Introduction to Counselling and Listening Skill

INTRODUCTION to Counselling and Listening Skills is a new course being offered by Frome-based training company, Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy. 

“Learning the skills involved in counselling can add another dimension to work and life skills,” says Wessex Counselling. “This 10-week course is open to everyone and is an introduction to the skills used in counselling, the different types of counselling, and the counselling profession in general.  It could add a new dimension to existing skills or be the beginning of a training path at Wessex, or at another organisation.    

“Mental health difficulties have come to the fore even more so due to Covid-19 and lockdowns, and are more consciously thought about than ever. This course can benefit those who are responsible for others in any role including managers and team workers in a commercial environment, as well as teachers, parents and carers.   The course may change your mind about ideas you may have had about counselling.  You may be inspired to learn more about yourself, through therapy, or seek to enhance your skills to help others.   

“What will I learn? 

• An Introduction to the Theory that Underpins the Practice. “Wessex CP training is a psychodynamic training; it’s our ‘modality’ or type of practice.  The course includes just a brief introduction to why we practice the way we do and includes an introduction to the theorists who founded and developed psychoanalysis originally, and later the psychotherapy and counselling professions.  

• Active Listening. “Developing active listening is learning a different kind of listening and includes non-verbal communications.  This will help connectedness and harness inter-personal relationships, as well as our ability to influence, persuade, negotiate and avoid conflicts.   

• Therapeutic Responses. “An introduction to the types of responses that are appropriate in a counselling environment, these include summarising, paraphrasing and reflective responses.   

• Empathy rather than Sympathy. “You will explore the difference between empathy and sympathy and its importance when having conversations with others and in counselling. 

• Personal Development. “In the course of this learning, you will learn about yourself and some of the ways you relate to others.  It is possible to discover more about what it takes to be an active listener or helper, and whether these skills are a comfortable fit for you. 

• Learn about the role of a counsellor. “The course includes practiced techniques and an opportunity to explore the role of a counsellor or as a someone seeking counselling.  Learn the basic skills of the importance of questions and how to respond with reflective counselling skills which can help to facilitate different perspectives on situations. 

• Types of Counselling. “There is a short introduction to the different types of counselling which may inspire personal research into the type of counselling that provides the best fit for you. 

• Endings. Endings are a vital part of everyone’s life and something often not spoken about.  The course offers an opportunity to think about the impact of ending and loss of many types. 

The next course commences on Wednesday 22nd September, 6.30pm – 8.30pm online via zoom.  For further information about this and other training courses offered at Wessex Counselling & Psychotherapy please visit our website www.wessexcp.co.uk  or follow this link https://wessexcp.co.uk/introduction-course-and-foundation-certificate-stage-1/