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PSY-20078 - Module Specification
School of Psychology
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 16 September 2026

PSY-20078 - Introduction to Person Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Coordinator: Chris Stiff Tel: +44 1782 7 33667
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733736

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In this module, you will be introduced to the history, science, and theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centred counselling Theory.
You will be introduced to interventions and associated psychological and behaviour processes used in CBT when working with common mental health problems, such as depression, phobias, anxiety, etc. You will develop your understanding of CBT by engaging with and critically reviewing the empirical research around cognition and the application of therapeutic techniques.
As you explore the person-centred approach to counselling, this module will further equip you with a firm grounding in the person-centred theory, including an exploration of Rogers’ model of personality, and model of therapeutic change. Your learning will be underpinned by a combination of lecture-style classes and participation in group work, alongside independent study. You will be encouraged to study both classic texts and current research within the field, as you develop your understanding of person-centred counselling theory and its applications. On this module, you will be invited to engage in activities designed to help you develop your personal and professional awareness, thereby honing skills that would be essential for supporting personal and professional relationships.
This module will enable you to be conversant and strengthen your understanding of person-centred counselling theory and CBT as you consider the other counselling approaches you will learn about on the Psychology with Counselling programme.

Aims
This module aims to introduce you to the science and theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centred Counselling Theory. You will learn about CBT treatment interventions and processes when working with common mild/moderate mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, etc. You will also develop your understanding of CBT by engaging with and critically reviewing empirical research. Through experiential learning, this module will enable you to critically engage with person-centred theory, enhancing your capacity to reflect on your personal and professional development, deepen your understanding of what it might mean to co‑create a facilitative person-centred counselling relationship, and increase your self‑awareness in both personal and professional contexts. Through reflective engagement, you will also develop the ability to recognise and articulate differences between Person-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply CBT approaches to common mental health problems: 1
Evaluate current research around CBT theory: 1
Apply knowledge on the course to personal experiences and professional development: 2
Critically evaluate and apply knowledge of key aspects of person-centred counselling theory: 2
Demonstrate key professional and personal qualities and attributes, in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions: 3
Articulate a developing understanding of key differences between Person-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: 3

Study hours

23 x 2 hour scheduled classes
23 x 1 hour asynchronous content
231 independent study hours broken down as:
Research for assessment 1 - 50
Writing assessment 1 - 40
Research for assessment 2 - 50
Recording assessment 2 - 40
Personal reflection (for assessment 3) - 23
Miscellaneous time for group work, preparation etc - 28


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Assignment weighted 45%
Applied report
Students will write a 1500 word report comparing two mental health conditions that have been discussed as part of this module. Students will discuss and compare how CBT can be used for the different conditions, critiquing the effectiveness for each.

2: Assignment weighted 45%
10-minute pre-recorded presentation
Students will pre-record a 10-minute presentation in which they will identify and critically explore a key concept from person-centred theory, reflecting on its relevance to their personal and professional experiences.

3: Reflective Diary weighted 10%
Reflective summary
Students will submit a weekly record of their reflections on their learning throughout the course in which they will reflect on differences they are noticing between person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Students must take care to adhere to ethical principles as stated in the BACP Ethical Guidelines that are relevant to reflective writing, including confidentiality. Weekly reflections will be between 40 - 50 words (up to 600 words by the end of the Module). A format for reflective summary will be provided but students may use a format that they prefer. Students will be awarded 10 marks for each week they complete their reflective summaries for a possible 100 marks in total.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 16 September 2026