Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma

Relationship and Couples Counselling Diploma

Reappraisal of basic counselling skills and core knowledge will be covered, together with a detailed examination of the five approaches or theories counselling.

Relationship or couples counselling has gained popularity over the last twenty years or so, possibly due to the complexities of modern life. This course examines the basic phases or stages of relationship counselling, and gives specific information on separation, divorce, violent relationships and problems based on sexual difficulties.

In addition to the counselling approaches, various working models and theories specific to this field will be explored as well as the concepts of meta-communication, genograms and reflective practice.

Specific attention will be given to psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches, which will give students a fuller working knowledge and understanding of advanced counselling skills. In specialist counselling fields, these advanced skills are necessary in order to be able to recognise and deal with the complex range of client needs, together with being able to understand the origins of these particular emotions and possible physiological factors.

The course is concerned with relationships and couples, for example those in an intimate relationship. Narration will avoid being gender-specific, therefore the words 'partner' or 'couple' will be used wherever possible. Materials can be studied online or students have the option to print the documents once, there is also the option to have the materials delivered for an additional charge.

Module 1: Introduction to course topic and reappraisal of counselling skills

This module introduces the concept of relationship counselling, and reflects on previous knowledge and looks in detail at the five theories which have been adopted as approaches in counselling. In this module the work of Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, Jung and Eagan will be looked at in brief, and the corresponding counselling approaches examined.

Module 2: The psychodynamic approach

This module will look at how they work and are applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach.

Module 3: The cognitive behavioural approach

This module will look at how they work and are applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach.

Module 4: The person-centred approach

This module will look at how they work and are applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach.

Module 5: Boundaries, ethics and defining the relationship

This module will discuss boundaries or limitations and will look at how to recognise and deal with these. It will also look at ways of defining the relationship, individual needs, and problems and understand these from a collaborative perspective as well as independently.

Module 6: Exploring the problems

This module examines how to assess clients' needs and build a collaborative relationship within the therapeutic environment. During this phase of counselling the exploration of problems begins and the future effort, planning and facilitation necessary for successful resolution is established.

Module7: Working through the problems

Within this module relationship interaction is discussed, together with references and examples of various working models such as attachment, triangular relationships and splitting and projection.

Module 8: Facilitating change

This module covers resolution. This is the phase where behaviour modification is facilitated via counselling strategies and techniques, together with the implementation of agreed programmes for homework, communicative exercises and maintenance.

Module 9: Specific relationship problems; part 1

Separation, divorce and problems of a sexual nature are discussed in this module. In addition, relevant counselling techniques, strategies and observations will be identified.

Module 10: Specific relationship problems; part 2

Career and workplace problems, violent relationships, and other related issues are discussed in this module. In addition, relevant counselling techniques, strategies and observations will be identified.