Therapeutic Frame & Process

Year 1 - Term 1
10 Credits at HE Level M
15 taught hours

Module Aims

To develop a sophisticated understanding of the nature of the therapeutic relationship and ways of working with ruptures in therapy.

By the end of this module, typical students should be able to: 

• Critically appraise research evidence related to the factors that influence the therapeutic frame.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of boundaries in psychodynamic practice.
• Negotiating and agree with potential clients appropriate achievable therapeutic goals or outcome and explain the process by which they can be achieved.
• Apply and monitor appropriate therapeutic interventions and strategies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the change process in therapy and be able to recognise indicators of change.
• Recognise ways in which breaks and holidays may affect the relationship.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of "out of session" communication that clients may use.
• Recognise the importance of ruptures in the therapeutic frame and ways in which they may be used creatively to promote change.
• Develop an understanding developmental theory and the impact of client childhood relationships on the therapeutic relationship and therapy processes.

Summary of Content

• Introduction to evidence based and practice based evidence.
• Basic case formulation & contracting.
• BACP Ethical Framework & ethical practice.
• The Therapeutic Frame in practice.
• The Therapeutic Relationship: rupture and repair.
• Change processes & evaluating therapy outcomes.
• Outcome measures: understanding and using CORE-OM.
• Using countertransference.
• Working with diversity.

Assessment

• 2,500 word commentary of a 30 minute role-play counselling session with actor.