We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Stewart Scarr

As a UKCP accredited organisational member, our commitment to quality and high standards is at the heart of everything we do. This course, and the series that follows, are designed to provide you with a strong foundation in counselling skills, whether you're taking your first step on this journey or looking to enhance your existing knowledge.

Read more

As a UKCP accredited organisational member, our commitment to quality and high standards is at the heart of everything we do. This course, and the series that follows, are designed to provide you with a strong foundation in counselling skills, whether you're taking your first step on this journey or looking to enhance your existing knowledge.

This introductory course is your gateway to a world of possibilities. You'll gain valuable insights into core counselling concepts, ethical practice, and essential communication skills. We'll explore key theories and approaches, and as the courses progress, you'll have the opportunity to practice and develop your skills through interactive exercises and real-world examples.

What sets this series apart is the unique blend of academic rigor and practical application. Our team of experienced trainers, all affiliated with Ellesmere Centre, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the online learning environment.

This introduction to counselling skills is just the beginning.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • An introduction to the purpose of counselling
  • Core counselling communication skills
  • Basic counselling techniques
  • Building the therapeutic relationship
  • Exploring feelings & emotions

Syllabus

What is Counselling?
Introduction and Welcome
Role of a Counsellor
Who Becomes a Counsellor?
Read more

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Counselling Skills will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basic Counselling Skills.
Explores the decline of listening in modern society and highlights its importance in various aspects of life. It draws on insights from experts in different fields to provide a compelling case for improving listening skills and offers practical advice. This contemporary look at the topic.
This seminal work popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, which cornerstone of self-reflection and self-awareness. Goleman explains how understanding and managing our emotions and recognizing those in others is crucial for success and well-being. widely used text in psychology, business, and personal development programs, providing a strong foundation for developing emotional self-awareness.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of language, covering topics such as the origins of language, the structure of language, and the relationship between language and thought. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of the biological and cognitive aspects of language.
While not solely focused on listening, this book presents a powerful framework for compassionate communication that heavily relies on empathic listening. It teaches readers to identify and express their needs and feelings while also deeply listening to others'. This foundational text in the field of communication.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of linguistics, covering topics such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong foundation in the field of communication.
Brené Brown's work explores the landscape of human emotion and experience, providing language and framework for understanding ourselves and our connections with others. is highly relevant to self-reflection as it encourages emotional literacy and self-awareness through defining and exploring various emotions. It recent and popular book in the realm of psychology and personal growth.
This ancient text offers profound insights into Stoic philosophy and self-governance. It foundational work for understanding introspection and virtuous living, serving as a valuable historical and philosophical background for self-reflection practices. While not a modern self-help book, its timeless wisdom makes it a crucial reference for the roots of self-contemplation. It classic often recommended in philosophy and ethics courses.
Written by a business psychiatrist and former FBI hostage negotiation trainer, this book offers practical techniques for getting through to difficult or resistant people by using active listening and empathetic communication. It's highly applicable for professional settings and conflict resolution.
Dweck's research on fixed versus growth mindsets offers a powerful framework for understanding how our beliefs about our abilities impact our willingness to learn and grow. is highly relevant to self-reflection by encouraging readers to examine their own mindset and its influence on their personal and professional development. It popular choice in education, psychology, and business contexts.
Presents a framework for mastering active listening in a business context to improve employee engagement, build trust, and enhance organizational culture. It offers a 5-step cycle for effective listening and acting upon what is heard.
Kristin Neff's research focuses on the importance of self-compassion, which vital component of healthy self-reflection. provides practical strategies for cultivating self-kindness, recognizing shared humanity, and practicing mindfulness during difficult times. It valuable resource for developing a more compassionate inner dialogue.
Offers a practical, tool-based approach to improving active listening skills. It provides specific techniques and exercises that readers can immediately apply to enhance their communication in both personal and professional contexts. It's a useful resource for hands-on learning.
This concise book delves into the principles of empathic listening, a key aspect of active listening. It provides a research-backed approach to understanding others' perspectives and emotions, particularly useful in counseling and helping professions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of nonverbal communication, covering topics such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong understanding of how to communicate effectively without words.
Provides a broad introduction to empathy, exploring its history, its importance in various aspects of life, and practical ways to cultivate it. It's suitable for high school and undergraduate students seeking a foundational understanding. The author's work in founding the world's first Empathy Museum adds to its authority.
Written by a leading researcher on empathy, this book explores the neuroscience of empathy and provides a seven-step method for increasing empathetic capacity. It's relevant for a wide audience interested in the science behind empathy and practical techniques for improving connection.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of listening and how to improve your listening skills. It covers topics such as the different types of listening, the benefits of listening, and the barriers to listening. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their ability to listen effectively.
This recent book specifically addresses the role of empathy in contemporary leadership, particularly in navigating challenging times. It offers insights and practical actions for leaders to empower their teams through empathy. Highly relevant for professionals in leadership and management roles.
Ibarra's research on career transitions highlights the importance of experimenting with different possible selves to discover a more fulfilling professional identity. is highly relevant for self-reflection related to career development and change, encouraging proactive exploration and learning through action. It valuable resource for working professionals considering career shifts.
Focusing on the practical application of empathy in leadership and business, this book provides a framework and tools for using empathy to understand employees and build stronger teams. It's particularly useful for professionals and those in leadership development programs.
Focuses on the practical skill of validation as a core component of effective listening and building strong relationships. It offers a simple yet powerful approach to making others feel heard and understood.
This accessible guide to mindfulness meditation provides practical techniques for cultivating present moment awareness. Mindfulness fundamental practice for self-reflection, allowing individuals to observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. is an excellent starting point for incorporating mindfulness into a self-reflective practice.
Explores the science of empathy and argues that it skill that can be developed and strengthened. It addresses the challenges to empathy in the modern world and offers strategies for fostering it on an individual and societal level. Relevant for all audiences interested in the potential of empathy to address social issues.
Emphasizes the intentional aspect of listening and its role in building genuine connections. It provides practical guidance on how to listen with purpose and improve the quality of your relationships through better communication.
Pema Chödrön, a Buddhist nun, offers guidance on facing difficult emotions and situations with mindfulness and compassion. is valuable for self-reflection during challenging periods, encouraging readers to lean into discomfort and cultivate a more open and accepting relationship with themselves and their experiences.
A timeless classic in interpersonal skills, this book emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others and being a good listener as key principles for building relationships and influencing people. While not exclusively about active listening, it highlights its fundamental role in social interactions.
This collection of daily readings offers reflections and meditations on various aspects of life, encouraging presence and introspection. It serves as a gentle guide for daily self-reflection, providing prompts and insights for connecting with one's inner experiences and appreciating the present moment. It popular book for cultivating mindfulness and a reflective practice.
Palmer reflects on the importance of aligning one's inner life with their outer work and service. encourages self-reflection on themes of identity, purpose, and vocation, particularly relevant for students and professionals navigating career paths and life choices. It offers a contemplative approach to finding meaning and integrity in one's life.
Focuses on effectively navigating high-stakes conversations, where listening is paramount to understanding differing perspectives and reaching mutual agreement. It offers practical tools and techniques for managing emotions, staying focused, and fostering open dialogue.
Tolle's spiritual guide emphasizes the importance of presence and living in the current moment, which key aspect of mindfulness and self-awareness. encourages readers to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of their inner state. It widely read book in spirituality and personal development.
A fascinating exploration of empathy from a primatologist's perspective, this book delves into the evolutionary roots of empathy in animals and humans. It offers a unique scientific viewpoint that can deepen understanding for undergraduate and graduate students. It provides valuable background knowledge on the biological basis of empathy.
Provides practical advice on how to improve your communication skills in the workplace. It covers topics such as how to write effective emails, how to give presentations, and how to handle difficult conversations. It valuable resource for students who want to develop the communication skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
Provides practical advice on how to improve your communication skills as a manager. It covers topics such as how to communicate with employees, how to give feedback, and how to resolve conflict. It valuable resource for students who want to develop the communication skills they need to be effective managers.
Focuses on the importance of empathy in the business world, arguing that companies that prioritize empathy are more successful. It provides case studies and examples of how organizations can foster empathy among employees and with customers. Highly relevant for business students and working professionals.
Delves into the neuroscience behind EI, exploring how emotions are processed and regulated in the brain. It offers mindfulness-based techniques to help readers cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
This classic guide to writing offers clear and concise advice on how to improve your writing skills. It covers topics such as grammar, punctuation, and style. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their written communication skills.
Advocates for candid and authentic communication, emphasizing the importance of truly listening to understand underlying issues and perspectives. It provides a framework for holding difficult but necessary conversations, where active listening critical skill.
Drawing on Stoicism, Holiday presents a framework for overcoming challenges through shifting our perception, practicing discipline, and exercising willpower. encourages self-reflection on our reactions to adversity and provides a Stoic-inspired approach to personal growth and resilience. It offers practical wisdom for navigating difficulties through internal reflection and control.
Krishnamurti challenges readers to question their conditioning and assumptions to discover true freedom. This philosophical work encourages deep introspection and a critical examination of one's own thought processes and beliefs. It profound book for those seeking a more radical approach to self-understanding.
While broader than just listening, this book emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence, including social awareness (which involves listening), in personal and professional success. It provides strategies and exercises for improving EQ, making it relevant for understanding the emotional context of communication.
Serves as a practical guide to developing active listening skills for improving personal and professional relationships. It covers key techniques and the benefits of being a more attentive listener.
A foundational text in humanistic psychology, this book by Carl Rogers introduces the concept of client-centered therapy and the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in therapeutic relationships. While focused on therapy, its principles of empathetic understanding are broadly applicable and essential for anyone studying psychology or counseling.
Explores the application of design thinking principles, which heavily rely on empathy to understand user needs, in addressing social challenges. It's highly relevant for those interested in using empathy as a tool for innovation and social change. Useful for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals in design and social impact fields.
Offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and practicing empathy as a skill. It delves into different types of empathy and provides exercises for developing empathetic abilities. Suitable for a general audience and those looking for practical tools to enhance their empathy.
Watts explores the human tendency to seek security in a constantly changing world and argues for finding peace in embracing the present moment and the inherent uncertainty of life. This philosophical work encourages deep self-reflection on our fears and anxieties and offers a perspective rooted in Eastern philosophy for living more fully in the now.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Basic Counselling Skills.
Foundations of Sales Success
Most relevant
Verbal Communications and Presentation Skills
Most relevant
Emergency Teen Discipline Toolkit
Most relevant
Managing Different Personality Types: Influencing
Most relevant
Communication & Presentation Skills
Most relevant
Grief Life Coach Certification
Most relevant
Meaningful conversations: communicate what really matters
Most relevant
Difficult Conversations: Team Management with Confidence
Most relevant
Customer Service, Customer Support, And Customer...
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser