This programme will develop students personal and professional integrity as a counsellor whilst promoting sound ethical practice. They will also develop a critical and analytical understanding of the therapeutic community, theory, practice and society. The programme provides opportunities to develop effective working practices through working with clients in an agency setting, developing their personal and professional skills base, and applying theory and philosophy to practice. In year 1: it provides the foundations for the FdA counselling and is primarily aimed at providing them with the skills and knowledge required for the onset of their placement in year 2. Areas of study: person-centred and existential counselling, ethics, policies and procedures, working with diversity, working with young people and professional and personal development. They will be introduced to more complex issues within counselling and critically evaluate client groups and theory. Client issues that will be addressed within this year will include a critical analysis into areas such as eating disorders, addiction, bereavement and meeting the abused and the abuser. A module on pink therapy will explore issues of sexual orientation and transgender issues and gender roles. They will also study counselling philosophy and how this impacts on understanding the individual, society and life. Areas of study: critical Analysis (eating disorders), addiction, bereavement, meeting the abused and the abuser, pink therapy, counselling philosophy, dissertation.