Intro To Counselling

This practical course is for students who wish to expand their use of listening skills within their current work (paid or voluntary). Also for students who are interested in finding out more about counselling. No previous knowledge is expected.

The course has theoretical input and practical work in pairs or triads.

The topics will include:
- what is counselling - basic safety and trust while listening - basic counselling skills of: reflection and empathy - understanding power dynamics within a counselling setting - issues which arise from group discussion - developing self-awareness. The group will also create ground rules for operating in class.

- to be able to listen more attentively
- to be able to communicate using the basic reflective skills more effectively
- to begin observing themselves as a listener
- to begin reflecting on what's happening inside themselves
- eligible to apply for Level 3

The course will be run in person and there is an emphasis on developing your counselling skills training through:

- Informal discussion in small and large groups.
- Practical skills work through role-play and pair-work.
- Students' self-reflection on their own learning process.

At the start: Invite students to make a self-assessment of their skills & to reflect on why they are drawn to the course.
On the course: Feedback from tutor & peers about skills development Classroom observation to see how student is participating in the group.
At the end: Learning statement (student assessment) assessed by tutor. Brief skills work Reading is optional

Writing materials. Small writing book to use as a personal journal.
Write a Learning Journal. Apply listening skills where appropriate outside the classroom. Optional reading.

Level 3 Counselling Skills, and possible progression to Level 4 Professional Diploma in Integrative Counselling. Both courses are run at the Mary Ward Centre. Please note: Progression to Level 3 Counselling Skills and the Diploma is NOT automatic. Students may also be interested in therapeutic writing, see the Writing section.