INTRODUCTION TO COUNSELLING

Students study theoretical concepts and practical skills necessary to assist clients in recognizing concerns or issues and working toward desired outcomes. Students are introduced to the theoretical foundations of various models of counselling and develop active listening skills. A key focus is assisting clients to identify and highlight their strengths by finding positive outcomes that are related to their concerns or issues. Learning to facilitate client self-empowerment and development occurs by acquiring additional skills through the effective use of queries, observation, self-reflection and a comprehensive understanding of a client's behaviour and communication style. Students also examine information and assistances concerning crisis, grief and bereavement. Learning outcomes are achieved using lecture, discussion, experiential exercises and presentation of audio and visual resources.