Course Description
Reappraisal of basic counselling skills and core knowledge will be covered, together with a detailed examination of the five approaches or theories of counselling.
This course concentrates on the assessment and analysis of psychosocial factors relating to debt, together with how the challenges of therapy can be met. The course will specifically address the processes of the debt spiral and particular issues such as credit card debt, IVAs and bankruptcy, together with how these can be explored as both metaphorical problems and as causations themselves.
Specific attention will be given to psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches, which will give students a fuller working knowledge and understanding of advanced counselling skills. Each module will include a section on how it specifically relates to debt counselling, and there will be reflective activities for personal evaluation. In specialist counselling fields, these advanced skills are necessary in order to be able to recognise and deal with the complex range of client needs, together with being able to understand the origins of these particular emotions and possible physiological factors.
The course consists of 10 modules, each with an assignment to complete, a thesis and concludes with an online examination. Materials can be studied online or there is also the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.
This module looks at the definition of debt and 'debting'; activities include self-reflection and evaluation. It also looks in detail at the five theories which have been adopted as approaches in counselling. The work of Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, Jung and Eagan will be looked at in brief, and the corresponding counselling approaches examined.
This module will look at how the psychodynamic approach works and is applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach, and how it relates to debt counselling.
This module will look at how the behavioural approach works and is applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach.
This module will look at how the person centred approach works and is applied to the counselling situation. Specific examples and activities will give the student indications as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach. Areas of application where underlying problems and situations are present will be discussed.
This module will discuss ethical guidelines, boundaries or limitations and will look at how to recognise and deal with these. In addition the importance of relationship building will be examined. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.
This module looks at the concepts, assumptions and preconceptions surrounding debt. In addition, the nature of 'debting' is explored, for example compulsion, and the process of how individuals find themselves with serious debt problems is examined.
This module looks at money and the individual, together with contributing factors in the 'debting' process, such as upbringing, dependents, career and personal expectations. In addition the module addresses the signs of underlying issues which may expose the debt problem as a metaphor.
This module is about how individuals face their problem, stop the negative spiral and effect change through counselling programmes.
This looks at setting goals, giving support, maintenance strategies and achievement. The module also examines how counselling can contribute to positive client motivation and facilitate behaviour changes.
Credit card debt is one of the most significant contributing factors to debt problems in modern society; therefore this module examines underlying and contributory factors, together with effective control strategies and mechanisms. In addition, this module will discuss IVAs and bankruptcy agreements and what these processes mean in terms of psychological wellbeing.
Previous Knowledge Required
No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.
Support
This course offers 12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.
Assessment
Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.
Modules
Awarding Organisation
This Level 3 Diploma in Debt Counselling is Quality Assured by OLQA. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive certification awarded by Oxford College. The qualification does not carry UCAS points but is recognised by employers and some universities as a level 3 qualification. For entry into university students will need to check the relevant university’s entry requirements to see if they will accept a Level 3 Diploma in place of A Levels / UCAS points.
For more information about Awarding Organisations click here