Counselling Theories - Intermediate - Person Centred

What is the course about?

This course builds on foundational Person-Centred theory and is designed for students who want to develop a more nuanced understanding of the approach. Topics include relational depth, fragile process, the therapist’s use-of-self, and responding to complex client presentations. Through theoretical input, discussion, and experiential work, students will enhance their ability to reflect on practice and embody the core conditions in deeper and more relationally attuned ways. This course also supports ethical thinking and self-awareness within the Person-Centred framework.

This course deepens your understanding of the Person-Centred Approach by exploring the therapeutic relationship at greater depth. It focuses on relational presence, working with complexity, and developing greater self-awareness as a practitioner.

What will we cover?

The course will cover:

• Relational depth
• Pre-therapy / fragile process
• Working with complex client issues
• Therapist congruence and use-of-self
• Supervision and professional self-reflection
• Theoretical integration and ethical consideration
  

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the six necessary and sufficient conditions for therapeutic personality change, including how these are embodied and sustained in real therapeutic relationships.
• Critically engage with the concept of relational depth and reflect on the personal and relational factors that contribute to deep therapeutic contact between client and therapist.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to fragile process and pre-therapy needs, showing an ability to identify clients with limited contact and apply Person-Centred principles to support psychological contact.
• Explore and reflect on working with complex client presentations (e.g., trauma, crisis, high emotional distress) within the Person-Centred framework, including ethical considerations and limitations.
• Develop greater self-awareness and congruence as a therapist, including the ability to notice, reflect on, and when appropriate, express personal experience in ways that enhance the therapeutic relationship.
• Apply ethical reasoning grounded in Person-Centred values to clinical dilemmas, demonstrating an understanding of how to remain non-directive while also attending to professional responsibilities such as safeguarding and boundaries.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an intermediate-level course. It is suitable for students who have already completed an introductory course in Person-Centred Theory, or who have basic familiarity with core Person-Centred concepts (e.g., the six conditions, self-concept, actualizing tendency). No advanced skills are required, but students should be open to reflective and experiential learning and be willing to engage with theory at a deeper level.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor input i.e. Presentations, lectures, handouts and discussions; experiential work in pairs and small groups using your own histories. Plus, role play exercises and case studies. You will also be asked to complete a written review of 1,500 words reflecting on your learning, which will aid the tutor to assess the progress you have made.

You will receive regular feedback from the tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. You will also talk to the tutor about your level of understanding and suitability for next steps.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a pen and notepad. A reading list and bibliography will be provided,

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may also be interested in one of our other Counselling theory courses. Please visit the City Lit website for further information.