Learning and teaching on the course
You will explore both humanistic and psychodynamic theory and consider how these ideas can help people find meaning in their lives. You will also take part in experiential work in small groups using a ‘fishbowl’ format. This involves working with a course colleague while other students observe and a facilitator provides feedback to help you develop your counselling skills.
The course assignment is a critical analysis of a digital recording of your work with a colleague in the fishbowl. You will examine a 10-minute segment of the interaction, drawing on concepts from either the humanistic or the psychodynamic paradigm as well as counselling skills literature.
We offer two start dates: in September (on a Monday evening) and in February (on a Tuesday evening).
Both courses run over 12 weeks (excluding winter or spring break, depending on which course you choose).
The course takes place at our Moulsecoomb campus in Brighton from 5.30–8.30pm each week. For the first week you’ll join us at 4.30pm when you will meet lecturers and get to know the library and campus.
Why choose this course?
You will have the chance to explore what counselling skills are and how to use them to help people in a variety of settings in which you work with people. If you are intending to undertake either of the postgraduate diplomas in counselling at the University of Brighton, this module will be invaluable in helping you choose between the two courses.
Helpful reading
Casemore R. (2011) Person-Centred Counselling in a Nutshell.
Hough M. and Tassoni P. (2021) Counselling Skills and Theory (5th Ed.)
Howard S. (2018) Psychodynamic Counselling in a Nutshell.
McLeod J. (2018) Psychodynamic Counselling in Action (5th Ed.).
McLeod J. and McLeod J. (2022) Counselling Skills: Theory, Research and Practice (4th Ed.).
Tolan J. and Cameron R. (2016) Skills in Person-Centred Counselling (3rd Ed.).
Fees
The fees listed here are for the academic year 2026–27.
Home students 916 GBP
Overseas students 2,088 GBP