The work of Carl Rogers and colleagues in the 1940's had a significant impact on the development of counselling and psychotherapy, an influence still evident in the training of those in health, education, social and pastoral care. This course critically examines the development of the contemporary 'tribes' within the person-centred approach. It will outline the origins of the approach and analyse its subsequent diversification in theory and practice. Distinguishing features of the main 'tribes' will be examined, including the Classical School, Focusing-Oriented Therapy, Process-Experiential Therapies and Dialogical or Encounter approaches. New person-centred theories of psychopathology (Pre-Therapy and fragile/dissociative processes) will also be considered. The course is delivered through 6 weekly sessions of two hours. A variety of teaching methods will be used in order to illustrate key aspects of the theory and practice. This course will be of particular use to counsellors, including those in training, who wish to widen their theoretical knowledge of contemporary person-centred theory and practice.

"One is not born a woman but, rather, becomes one".

Simone de Beauvoir

This course aims to provide a critical examination of sex, sexuality and gender in relation to contemporary counselling theory and practice. It will analyse the historical development of scientific, social and therapeutic perspectives on gender, sexuality and sexual orientation and will consider their relevance for therapeutic practice. Content will include: models for understanding sexuality and sexual orientation (e.g. Freud's psychosexual development, Hirschfield, Kinsey, Fritz Klein) as well as gender (e.g. Butler), key philosophical concepts (e.g. essentialism, determinism, social constructionism), an introduction to psychosexual work with sexual dysfunctions, work with sexual minority clients, and relevant research findings. Participants will consider the personal and social/cultural values which impact on therapeutic work with sexuality, sexual orientation and gender and will be encouraged to thoughtfully explore their own position and 'situatedness' in relation to these multiple and complex identities through experiential exercises, dialogue and groupwork.