Introduction to theoretical & organizational concepts

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Assessment: a 3000-word essay and a 2500-word essay (50% each)

This module introduces you to the main principles of psychodynamic theory and explores the basic concepts and underlying philosophy. It provides a brief introduction to the main principles of organisational theory and thinking, as a prelude to the Group Relations Conference which you will attend at the beginning of Year 2 (MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy).

The provision of group relations conferences on this programme is currently under review as part of a wider syllabus review and may be subject to change.

indicative module Syllabus

• An introduction to the basic concepts of psychodynamic theory (unconscious, repression, resistance, transference, inner world etc)
• An introduction to the work of Freud, Klein and Winnicott
• Human growth and personality development
• Introduction to basic organisational ideas (organisation as a system, concepts of role, boundary, leadership etc)

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• understand the foundations of theoretical and practical principles of psychodynamic counselling/therapy
• understand and use psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles to increase knowledge of both theory and practice, of personality development, of the inner and outer worlds of the client and of the institutional and group influences on personal development.