This module offers an introduction to the basic skills which are essential in initiating, maintaining, and concluding a counselling relationship. Within this module you will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe and facilitative environment. In this module you will be developing your counselling practice in relation to the core models and how to develop the client-counsellor relationship. The module will enable you to recognise and respond to verbal and non-verbal signs, manage time constraints and boundaries, and gaining consent. Additionally, this module will provide an understanding of working in an integrative way and you will also develop skills in reflective practice.

Task 1 – You will be required to produce a 50-minute recording of a counselling session with a peer, demonstrating your counselling skills and a transcript of a 20-minute section (LO1). Pass/Fail

Task 2 - You will be required to write a 1,500-word critical reflection and evaluation of your own performance including reference to the 20-minute transcript (LO2, LO3).

Learning strategies may include interactive lectures and skills practice sessions which consist of workshops, discussions, group-work, role-play, and individual tutorials. Reflection and reflective practice along with critical thinking will also be a key element of the programme in to facilitate professional learning. Independent study time includes researching, reading and reflection as well as assignment preparation.

1. Develop and demonstrate counselling skills and practice by utilising a theoretical base.
Learning

2. Develop and demonstrate skills necessary to initiate, maintain and conclude a counselling relationship. Application

3. Demonstrate the ability to reflect on own performance and evaluate feedback
Reflection

Library
IT resources including PowerPoints
VLE - SOALR
Core texts

McLeod, J. (2007). Counselling Skill. Open university Press

McLeod. (2011). Counselling skills: a practical guide for counsellors and helping professionals. Open University Press.

Nelson-Jones. (2005). Practical counselling and helping skills: text and exercises for the lifeskills counselling model (5th ed.). SAGE.

William, & Stewart, J. S. (2008). Learning to counsel: develop the skills, insight and knowledge to counsel others. How To Books.

This module offers an introduction to the basic skills which are essential in initiating, maintaining, and concluding a counselling relationship. Within this module you will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe and facilitative environment. In this module you will be developing your counselling practice in relation to the core models and how to develop the client-counsellor relationship. The module will enable you to recognise and respond to verbal and non-verbal signs, manage time constraints and boundaries, and gaining consent. Additionally, this module will provide an understanding of working in an integrative way and you will also develop skills in reflective practice.