Counselling Theories and Methods with a Practical Outlook

The course provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge about central theories in counselling. The main focus will be on an individually based counselling perspective with a group and environmental variables as a background. The course will provide both training and personal development in advanced communication skills in counselling. This entails, among other things, training in counselling conversations and going through reflections on one's own experiences in the light of counselling theories.

Knowledge:

The candidate...

• has advanced knowledge about counselling theories and methods.
• has in-depth knowledge about similarities and differences between different counselling theories and methods.
• has in-depth knowledge about communication skills in relation to counselling theories and methods.

Skills:

The candidate...

• can analyse and use counselling skills and also to consider how they relate to counselling theories and methods.
• can use advanced communication skills in counselling.
• can use knowledge in new areas within the counselling field.

General competence:

The candidate...

• can analyse his or her own theoretical and methodological stance, preferences and goals for further development.
• can consider which theories and methods are best suited for different issues and challenges in order to choose appropriate counselling approaches.
• can use relevant communication skills in counselling and relate these to theoretical perspectives.
• can contribute to innovation processes in the counselling field.

The candidate will become aware of his/her own theoretical and methodological points of view, preferences and development by participating actively in dialogue-based training and seminars. In addition, s/he will be able to assess and choose what theories and methods will fit different challenges and cases. The students will acquire practical knowledge about action and communication skills for achieving fundamental counselling competencies and see these in relation to theoretical perspectives.

4 hours of lectures per week, 2-hour seminar per week. 4-day practical-methodical communication training (6 hours per day). Submission of a video-based counselling interview with a written log, and participation in a seminar based on video-based counselling interview has to be passed before the exam. Take a look at Blackboard for detailed information about compulsory assignments.