Introduction to Counselling Skills

Introduction

This course offers an opportunity to learn Advanced Communication and Relating Skills. This is achieved through the introduction of concepts and skills involved in various counselling and therapeutic approaches including a component on Energy. An awareness of energy can enhance experience and conscious awareness of non verbal communication. Knowledge, skills, ethics, personal development and self awareness are interwoven throughout the course content. The course is highly relevent to nurses, project workers, social workers, foster carers, teachers and anyone working with children and young people.

This course runs for ten mornings and is aimed at workers who wish to improve their knowledge and skills in talking to and helping children and young people. As the title states, it is at an introductory level.

Participants will explore the foundation skills used in counselling and some of the different approaches that can be employed. The course will introduce the theories and practical techniques that underpin good counselling practice. The course format is a mixture of theory and practical exercises within an informal supportive environment.

Here are some quotes from people who have attended previous courses in counselling at Playfield Institute

'It is a course that anyone would benefit from...anyone in life!'

'This course has shown me how to engage through play, symbolism, etc. and, to be honest, about feelings and how to raise them.'

'How to bring feelings into the session rather than being a problem solver.'

"We are very aware we are not counsellors but the skills are very applicable to...what we do...and it was actually good to here somebody say "yes go for it".

Who should attend?

Nurses, project workers, social workers, foster carers, teachers and anyone working with children and young people.

Venue: Playfield Institute

Date: Commences Monday 10 May 2010

(The dates for the 10 sessions during 2010 and are all on a Monday morning: 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 14 June, 21 June, 28 June, 23 August, 30 August, 6 September and 13 September 2010

Duration: 10 am to 1 pm for each session

Cost: £350

Facilitator(s): Stephanie Gooding, teacher in Social Science and Counsellor and Jo Regan, Counsellor and Foster Carer.

Closing date for applications: Friday 30 April 2010