Family Counselling Diploma

Module 1: Introduction, outline of family cycle and reappraisal of counselling skills
In this module the concept and definition of the family cycle and reflects on previous counselling knowledge will be outlined. The five theories which have been adopted as approaches in counselling will be explored. 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 relevant to family counselling
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 relevant to family counselling
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 relevant to family counselling
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: Ethics, consent, counsellor responsibilities and historical background
This module will discuss boundaries or limitations and will look at how to recognise and deal with these. It will also look at what types of consent and responsibilities the counsellor has to seek. In addition, some historical background of the development of family therapy since the 1950's will be explored, together with the emergence of the therapeutic concepts in use today.

Module 6: Main concepts
This module examines the emergence of the systems theory, together with the lifecycle of the family and the relevant social influences and aspects.

Module7: Processes in family counselling; Part 1
This module looks at the planning, assessing and delivery of family counselling, including concepts such as disengagement, deconstruction of problems and construction.

Module 8: Processes in family counselling; Part 2
This module continues by discussing interventions, feedback loops, progressive hypothesizing and contexts.

Module 9: Focus on specific problems; Part 1
This module looks at relationships within the family and specifically discusses depression, anxiety and associated psychological problems within the family that may be encountered within the counselling context. It will also cover alcohol and drug problems within the adult family members.

Module 10: Focus on specific problems; Part 2
This module looks at abuse within the family situation (child and physical conduct) that may be encountered in the counselling situation. It also covers alcohol and substance abuse within the children and adolescent family members.