FDA Counselling Foundation degree at City of Sunderland College

In depth exploration of person-centred therapy as a core model, including historical perspective and contemporary relevance. In semester two, exploration of counselling models including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic, existential, rationale emotive behavioural therapy, transactional analysis, Gestalt, acceptance and commitment therapy, and integrative approaches.

Aimed at cultivating ethical and competent counselling practitioners. Students will explore ethical practice, BACP's ethical framework, boundary issues and confidentiality, limits within competence, and fitness to practice. Legal considerations including Data Protection Act, health and safety regulations, Equality Act, Children's Act, Mental Health Act, and drugs legislation.

Draws from theoretical frameworks including Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Mahler and Stern, exploring group processes and personal development issues within a group context. Includes tutor facilitated group and independent self-awareness activities, evaluation of group dynamics, self-awareness in relation to others, transference and countertransference, and adherence to BACP code of ethics.

Continuation of semester one Stepping into Self Awareness, challenging students to explore personal development. Takes comprehensive look at theoretical frameworks of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Mahler and Stern, exploring group processes and personal development issues within a group context.

Designed to introduce and develop counselling skills with exploration into skills required in the core model. Substantial portion dedicated to development of counselling skills including non-verbal and para-verbal communication, use of questions, affective enquiries, summarising, paraphrasing and immediacy, practised in peer triad groups. Addresses diversity and inclusion to ensure students gain cultural competence and sensitivity.

Designed to continue from Practical Mastery - Counselling Skills in Action module and develop counselling skills. Substantial portion dedicated to development of counselling skills including non-verbal and para-verbal communication, use of questions, affective inquiries, summarising, paraphrasing and immediacy, practised in peer triad groups. Counselling triad work central to the module, providing opportunity for practical application of skills. Weekly tutor and peer feedback builds students tow

Explores various elements of research and distinguishes between counselling research and the scientific method. Examines concept of evidence and relationship between counselling research and practical application. Foundational introduction to both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, encompassing analysis of strengths and weaknesses of published papers.

Provides thorough exploration of contemporary issues in counselling, integrating theory, evidence and practical application. Tackles pressing mental health challenges like depression, anxiety and personality disorders through DSM-5 diagnostic framework. Addresses contemporary topics such as loss, grief, shame and guilt, sexuality and diversity, time-limited counselling strategies, play therapy for children, domestic violence, and self-harm. Emphasises cultural sensitivity and multi-cultural incl

Students engage in in depth exploration of self-knowledge and self-awareness through meaningful interactions within the group. Builds on achievements of year one with focus on elevating students' communication skills through group discussions and class presentations.

Covers critical evaluation of application of theories of human growth and development of self and counselling practice, advanced exploration of Group Process and Group Dynamics, personal development issues such as identity and cultural influences, considerations of determinism versus autonomy of the self, and methods of self-assessment and self-development. Students encouraged to revisit progress by reflecting on Personal Development Action Plan created in year one.