Level One
An Introduction to Counselling Skills
Our 'Introduction to Counselling Skills' course is a great starting point for anyone wanting to know more about core counselling skills, attitudes and approaches. It focuses more on what is common to all counselling practices that have good outcomes. It also offers a brief introduction to some core psychoanalytic concepts to help individuals decide whether they would like to train as a psychodynamic counsellor. Alternatively, individuals might choose to transfer their learning to another modality, such as CBT or person-centred counselling. Or, simply use the learning to enhance their communication and listening skills in their life and relationships.
Selection Criteria
There are no specific selection criteria, only a desire to learn about basic counselling skills, an interest in relationships and in your own mind and the mind of others.
Counselling Model
The programme is based on the philosophy that each human being is unique and sees his/her own world in unique and subjective ways. This approach stresses that the qualities of empathic understanding, acceptance and sincerity are essential in the counselling relationship.
Course Aims
The aims of the programme are:
- To identify counselling situations and understand the difference between counselling and other interpersonal interactions.
- To acquaint course members with counselling processes and experiential learning.
- To introduce course members to basic counselling techniques and give an opportunity to learn these skills.
- To offer opportunities to develop self-awareness and be aware of its place in counselling training.
- To introduce course members to some psychoanalytic concepts that inform the work of a psychodynamic practitioner.
Course Objectives
By the end of the programme, course members should be able to demonstrate:
- An understanding of the basic counselling process and basic counselling skills.
- An awareness of basic theories and a knowledge of further training available.
- An understanding of the personal qualities needed and an awareness of their own limitations and knowledge.
- Increased self-awareness and an understanding of the importance of this in counsellor training.
- An introductory understanding of some psychoanalytic concepts.
- An understanding of what professional counselling involves with particular emphasis on the Ethical Guidelines of the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC).
Assessment / Accreditation
There is no formal assessment. 100% attendance is expected with a minimum requirement of 80% for course completion and certification. On successful completion candidates will be awarded an Introduction to Counselling Skills Attendance Certificate.
Please note that this course is not intended to train counsellors and will not entitle you to practice as a counsellor on completion.
Who This Course May Benefit
The course aims to enhance listening and self-awareness skills which are important to improving many aspects of both our working and private lives.
Previous attendees have come from a variety of backgrounds and have been working in management, education, nursing, social work, the police, customer care and other sectors where developing listening skills has improved their job satisfaction and productivity.
Some have gone on to do further training in this skilled area of working with others.
Information regarding further training will be available and is included in the course programme.
Course Dates & Times
April 29th - May 6th - May 13th - May 20th - June 3rd - June 10th (six weeks)
6pm to 8pm
Total Course Fee
£160.00 (£30.00 non-refundable deposit to complete your booking.)
