1. # 1 Introduction to Counselling
CHCCSL501A
Work within a structured counselling framework
# 1
Introduction to Counselling

2. Lesson Outline What is counselling? Purpose of counselling
Brief overview of counselling
Informal versus formal counselling
Learning process for counselling

3. What is Counselling Youtube video:
What is Counselling? Brisbane Counsellor at Integrating Awareness Counselling in Brisbane explains.

4. What is counselling?
Wide range of expressions and many approaches to counselling
The common theme across these approaches is a focus on facilitating change while supporting people through life’s challenges
Counsellors work in the fields of counselling, human services/ community work, psychology, education, health medicine, law.
(Pelling, Bowers & Armstrong, 2007, pg XXV)

5. Purpose of counselling

6. Purpose of counselling
People seek “help” when they:
Are involved in complex problem situations that they are unable to manage/cope with
Feel they are not living as fully as they might… missed opportunities and unused potential
Goals – Mature/Optimal Functioning (Ideal)
Life enhancing Outcomes… managing problems and developing personal resources for more effective living
Learning self-help… assist clients to become better at supporting themselves
Prevention mentality… assist clients to develop action oriented prevention mentality in their lives
Egan, G. (2010)

7. Brief Overview of Counselling
The counselling relationship involves:
applying principles, methods and procedures based on professional standards and workplace policies….
to assist clients develop understandings of personal problems, define goals and plan action….
that reflects the clients interests, abilities, aptitudes and needs
This can require consulting, referral and research.
American Counseling Association

8. Brief Overview of Counselling
The counselling process : Counselors listen without imposing their own values and beliefs
They provide space to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviour… it is helpful and therapeutic to have your concerns heard
Counselors' employ a variety of techniques to help you understand your feelings
The counselor may ask questions that reflect back to you what your thought processes are, and help you make sense of your feelings
You may explore and implement changes in the way you do things, which can enhance life and relationships.

9. Informal vs Formal Counselling
We may all have at times ,informally counselled someone – friend, family, colleague
Formal counselling is different to just talking to someone we know.
Some of the differences are:
Supportive environment for client to reflect and explore and identify their own solutions as against advising the client what to do
Counselling is a formal process that should conform to accepted practices...
Giving advice is not the goal; helping the client to find their own solutions is the counsellor’s goal

10. Informal versus formal counselling
Accepted practices can range from counselling strategies, where the counsellor will use skills and frameworks that recognise the client’s individual needs, to applying structured interview techniques, such as opening and closing
These practices will involve strict ethical principles and include confidentiality, professional boundaries, and the taking of and keeping of client notes and records
Egan, G. (2010)

11. Informal versus formal counselling
Appropriate models/frameworks are used to facilitate change and help the counsellor assist clients tell their stories
Progress can be achieved, maintained and assessed by setting clear and realistic goals and action plans
Counselling includes self care for the client & the counsellor. It may include individualised programs, stress management techniques and referrals to other professionals or agencies that can provide alternative services to the client
(Examples for referrals: Alcohol and other drugs, suicide prevention, domestic violence, mental health issues)
Egan, G. (2010)

12. Informal versus formal counselling
Counsellors use a combination of techniques when working with clients.
The most commonly used are communication including listening skills.
These help the client to feel heard and allow the counsellor to develop a solid understanding of what is going on in the life of the client
Egan, G. (2010)

13. Learning Process for Counselling
Integrating KNOWLEDGE, professional VALUES, and SKILLS
REFLEXIVITY – On-going self reflection... A mindset that shows an ongoing ability to challenge our pre-conceptions, be responsive to new ideas and is flexible, or reflexive.
Challenges – Maintaining openness, flexibility, and a critical mind... Exposure to difficult situations and emotions
Pelling, Bowers, & Armstrong, 2006, p. 4

14. Learning Process for Counselling
“Being a good counsellor involves more than skills and theory, and is about being a thoughtful and considerate human being whose maturity and insight draws people to seek them out for consultation and assistance.” (Pelling, Bowers, & Armstrong, 2007, p. 4)
An important personal journey with self care paramount
Youtube video: Counselling Skills: a Five Minute Training Course from Richard Barton
IMPORTANT... Take the opportunity to ask students to discuss any fears, uncertainties... Ask some students to share these feelings either pairs/groups/class... Good for students to hear the range of difference... And reflect back to the class that the range of feelings is what clients will feel when embarking on counselling

15. References
Abuse findings questioned , online video, accessed 5 June, 2012.
American Counseling Association (1997)
Australian Government, Australian Institute of Family Studies (2010) Mandatory Reporting Site last updated: 3rd Jan 2012
Carl Rogers & Gloria Counselling part 2, online video. Accessed 3 June, 2012.
Carl Rogers & Gloria counselling, Part 3, online video, accessed 4 June, 2012.
Carl Rogers on Conditioning.wmv, online video, accessed 6 June, 2012.
Corey, G. (2009) Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy 8th ed. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, California
Corey, G., Corey, M.S. & Callanan, P. (2011) Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions, 8th ed. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, California
Counselling Modalities - Martin Hunter-Jones & Lyndall Briggs Pt 3/5 'Conversations With Robyn’, online video, accessed 5 June,
Still to update

16. References
Counselling Skills: a Five Minute Training Course from Richard Barton, online video, accessed 4 June,
Counselling Skills Lecture 3 Rapport, online video, accessed 6 June, 2012.
Egan, G. ( 2010) The Skilled Helper 9th ed. Brooks/Cole, California
George, R. L. & Cristiani, T. S. (1995) Counselling Theory and Practice Allyn and Bacon, Boston
How To Understand Psychodynamic Theory, online video, accessed 4 June,
Ivey, A.E., Ivey, M.B. & Zalaquett,C.P. (2010) Intentional Interviewing and Counselling, Facilitating Client Development in a Multicultural Society 7th ed. Brooks Cole, California
Pelling N., Bowers R. & Armstrong, P (2007)The Practice of Counselling. Thomson
Qualities needed to be a Psychotherapist or Counsellor! , online video, accessed 8 June,

17. References
Sheehy, A. ( ) What Is Counselling Site last updated: 1st Jan 2012
Summary of Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory , online video, accessed 3 June, 2012
The Counselling Process, online video, accessed 5 june,
The Little Albert Experiment, online video, accessed 5 June, 2012.
What is Counselling? Brisbane Counsellor at Integrating Awareness Counselling in Brisbane explains, online video, accessed June 4,
What is Modernism/Postmodernism? , online video, accessed 3 June,