Module Directory

This module aims at helping students put more effectively into practice their psychodynamic understanding of their work with children, adolescents or adults. While this module cannot provide a counselling qualification, students will be learning to use counselling skills in their normal working roles.

You will study the nature of the counselling relationship; consider how to develop a therapeutic alliance, and the overall process of counselling. You will explore issues of assessment and formulation, understanding the underlying verbal and non-verbal communication, including the application of skills and techniques utilised, for example, in art and play, and how all this works within the psychodynamic framework that the module supports.

The module balances academic study and discussion of the issues along with active participation in weekly workshops and the chance to undertake an on-going observation, or piece of direct work, with a child, adolescent or adult. The observation or direct work is written up and presented within seminars providing an opportunity to enhance observation skills and the capacity to develop a psychodynamic formulation.

A DBS check is required for this module.

The aims of the module are:

• To observe or work with a single person over 10 weeks 


• To apply psychodynamic thinking to the therapeutic relationship in placement or work


• To deepen your understanding of therapeutic communication and counselling skills


• To practice therapeutic communication and counselling skills.

By the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Recognise what factors support the development of a therapeutic alliance


• Understand how to utilise a range of counselling and communication skills effectively in a therapeutic or supportive role


• Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the dynamics of relationships and interactions between people in professional settings, especially between those providing the service and those receiving it


• Appreciate the depth and richness of the inner world of a single person and the factors which contribute to their state of mind and behaviour


• Demonstrate the acquisition of the skills and knowledge required to make a psychodynamic assessment of a single person

Preparatory reading for students taking this module as an outside option

'Key theoretical ideas in Psychodynamic Thinking' in Kegerreis, S. (2010) Psychodynamic Counselling with Children and Young People. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan (pp12-18)

'Defining the theory – Psychodynamics' in Preston-Shoot, M. and Agass, D. (1990) Making Sense of Social Work: Psychodynamics, Systems and practice. London: Palgrave

'Psychodynamics: A Changing Theory' in Leiper, R. and Maltby, M. (2004) The Psychodynamic Approach to Therapeutic Change. London: Sage. (pp 12-33)

Rycroft, C. (1995) A Critical Dictionary of Psychoanalysis, London: Penguin

This module will be delivered via:

• Seminar 1 - Students will discuss readings on theoretical and practical aspects of counselling relationships with children, adolescents and adults. There will be a reflective group at the beginning and end of this module
• Workshop 1 – Students will participate in experiential workshops to practice new skills and to deepen their understanding
• Seminar 2 – Students will bring descriptions of their work with children, adolescents or adults which will be discussed applying psychodynamic insights to the interaction.