MSc in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy

A Pluralistic Framework for Counselling and Psychotherapy

This module examines the philosophical assumptions underlying a pluralistic approach to counselling. It aims to facilitate the development of:

• A structure that provides a new approach to conceptualising counselling and psychotherapy in the context of fundamental debates within social science
• A framework that facilitates the undertaking of empirical research to directly inform practice
• A depth of understanding of, and ability to apply, the pluralistic framework to guide practice in a coherent and meaningful way
• An acute awareness of cultural diversity in clients and therapists, and the importance of embracing the range of beliefs that endure regarding healing and change

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach. It balances acceptance and mindfulness-based skills with commitment strategies that help us move towards what matters most while practising acceptance of what is outside our control. The objective of the module is to provide specific training in a contemporary approach to counselling and psychotherapy and to explore its fit with pluralism, neuroscience and client treatment. Learners will be exposed to the six core processes of ACT and, using the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) framework, they will explore how the therapeutic relationship can be a primary vehicle for change.

Pluralistic Clinical Skills

This module aims to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the pluralistic clinical skills that can be applied in their clinical practice. Learners will be required to demonstrate application of these skills in a real-world setting.

Pluralism in Psychotherapy: Multiple Perspectives, Multiple Possibilities

Psychotherapy continues to evolve rapidly, with new ideas and interventions challenging and changing conceptions about what therapy is and should be.  Practitioners are faced with the sometimes complex task of learning about, evaluating and putting into practice an expanding array of psychotherapeutic theories, practices and technologies.  In addition, psychotherapy increasingly draws on frameworks of knowledge from outside the profession’s boundaries — sociological, philosophical, psychological, psychiatric and political — as well as creative and cultural understandings and practices. Concurrently, societal changes impact how psychotherapy is practised, from legal and regulatory requirements such as confidentiality and note-taking to technological possibilities for engaging and communicating with clients. The purpose of this module is to explore pluralistic practice, where there are no truths or certainties but there are multiple valuable, if partial, perspectives. This module examines areas such as understanding:

• Identity —sociological, psychological, psychiatric, sociopolitical and systemic understanding of mental health and wellness
• Society — social justice and critical perspectives
• Professional frameworks of practice — multidisciplinary approaches to healthcare, technological innovations in clinical practice, and legal and regulatory requirements

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The purpose of this module is to equip learners with the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) into their pluralistic practice with clients. Learners will be able to intervene, using this framework, applying it to clinical work in a real-world setting.

Advanced Research Methods

The module provides training in practitioner research that will help develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of research methods, research skills and research literature. It will give them a practical hands-on introduction to the process of counselling and psychotherapy research and an opportunity to develop and refine some of the core skills. It will provide the knowledge, skills and competencies to enable them to carry out research investigations at master’s level. A key objective of the module is to enable learners to critically evaluate complex research studies and to plan and design counselling and psychotherapy research.