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Level 3 Diploma in Addiction Counselling

Course Synopsis

This Ascentis Quality Assured Level 3 Diploma course is designed to follow on from, and compliment the basic or introductory counselling course. Reappraisal of basic counselling skills and core knowledge will be covered, together with a detailed examination of the five approaches or theories of counselling.

More attention will be placed on the psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural and person-centred approaches, which will give students a greater working knowledge and understanding of advanced counselling skills. All 10 modules will include a section on how it specifically relates to addiction 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.

This course concentrates on the assessment and analysis of psychosocial factors relating to addiction, together with the appreciation of how addictive behavioural problems meet the challenges of therapy. The course will specifically address substance and alcohol addiction, although the theories, concepts and working models can be applied to most addictive behaviours and problems.

Module 1: Introduction to addiction, discussion and reappraisal of counseling

The first module defines addiction and looks at activities that include self-reflection and evaluation. The five theories which have been adopted as approaches in counseling are examined. In this module the work of Freud, Rogers, Skinner, Ellis, Jung and Eagan will be looked at in brief, and the corresponding counselling approaches examined in relation to these theories.

Module 2: The psychodynamic approach relevant addiction therapy

In this module students will take a look at how they work and are applied to the many counselling situations that exist. Specific examples and activities will give the students an indication as to which particular set of client circumstances benefits most from this approach, and how it relates to addiction counseling.

Module 3: The cognitive behavioural approach relevant to addiction therapy

This module will look at how the cognitive behavioral approach works and how they are 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. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a major component of addiction counselling; this module will discuss and examine why.

Module 4: The person-centred approach relevant to addiction therapy

In this chapter students will look at how the person centred approach works and how this approach 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.

Module 5: Client-counsellor relationships in addiction therapy

This section will talk about ethical strategy, boundaries or limitations and will look at how to recognise and deal with these. In addition the significance of relationship building will be examined. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this unit.

Module 6: Understanding addiction: part 1

This module begins to look at the physiological and psychological changes and effects of addiction. These can be both permanent and temporary. In addition the process and steps taken of becoming addicted will be examined. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 7: Understanding addiction: part 2

This module continues with the physiological and psychological themes that have been previously discussed, and begins to relate them to the real counselling situations. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 8: Focusing on substance addiction

This module defines and categorizes the vast array of addictive substances that exist in society today. In addition it will discuss the effects of these on the person and how behaviours are changed as a result of becoming an addict. The specific and specialized counselling skills necessary for working within this field of therapy will be outlined and discussed. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 9: Focusing on alcohol addiction

This module examines the nature of the growing issue of alcohol addiction, its effects on both the sufferer and those around them including their families, colleagues and friends. Students will learn about specialized counselling skills which will be outlined and discussed. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

Module 10: Discussion on other addictions such as smoking, food and shopping

This module looks at some of the other more common addictions, even those that are not always harmful to your own health such as shopping. This unit discusses relevant and specific counselling skills that are required within this field of therapy. Self-evaluation activities will be included in this module.

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