Counselling Psychology

Do you want to discover how people can be empowered to live a happier, healthier lifestyle that encourages resilience against the stresses and strains of daily living?

You'll explore the relationship between theoretical psychology and counselling psychology and consider the theories, skills and techniques used in counselling psychology. In doing so you will consider the therapeutic alliance and the impact of counselling psychology in the wider social, political, pluralistic, economic and international context.

We’ll teach you about the wider issues affecting the counsellor and the client, focusing on their interpersonal relationship and the personal development needs of both.

You’ll develop an understanding of what causes psychological distress, but you’ll also explore positive aspects of human behaviour, uncovering what underpins optimal human functioning. Our lecturers have real-world experience in designing, developing, delivering and evaluating counselling interventions and counselling and behaviour change initiatives.

We’ll give you plenty of opportunities to get hands-on professional experience through work-based experience and volunteering opportunities that will help you to develop a deeper understanding of vulnerable people and disadvantaged groups. You can even complete your work-based experience abroad or take advantage of one of our Study Abroad opportunities.

In your third year, you’ll get the freedom to tailor your course to your interests, helping you to carve the path towards your future career which may be as a Chartered Counselling Psychologist or perhaps working in one of the other professional areas of psychology or in traditional graduate employment.

Professional work experience Students have undertaken work expereince in the health and social care professions, supporting children with Leeds Children’s Services, supporting the rehabilitation of people with drug dependency and shadowing psychologists at NHS Leeds. We work with a wide range of organisations, including Leeds Mind, Leeds Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service, Oxfam and Samaritans.

Graduate opportunities You’ll gain an excellent grounding for counselling and related health and social care professions, including social work, care work, social services and teaching. If your aim is to become a Chartered Counselling Psychologist or to become a Chartered Psychologist in any of the other professional area of psychology, this course will prepare you for postgraduate study. It will also prepare you for traditional graduate employment.