Counselling: an introduction

What is the course about?

The course will introduce you to counselling and experiential learning. You'll discover what attitudes and personal qualities counsellors need to develop, and explore some of the main ideas and practices of counselling theory. You'll learn about and practise listening and responding skills and be encouraged to learn more about yourself. You'll also have the chance to look at further training opportunities in counselling. Please note that students who do not attend at least one of the first two sessions will forfeit their place and lose their fee.

What will we cover?

- What is counselling and how does it differ from other helping relationships?
- Skills, attitudes and personal qualities needed by counsellors
- Listening and other counselling skills
- An introduction to counselling theory
- Awareness of diversity and differences between people (gender, sexuality, ethnicity)
- Ethical and good practice issues
- Personal development: finding out more about yourself and why this is important for counsellors
- Progression routes in counselling training.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Reflect on what you have learnt about yourself and how you relate to others
- Define counselling
- Identify the core qualities of a counsellor
- Use listening and a range of other counselling skills
- Begin and end a helping dialogue
- Describe counselling concepts
- Identify the importance of cultural differences in the helping relationship
- Identify future learning goals
- Describe some ethical issues in counselling.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Level 1 is introductory. Students are asked to come willing to draw on their own experiences and be open to those of other students. You will need to be a fluent speaker of English, be able to listen and respond to others and take part in discussions. If you want to be considered for the next level you will need to write about your experiences in a learning journal and read some recommended texts.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The emphasis is on learning through experience. There will be exercises in pairs and in threes, small groups and the large group. There will also be tutor input and handouts provided. You'll be asked to keep a journal as a way of reflecting on yourself and your learning throughout the course. Towards the end of the course, you will be asked to produce a short piece of writing which summarises your learning.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will be given some handouts but you will need to bring your own pen and notebook.

Prior to the course, you may wish to read Sanders, P (2021) First Steps in Counselling, Ross-on-Wye; PCCS Books.

During the course, material will be drawn from the following texts: Mearns, D & Thorne, B (2007) Person-Centred Counselling in Action, 3rd Edition, London: Sage; Rogers, C (1980) A Way of Being, Houghton Mifflin.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

This course continues with a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
To be eligible to apply for this course, students need to have completed their introduction course with an attendance rate of 80% or more.