Syllabus for Diploma In Clinical and Pastoral Counselling

The Diploma in Clinical and Pastoral Counselling course is made up of 4 individually university credit rated modules at 3rd year BA/BSc level. This course starts off by initially ensuring that basic counselling skills and knowledge are covered in depth with particular emphasis on the Person Centred approach put forward in Egan’s “The Skilled Helper.” The following 3 modules of this counselling diploma course extend the knowledge of the student in the specific areas of Grief and Bereavement, Couples and Families and Crisis and Trauma with the Person Approach illustrated in all three areas.

Module 1

Clinical & Pastoral Counselling (Course GCU 1) 

• evaluation of Egan’s model to various client groups
• exploration of different models of clinical and pastoral counselling
• demonstration of core qualities to clients
• demonstration of counselling skills for client focused activities
• assessment of the potential of workplace setting for client support

Module 2

Grief and Bereavement Counselling (Course GCU 2)

• comparison of the main theories of bereavement counselling
• demonstration of skills when helping bereaved clients
• identification of bereavement problems and issues
• demonstration of counselling skills and pastoral care
• evaluation of the potential of the workplace setting to help bereaved clients

Module 3

Couple and Family Counselling (Course GCU 3)

• the main theories of couple and family counselling
• identification of relationship issues associated with the family unit
• demonstration of the skills to support a couple or family facing problems
• knowledge of professional and ethical practice when dealing with couples' and families' awareness of internet use to source current legislation on client rights

Module 4

Crisis and Trauma Counselling (Course GCU 4)

• theories and models of crisis and trauma counselling
• identification of crisis problems and experiences
• formation of empathic relationships with clients in crisis and trauma
• helping clients with issues, e.g. divorce, depression, critical incidents

Candidates who successfully complete the four modules are entitled to use the designation ‘Dip CPC’.

Materials supplied with the Diploma in Clinical and Pastoral Counselling course

The main learning resource is the multi- media open learning/distance learning pack supplemented by directed reading and case studies. Assignments include essays and analyses of case studies for subsequent discussion with tutors who will give constructive feedback.

Competency Portfolio

Students will be supported on their course by a work- based mentor or colleague in developing a competency portfolio of their counselling skills to develop their knowledge and understanding as a reflective practitioner.

Linkages to other courses

Each of the modules may be considered separately for those who have specific needs e.g. wish to build basic skills through the foundation module, wish to specialise in a particular area of counselling such as couples and families.

Accredited

This course is accredited by the ACCPH. The ACCPH are an independent professional body and register.

Credit Rated or CPD

This diploma in counselling course consists of 4 modules. Each of the modules on successful completion gains the student 30 SCQF points at Level 9. The four modules of this counselling diploma are equivalent to one full year of study at undergraduate 3rd Year BA/BSc level (120 SCQF level 9 points in total.) Additionally a CPD certificate will also be issued by the Institute.