Introduction to Counselling Skills * (Daytime Option)

Introduction to Counselling Skills * (Daytime Option)

Your Course
This course provides an introduction to some of the basic skills and attitudes as used by counsellors. It is aimed at those who want to begin the process of improving their communication skills in their personal or professional lives and is of particular relevance to those working in a people orientated industry such as the NHS, voluntary sector, education, personnel etc.
This course also offers an insight into the nature of counselling practice for those considering a professional counselling training. This introductory course is not designed as a counselling training in its own right but hopefully participants will increase their self-awareness and develop their ability as effective listeners through active participation and regular attendance. There is no formal assessment although a Certificate of Attendance can be issued to those who attend all the sessions, if requested.
For those students wishing to continue with a counselling training, the College offers an integrated part-time professional counselling training programme with each stage offering an opportunity to achieve a vocational award. The Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills (Level 2) course is available as the first stage of a counselling training which operates within the Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy as provided by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). Guidance will be given on course progression towards the end of the Introduction to Counselling Skills course and if interested in further training please ask your tutor or the Adult Education office for a Further Details Sheet for the Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills (AQA).
For those not wanting to begin a counsellor training or acquire a vocational qualification then the Intermediate Certificate in Counselling Skills course can also be used to enhance listening and observational skills, to increase self-awareness and to develop the core conditions necessary for providing effective communication at home and in the workplace.
This is a very practical course, providing an ideal opportunity for you to practice and enhance your listening skills and to develop your ability to understand and empathise with others more effectively and appropriately. It will also give you an opportunity to make some connections between some basic theory, the use of counselling skills and your own experiences through discussion, small group exercises, self-reflection and counselling skills practice.
However you are strongly advised to talk to a tutor before enrolling for this course as it can unexpectedly raise challenging personal issues for some students. Tutors are always available on enrolment evenings or can be communicated with by telephone via the ACE office if you require further guidance.
This introductory course is offered each term.
Learning Outcomes
· Explore the use of some basic counselling skills as a helping activity
· Demonstrate the use of some basic counselling skills
· Acquire understanding of some basic theory that underpins counselling activity
· Begin to identify the core conditions necessary for developing a counselling relationship
· Discuss some ethical issues in the context of using counselling skills
· Examine how the listener's personal values and integrity can influence the listening experience
· Acknowledge some ways in which your self-awareness is developing
Your Tutor
Your tutors are drawn from a team of suitably qualified and experienced counsellors and tutors. If you require more information then please ask for the Your Team information sheet. (Currently being updated.
Day and time: Monday 9.45-11.45am
Start date: 18 Jan
Number of sessions: 10
Tuition fees: £90
Method of payment: Fees for short courses (10 weeks or less) to be paid in full at enrolment and for long courses (12 weeks or more) fees of 50% can be paid at enrolment plus 50% as a cheque. Course places cannot be reserved without receipt of both payments.
Half term:
Please note that there are no classes during half term Monday 15th - Friday 19th February 2010 unless otherwise stated.