This course offered an introduction to counselling skills. It covered a number of communication skills, including effective listening and inter-personal skills.

The focus of the course was to improve skills in the area of counselling, concentrating on practical activities such as one to one listening, non verbal communication, and creating the right environment for effective listening. The difference between counselling skills and counselling was explored, such as when to recognise when further help is needed and where to go for that help.

We were encouraged to develop knowledge through recommended reading and reflecting on we had learned.

The course included:

• Identifying a range of skills effective in the helping process
• Providing an opportunity to practice listening and helping skills
• Illustrating various theoretical frameworks for counselling practice

The course led to an Open College Network Level 2 Certificate and is designed for people who use counselling skills as part of another role (such as nurses, teachers, managers, or carers) as an introduction to some of the skills used in counselling.

The skills covered are useful for anyone working or volunteering in the caring professions such as health, education, social services and also for those in a managerial, supervisory or personnel role.