnosis; supervised counselling placement; experiential groups; residential group relations conference.
Teaching
Seminars, work discussion, infant observation, practical exercises and experiential groups.
Assessment
Year 1: two termly essays, a ‘take-away’ examination and a student review.
Year 2: essay, infant observation paper, case study and student review.