Beginnings

People often struggle with the in-class practise sessions when it comes to beginning the session with the client. Here's a blog post which discusses some of the things which are often included in a first counselling session. The article also deals with how clients might feel when faced with their first counselling session.

This video demonstrates how one counselling service approach defining boundaries and guiding client's expectations at a first counselling session.

Self-awareness

A simple definition for self awareness: conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
(Oxford Dictionary).

There are various internet resources which you can use to help you develop increased self-awareness. Here are a few which you might like:

(don't be put of by Rory's facial expression, maybe he's not very self-aware!)

Here's the diagram we used in class to explain how Johari Window works

  

A workbook for you to read more about Johari Window.

Test how self-aware you are with this resource.

A similar off-line version is available here.

Web resources about how to get started in writing a journal.

Welcome to Counselling Skills!

Hello and a warm welcome to the Intermediate Counselling Teaching Blog. I hope that you enjoyed the first class and are feeling confident about the course!
It was great to see everyone from The Introduction to Counselling Course again and also to welcome those of you who have completed your initial counselling training elsewhere.

I've created this blog for students who like using the internet.

It will provide

• Information about the course.
• Useful resources about counselling.
• Links about learning and development.
• Career information.
• The means to post your own comments.
• An email link to myself.

Please feel free to comment on the points raised on the blog (and in the class) and also to email me if you want to communicate with me between classes.
If you want to leave a comment about anything on the blog just click on comments at the bottom of each posting. My email address is on the contact me page at the bottom of the blog.
I hope to update the blog at least weekly but it will probably vary.
I hope that this is a useful resource for your studies and that you enjoy the course!