This introductory unit allows traditional theories of counselling and their subsequent developments to be considered both theoretically and in their application. Areas of of confluence and divergence are considered, clarified, compared and contrasted.
The unit surveys and examines, compares and contrasts the major theorists from the psychodynamic and humanist traditions of psychology with special reference to philosophical and applied influences on the counselling profession. Theological worldview issues are considered with a view to preparing students to develop their own personal philosophy of an integrated perspective.
Topics:
1. Brief history of psychotherapy
2. Psychoanalysis: the beginnings of therapy
3. Psychodynamic therapies
4. Behavioural therapies
5. Cognitive therapies
6. Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, including Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
7. Humanistic client-centred therapies, including Gastalt & Existential therapy
8. Family therapy and Open Dialogue therapy
9. Relationship and couples counselling
10. Positive Psychology and building resilience in schools
11. Post-Modern therapies, including Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy
12. Brief therapies, including motivational therapy and solution-focused therapy