Learning to Counsel: How to Develop the Skills, Insight and Knowledge to Counsel Others

by Jan Sutton, William Stewart

Drawing on their numerous years experience as counsellors, tutors, and writers, Jan Sutton and William Stewart introduce readers to the basic principles that underpin counselling practice. Written in a clear, concise and jargon-free style, and with its wealth of case studies, examples of skills in practice, and practical exercises, this new edition is an ideal text for those embarking on a counselling or psychotherapy course, trainee counsellors, counselling tutors to use in training, professionals working in the area of health care, management and education, and counsellors working in the voluntary sector. It provides insight into various counselling approaches; clarifies the nature of counselling and the role of the counsellor, and assists readers to develop a repertoire of key counselling skills and qualities, such as active listening, genuineness, unconditional positive regard, empathy, goal-setting, etc. The book also addresses the important issues of ongoing supervision to enhance counselling practice, and counsellor self-care to reduce the risk of burnout.

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Nonfiction, Mental Health

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[naadiya bhimani · Rating 5 out of 5]

where have you been all of my counselling life

Absolute gem of a book. So informative, easy to engage and understand. Great for students and experienced counsellors as a reminder. Loved this book. Highly recommended

[Alvis Krasevskis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview and introduction to what fundamental skills are needed for a counsellor or a psychotherapist.

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I trust you with my pain?
To treat it with kindness and respect?
To listen to it, So I can speak the unspoken?
Will you help me catch the tears As the floodgates open?
Swim with me into the unknown?
Save me from drowning in my sorrow?
If I entrust you with my grief, will you help me take care of it?
Console it? Soothe it? Make it feel safe?
Will you accept is as a gift to be protected?
If I take the risk and end the drought, will you leave me alone and sodden after the storm?
Will you reach for your umbrella, and just walk away?
I feel my need and I fear it as I fear all that I do not understand, yet I ask you to be with me, for I am tired of walking alone.

[Delbert Yip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward and concise. I skimmed the second half of the text. The examples were useful and will be useful for review. I might revisit the exercises if I have time in the future, as some of them looked interesting.

The case studies offered professional insight. More would have been helpful.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really helpful read and offered some great insights into counselling training. The sample contracts and assessment forms are particularly useful. Loved this quote: "your life and the lives of those you touch will be the richer for all the hard work you have put in to get to where you are."

[Caroline Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting!

[Camell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative ( didn't finish it tho )

[Shriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, very easy to use, step by step insight in counselling great read for a trainee counsellors too!

[Bridie Tulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book which covers skills and practice for certificate level in Counselling skills.