Introduction to theoretical & organizational concepts (Children and Adolescents)

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
• Assessment: two formative essays of 2500 words each, treated as one (100%)

This module introduces you to the main principles of psychodynamic theory, exploring basic concepts and the underlying philosophy, and with a specific emphasis on infant, child and adolescent development. It gives a brief introduction to the main principles of organisational theory and thinking as a prelude to 1) subsequent counselling placements, and 2) the Group Relations Conference which you will attend at the beginning of the 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, defences, inner world etc)
• An introduction to the work of Freud, Klein and Winnicott
• Psychic growth and personality development in childhood and adolescence
• Introduction to basic organisational ideas (the organisation as a system, concepts of role, boundary, leadership etc)

By the end of this module, you will:

• have a critical understanding of the foundations of theoretical and practical principles of psychodynamic counselling/therapy
• have a basic understanding of different theoretical frameworks
• understand healthy emotional development and emotional disturbances
• have the capacity to 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.