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Counselling Skills

Module Synopsis

This module offers students the opportunity of developing their core counselling skills along with the core conditions for the effective management of the counselling process. It provides the foundation for subsequent specialisation development and aims to develop the identity of the student as a counsellor.

Learning outcomes
  • Demonstrate, analyse and evaluate the application and integration of core counselling theory and skills
  • Conduct both an initial and subsequent counselling session
  • Establish counselling goals and action plans with clients
  • Identify and manage the complexities of the counselling process
  • Determine an appropriate approach to referral
  • Explore the complex social, legal and ethical issues associated with counselling
  • Evaluate personal values and analyse how these may impact upon the counselling process
  • Demonstrate self awareness and integrate the capacity to be reflexive
  • Undertake and reflect upon clinical supervision

Content areas
  • Counselling in context
  • The therapeutic frame
  • Therapeutic dialogue and partnership
  • Empathising through listening and responding
  • Gaining details that assist the process
  • Moving from exploring to goal setting
  • Developing possibilities
  • Working as a professional
  • Ethical issues
  • Moving beyond initial sessions
  • Connecting past to present and future
  • Termination and review

Textbook and Readings
The texts for this module are Egan, G. (2003) The Skilled Helper. (7th edn.) Belmont, CA: Brooks Cole and Tolan, J. (2003) Skills in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy. London: Sage. Your readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling