Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Study Course Description

Group Counselling and Psychotherapy

Main Study Course Information

Course Code

VPUPK_154

Branch of Science

Psychology

ECTS

3.00

Target Audience

Psychology

LQF

Level 7

Study Type And Form

Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor

Aelita Vagale

Structure Unit Manager

Kristīne Mārtinsone

Structural Unit

Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy

Contacts

Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

Theoretically and practically acquire knowledge and skills in group selection and group counselling in the field of health behaviour; to improve group research and counselling methods in the group management process in various professional environments; to develop the ability to apply counselling skills in a group on health behaviour issues, to improve knowledge, skills and competence in organising and leading different types of groups for client groups of different ages and with various problems.

Preliminary Knowledge

Professional activity of a psychologist, psychological counselling, clinical health psychology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Students define group counselling and its basic principles in the field of health behaviour, define indications for group counselling, describe the similarities and differences of individual and group counselling in different professional environments. Describe the basic principles for group formation and identify group processes. Understand therapeutic factors and the need to plan/ structure a group process. List the roles and tasks of the group leader.

Skills

1.Students integrate the acquired knowledge into the process of the study group, conducting a structured group task for an informative and educational group in the presence of a lecturer. Initially within the training task, demonstrate the ability to conclude a group contract. Use group counselling skills, methods and techniques in a structured task. Analyse group processes and group dynamics in managing their own and other students’ group work, justify their opinion with theoretical knowledge.

Competences

1.Students independently prepare a group plan for a 20-30 minute group counselling session and demonstrate the group’s counselling skills. Students have experience of applying counselling skills in a training group, are able to use the group counselling skills acquired in one of the professional environments; develop your skills by supervising how you operate. There is an experience of self-reflection.

Assessment

Individual work

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Individual work	-	-
Active participation in practical classes, independent acquisition of theoretical sources of literature. Preparation for the implementation of the group consultation task in the training group. After the study assignment – management of the group in the study environment, a “feedback page” according to the given sample has been completed.

Examination

Title	% from total grade	Grade
1. Examination	100.00% from total grade	10 points
Exam task: to conduct a group counselling session in the study group for 20-30 minutes using only counselling skills. Gain experience as a team member by reflecting on a group topic. Submit a self-reflection on your team leader skills according to the model given.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME

Part 1

Lecture

Modality	Location	Contact hours
On site	Auditorium	2

Topics

Group and its members. Diversity of groups. Advantages and limitations of group work. Aims and tasks of the group. Selection of group members. Group composition and cultural competence issues. Norms and rules in the group.

Lecture

Modality	Location	Contact hours
On site	Auditorium	2

Topics

Lecture

Modality	Location	Contact hours
On site	Auditorium	2

Topics

Group leader as a personality. General professional competencies of the team leader and professional identity. Group leader and group management. Group leader roles and management styles. Difficulties of young group leaders and overcoming them. Basic principles of ethics and professional competence as part of professional ethics.

Lecture

Modality	Location	Contact hours
On site	Auditorium	2

Topics

Group process. Group dynamics. Therapeutic factors. Stages of group development.

Class/Seminar

Modality	Location	Contact hours
On site	Auditorium	2