Counselling (Integrative) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Our integrative approach to counselling is a widely recognised counselling method. Developed over the past half-century, the model draws on a range\
of theories that explore how human beings develop as people, how personality and emotional challenges emerge, and how we each act in the light of universal experiences: freedom, death, guilt, anxiety.

The aim of integrative counselling is always to enable people to access their whole self and to move forward emotionally.

We prioritise three key things in training you as counsellors: the core practical skills of working with others through their issues and challenges; the theoretical concepts that will underpin your work; and self-reflexivity. Professionalism, in terms of the legal, practical, and ethical boundaries you will have to work within, is also of paramount importance.

You will be engaged in practical counselling skills development, first with your peers and then in your placement settings with real clients as your competencies expand. Throughout the programme, you will be asked to engage in a process of self-awareness that will support your learning and development during the course.

Key course features

The course is delivered on campus and requires students to attend one and a half days per week. Additional days are required for client work and supervision.

Delivery of the course is through a range of methods including lectures, seminars, case-study, discussions, and workshops.

Year one aims to give students the opportunity to develop their core skills. This is an integrative process: as theoretical perspectives are understood and personal development increases, so will counselling skills and process analysis develop.

By year two, most students usually begin working with clients supported with clinical supervision. An introduction to research in counselling during year two is an important feature as it gives students a solid grounding in the skills required to complete their dissertation in year three.

In year three, students improve and develop their skills to become reflective practitioners, whilst enhancing their professional practice, selfawareness and understanding of issues in the counselling room.

All students will be expected to embark on personal therapy at their own expense and complete a minimum of 40 hours throughout the duration of the course.