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Last modified: 05 Feb 2026 16:17
This course considers how therapeutic processes and outcomes, and access to therapy, are influenced by the cultural identity of the client and counsellor. The module reflects an intersectionality perspective, and the view that social justice and decolonisation represent guiding principles for the profession as a whole. The nature and effectiveness of strategies for addressing cultural difference are discussed, along with analysis of the relevance of evidence from research evidence from social anthropology, history and those with lived experience. Students will be invited to reflect on the relevance of these themes in respect of their own personal and professional identities and practices.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Distinctive features of a pluralistic framework for practice include its capacity to offer clients a space within which socio-political issues and experiences can be explored without imposing Eurocentric assumptions, and its open-ness to the vast array of cultural resources that are can be brought to bear on personal concerns and difficulties. In order to engage effectively with these aspects of a pluralistic approach, it is necessary for practitioners to be aware of their own cultural identity, responsive to the cultural identities of clients, and comfortable and confident around working with difference in situations of sensitivity around power and control. This course invites participants to explore such themes in relation to their personal and professional experience around such intersecting dimensions of difference as cultural membership, age, gender, social class, racialisation, sexual orientation, spiritual/religious beliefs, and disability.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 18 | Feedback Weeks | 21 | |
| Feedback |
4000 word essay on a topic of relevance to the student’s engagement in the issues explored within this module The content of this assessment will draw on the issues taught each week and the discussions during tutorial which will support critical reflection and enhance the articulation of the students’ subjective position as a therapist. Reflective journalling and directed reading will be an integrated aspect of the programme. Preparation for the assessment will take place in tutorial sessions as each topic will be linked to practice and personal experience, and a specific teaching session will support students understand the depth, range and academic expectations for this submission. |
Word Count | 4000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of how effective justice-oriented practice can be informed by evidence generated by a diversity of research methodologies |
| Conceptual | Understand | Critical appreciation of how race, culture and difference influence therapy theory and practice |
| Procedural | Apply | Practical knowledge of strategies for using therapy to promote social justice |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Self-awareness of how one’s own intersecting identities shape performance in counselling roles |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Resubmission of essay on same topic as first submission following tutor feedback and development planning |
Word Count | 4000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Critical appreciation of how race, culture and difference influence therapy theory and practice |
| Procedural | Apply | Practical knowledge of strategies for using therapy to promote social justice |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Self-awareness of how one’s own intersecting identities shape performance in counselling roles |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of how effective justice-oriented practice can be informed by evidence generated by a diversity of research methodologies |
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