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Chris Worfolk and Holbeck College

Person-Centred Counselling is a humanistic approach that emphasises the creation of a non-judgmental and empathetic therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to explore their feelings, experiences, and self-concept to facilitate personal growth and self-acceptance. In this introductory course, you will learn about the core concepts, theories and skills used in Person-Centred Counselling.

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Person-Centred Counselling is a humanistic approach that emphasises the creation of a non-judgmental and empathetic therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to explore their feelings, experiences, and self-concept to facilitate personal growth and self-acceptance. In this introductory course, you will learn about the core concepts, theories and skills used in Person-Centred Counselling.

This course delves into the fundamental principles and techniques that define the practice of counselling. Rooted in the person-centred approach pioneered by Carl Rogers, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of how counselling empowers individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

The core tenets include three crucial conditions for therapeutic change: empathy, where the counsellor truly understands the client's perspective; unconditional positive regard, showing complete acceptance and non-judgment; and congruence, which is the counsellor's authenticity and transparency. Rogers believed that these conditions create the necessary psychological climate for clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences and, in turn, achieve greater self-understanding, self-acceptance, and personal development.

This humanistic approach places emphasis on the client's unique subjective experience and personal autonomy, emphasising the importance of the therapeutic relationship in fostering positive change. By studying concepts such as empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, you'll learn about the process of creating a therapeutic space that allows clients to find solutions to their problems, gain self-awareness, and move forward on their personal growth journey.

This course is an invaluable gateway to comprehending the core principles of counselling and its practical application. It is a foundational resource for psychotherapists and mental health professionals interested in exploring in adding counselling skills to their work life, CV, or personal relationships.

We will cover:

  • Gain a deep understanding of the foundations and principles of person-centred counselling.

  • Develop a thorough grasp of key counselling terminology and concepts.

  • Explore the history and development of the person-centred approach, including its therapeutic alliance.

  • Differentiate person-centred counselling from other therapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural approaches.

  • Identify the core conditions crucial for effective counselling, including empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence.

  • Examine essential counselling skills, such as active listening, reflecting, summarising, and validation.

  • Understand the application of person-centred counselling in various scenarios, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and more.

  • Explore the role of culture and diversity in counselling, fostering cultural competencies and inclusivity.

  • Discover what it's like to work as a counsellor, including aspects of ethical frameworks, confidentiality, boundaries, and self-care.

  • Gain insights into outcome assessment and the evaluation of counselling effectiveness.

  • Explore the practicalities and considerations of telecounselling and working online.

You will learn through a variety of ways including video lessons, reading, reflection exercises and multiple-choice quizzes.

On completing the course, you will earn an accredited certificate in person-centred counselling skills. The course is accredited by the International Association of Therapists.

This course is suitable for those who are new to counselling, or those with existing counselling skills who are looking to understand the person-centred approach.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Counselling skills
  • Person-centred (client-centred) approach
  • Listening and relationship-building skills
  • How the therapeutic relationship works
  • Understand where psychological problems come from and what to do about them

Syllabus

How to use this course
Introduction
Welcome
Course goals and outline
Read more
Meet your instructor
Student community
Introduction to person-centred counselling
What is counselling?
Counsellor terminology
Glossary
Misconceptions about counselling
What makes a good counsellor?
Person-centred approach
Where did it come from?
Therapeutic alliance
Comparison with psychodynamic
Comparison with CBT
Strengths and limitations
Assessment
Person-centred counselling theory
Why is theory important?
Principles of person-centred counselling
The necessary and sufficient conditions
Self-actualisation
Fully-functioning person
Self-concept
Measuring self-esteem
Where do problems come from?
Conditions of worth
Power dynamics
Seven-stage continuum
Seven-stage continuum in detail
Core conditions
What are the core conditions?
Frame of reference
Empathy
Invalidation
Expressing empathy
Do I need to be a natural empath?
Unconditional positive regard
UPR with challenging clients
Congruence
Counselling skills
Introduction to counselling skills
Focus on feelings
Active listening
What to listen for
Silence
Minimal encouragers
Reflecting
The final word
Summarising
Validation
Immediacy
Asking questions
Being non-directive
Focusing
Staying with the client
Self-disclosure
Skills in practice
Introduction to skills in practice
Working with experience
Concreteness
Global distress
Labelling emotions
Talking ratio
Repairing ruptures
Applications
Introduction to applications
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Bereavement
Relationship issues
Suicide
Eating disorders
Addiction
Culture
Introduction to culture
A meeting of two cultures
Cultural factors
Culture exercise
Cultural competencies
Cultural humility
LGBTQ: Gender and sexual minorities
Working with interpreters
Inclusivity
Working as a counsellor
Introduction to working as a counsellor
Structuring therapy
Formulation
Boundaries
Ethical frameworks
Contracting

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation for beginners interested in practicing as counselors
Taught by reputable instructors with experience in the field of counseling
Covers a wide range of topics relevant to counseling practice, including assessments, interventions, and ethical considerations
Offers an accredited certificate upon completion, which may enhance credibility as a counselor
Provides a comprehensive overview of person-centered counseling, making it suitable for those new to the approach

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Person-Centred Counselling Certificate with these activities:
Read "Person-Centered Therapy: The Client's Experience"
This book provides a comprehensive overview of the person-centered approach, offering insights into its core principles and techniques. Reading it before the course will give you a strong foundation for understanding the material.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter to gain an overview of the person-centered approach.
  • Read chapters on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence to understand the core conditions of effective counseling.
  • Read chapters on specific counseling skills, such as active listening, reflecting, and summarizing.
Empathy Building Techniques
Enhance your empathy skills by exploring techniques and strategies through guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Counseling
Show steps
  • Research different empathy-building techniques.
  • Watch video tutorials on empathy.
  • Practice empathy exercises.
  • Reflect on your progress and seek feedback.
  • Incorporate empathy techniques into your counseling practice.
Review active listening
Active listening is a core skill in person-centered counseling. Reviewing this skill before the course will help you engage more effectively with clients.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on active listening techniques.
  • Practice active listening with a friend or family member.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Telecounseling Skills
Develop your skills in providing effective counseling services through telecommunication platforms.
Browse courses on Counseling
Show steps
  • Learn about the benefits and challenges of telecounseling.
  • Explore different telecounseling platforms and technologies.
  • Practice using telecounseling tools and techniques.
  • Consider ethical and confidentiality issues in telecounseling.
  • Implement telecounseling into your counseling practice.
Follow tutorials on cultural considerations in counseling
Understanding cultural considerations is crucial for effective counseling. Following tutorials on this topic will enhance your ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and promote inclusivity in your practice.
Browse courses on Cultural Sensitivity
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on cultural considerations in counseling.
  • Watch videos or read articles on topics such as cultural identity, bias, and microaggressions.
  • Apply the knowledge gained to your own counseling practice.
Case Study Discussion
Strengthen your counseling skills by discussing and analyzing case studies with peers.
Browse courses on Counseling
Show steps
  • Read and analyze a case study.
  • Join a peer discussion group.
  • Present your analysis to the group.
  • Engage in discussion and share insights.
  • Reflect on the case study and your learning.
Create a counseling session plan
Creating a counseling session plan will help you structure your approach, set goals, and evaluate your progress. Developing this plan during the course will enhance your practical skills in providing effective counseling interventions.
Browse courses on Intervention Strategies
Show steps
  • Review the client's case history and presenting issues.
  • Identify the client's goals for counseling.
  • Develop a plan for addressing the client's goals, including specific interventions and techniques.
  • Schedule regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Active Listening Practice
Develop your active listening skills by practicing with a partner and providing feedback.
Show steps
  • Find a partner.
  • Take turns being the speaker and listener.
  • As the speaker, talk about a topic for 5 minutes.
  • As the listener, practice active listening techniques.
  • Provide feedback to each other on listening skills.
Attend a workshop on person-centered counseling skills
Attending a workshop provides an immersive experience where you can develop your counseling skills and engage with experts in the field. Consider attending a workshop during or after the course to enhance your practical abilities and gain feedback.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming workshops on person-centered counseling skills.
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions.
  • Apply the skills learned in the workshop to your own counseling practice.
Volunteer at a counseling center
Volunteering at a counseling center provides invaluable hands-on experience and allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Consider volunteering during or after the course to complement your learning.
Show steps
  • Research local counseling centers and identify opportunities for volunteering.
  • Contact the center and inquire about volunteering options.
  • Complete any required training or background checks.
  • Attend regular volunteer shifts and assist with client intake, support groups, or other activities as assigned.

Career center

Learners who complete Person-Centred Counselling Certificate will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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