First Steps In Counselling: A Student's Companion for Basic Introductory Courses

by Pete Sanders

First Steps in Counselling is essentially a book about helping and this fifth edition has been updated and revised with two co-authors; Paula J Williams and Andy Rogers. It is for anyone thinking of becoming a counsellor, working or volunteering in a role that requires helping and listening skills, or simply caring for someone. It explains in clear language what counselling is, the theories on which it is based, how it works and how it is positioned in relation to contemporary debates about culture, politics, language, race and power.

This is not a ‘how to help’ manual; rather it is a questioning, curious, explorative and challenging companion. It aims to be your guide along whichever route you are taking, answer your questions and help you decide if you want to take your interest in counselling to the next steps. First Steps in Counselling remains the text of choice for students and tutors of introductory courses.

With contributions from Eugene Ellis, Igi/Lyndsey Moon and Clare Shaw.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been a really helpful companion to the level 2 course. A clear and concise overview of lots of the concepts we are discussing in the course. However, I also appreciated that this book did not skirt away from more challenging ideas, such as the pathogising of distress, issues of power and privilege, and the role of societal factors in being the root cause of distress.

[Ellie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recommended read on an Introductory Counselling course that I attended and a book that my tutor had raved about. Although I am no longer embarking on that course, I still consider it a worthwhile read and can understand how, for those continuing with their counselling courses it'd act as a base to build their learning on from.

Pete Sanders is clearly knowledgeable in the field and has devised a book that not only informs, but educates the reader. Split into useful and sensible areas including; What is Counselling? Who is Counselling for? & Support and Supervision, this book allows you to read it all in one go, or dip in and out to suit your personal preference and training path. It also has a useful margin that features exercises, further information and annotations to further the reading experience.

A recommended read for anyone considering taking their 'First Steps in Counselling', or just interested in the field.

[Zlatka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recommended this book on introductory course. It is a good overview, it has similar flow to the course I went to. I would recommend it to anyone interested. It's on introductory level, so it's not only for people studying for counselling, but I think it would give you a good idea if you were seeking a counsellor or if you just wanted to improve your skills (and I think anyone would benefit to certain extend from it...)

[Reuben Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly *enjoyable* but certainly useful. It’s really accessible and covers the absolute basics so makes sense as a starting point to be one of the very first books you read. If you already have a fair bit of knowledge before starting a course, it might not tell you *loads* of new information, but I’ve found is still pretty good for being able to reference in my essays and back up all that really foundational stuff that I just know but am not allowed to say without some old white man having said it first 🙃. Having said that though, I probably wouldn’t recommend it to current students just because there will be newer, more updated and relevant books out there now, this just made sense for me because it was already on the shelf from my mum doing her training 20 years ago.*

*I have the third edition, published 2002, I see there is a fifth edition published 2021 so I imagine that’s much more useful and probably worth buying!

[Simon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd read this book while I was doing my Level 2 course! It is, as the name suggests, designed as a companion to those taking their first steps into counselling. Nevertheless it served as a nice refresher, and Sanders' relaxed style makes it an easy, honest yet informative read. It's a little long in the tooth now but the vast majority of its content is still just as relevant. As Sanders explains, counselling is a multi-faceted animal and attitudes towards it and indeed its applications continue to develop. As the author is keen to explain, there are more people than counsellors who use counselling skills and this book would be perfect for them also.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to counselling without entering in too much detail. I absolutely LOVE the author awareness on topics such as discrimination and prejudice. He is a white man and is fully aware of his power compared to the rest of the planet and this is what truly made a difference for me. It's also my first book on the topic as I am starting my training next month and I will definitely refer back to it if needed.

[Zhanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good supplement for “Introduction to counselling” course for me. It gave me a clearer idea of what counselling is in the UK particularly. I found it very helpful to read about different approaches in the beginning of the book, and the ways of obtaining certification to become a counsellor. It also made me think why I’m doing it and what my expectations are. A good book to start with in my opinion.

[Darrell Goodliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I found this text helpful and instructive but potentially a little on the dated side when it comes to its content. Perhaps not surprising since it is not the most updated version.

Language is however conscience and clear which given some of the ideas it tries to convey is very helpful. Definitely would recommend if you are thinking about taking a course in the subject as it will give you a good idea what to expect.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great introduction to the basics of counselling. The sections are really clear and easy to understand and the information is consistently valuable.

[Karen Broughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easy to read introductory book. I've just finished a counselling skills course level 2 . Found it invaluable.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin. Good introductory book. Skip straight into chapter 3.

[Caroline Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative

[Duena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was recommended by my dear tutor for aiming a career in counselling, it sounds like a really helpful book by the introduction, and I look forward to writing my review after I shall read it.

[miss e brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Great if your starting a Level 2 as it reflects on basic theory, but also on your reasons for study.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've given this a pretty high rating as it answered just about all the questions I had about person-centred counselling at an introductory level, gives a very good over-view of other counselling approaches and is written in an engaging and interactive way.

Interactive, because there are side panels with exercises, either written, reflective or experiential, to help illustrate the points in the text.

A good foundational book.