Introduction to Counselling Skills Course
email meg@minstercentre.org.uk or visit www.minstercentre.org.ukWhat are counselling skills?
Counselling skills involves the ability to listen to another person and to hear their ‘story’ and what they are trying to say, from their point of view. Normally when we talk to someone, even when we are trying to understand what they are saying, we are speaking from our point of view. This ability is counter-intuitive and goes against what we normally do and is a skill that has to be learnt.
The core idea here is that if you can facilitate the person in telling their ‘story’, or what is troubling them, then they will be in a much better position to make a decision about what to do. Usually when someone is distressed and troubled, clarity is precisely what is lacking and providing this space can be very helpful. When using counselling skills it is not about looking for a solution or giving advice.
Who is the course for?
This is an introductory course which is open to anyone who is interested in learning how to use counselling skills and also interested in learning about themselves. These are skills that can be used at work, or in your own personal live, and it would prepare you for taking a one year ‘Foundation Course in Counselling’.
What you will learn?
On this course you will learn the basic counselling skills, such as how to accurately reflect back what the person is saying, summarising, and asking open questions. But you will also understand and practice the skill of ‘active listening’. This is where you learn to be with the person, and yet at the same time are able to step back, rather than simply responding as you normally would. This involves what are sometimes called the ‘core conditions. Here you will develop the ability to be with the person without introducing your own agenda, to accept on their terms what they are saying, and at the same time to be genuine yourself.
Each session:
These will be made up of three parts: theory, practice and self development – a structure which reflects a central idea in counselling that you need to understand the concepts, develop your counselling skills, and to become more self-aware
Style of learning:
The course emphasises an experiential style of learning. Central to counselling skills practice is the idea that to understand the experience of another person you have to first understand our own, and the course is structured so that students learn not only from what is taught, but also by actively engaging in the various exercises. Much of the learning is in small groups and there is an emphasis on students, where appropriate, sharing and reflecting on their own experience.
Assessment:
Qualifications:
On completion of the Course students will be awarded a Certificate in Counselling Skills
Entry requirements:
This is an open access course and anyone interested in learning about counselling skills can apply.
Course Dates 2009-2010:
We are running six courses this year and two per term.
Each course lasts for 10 weeks and each session is 3 hours.
Starting 5th October 2009
Half-Term: 26th to 30th October
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Starting 8th October 2009
Half-Term: 26th to 30th October
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Starting 11th January 2010
Half-Term: 15th to 19th February
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Starting 14th January 2010
Half-Term: 15th to 19th February
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Starting 26th April 2010
Half-Term: 31st May to 4th June
Bank Holiday: 3rd May
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Starting 29th April 2010
Half-Term: 31st May to 4th June
Time: 6pm to 9pm
Fees:
The course costs £160
Venue:
The course is being held at the Minster Centre, a counselling and psychotherapy training centre in West London, which is a 5 minute walk from Queens Park Tube (Bakerloo line) and Rail Overground Station and Brondesbury Park Station.
Next step:
If you have any further questions or would like an application form please email meg@minstercentre.org.uk or visit www.minstercentre.org.uk
