Counselling Skills Certificate Course (Beginner to Advanced)

Skills in counseling can provide a great deal of benefit to individuals in a wide range of job roles, life circumstances and situations. A counsellor can help individuals to talk about and solve their problems, and also find solutions to the issues that are preventing them from achieving their goals and ambitions. Greetings and welcome to the course!

As you have enrolled in this training course on Udemy, here is a convenient link to Udemy's most frequently asked questions database so that you can make the most of this online training as quickly as possible. This includes article responses to all of the most commonly asked questions that relate to taking a course on Udemy.

Would you like to discuss the lessons you are learning in this course?

If so, you are welcome to apply to join the ‘Principles into Practice’ Discussion group.

Are you captivated by the small and significant details of people's lives and enjoy listening to their stories? Have you ever wondered why people talk so much about themselves and their lives? Would you like to learn how to better help people overcome their day-to-day struggles and challenges? Then you're ready to begin this training.

Psychotherapy theories provide a framework for therapists and counsellors to interpret a client’s behaviour, thoughts, and feelings and help them navigate a client’s journey from diagnosis to post-treatment. Theoretical approaches are an understandably integral part of the therapeutic process. But with so many different methods out there, how do you know which counselling approach works best for you? The following detailed descriptions will give you a deeper understanding of each of the primary counselling methods.

The contemporary meaning of “relatable” is to describe a character, circumstance or a situation in which an ordinary person might see him or herself reflected. This concept was first popularised by the television industry back in the late 1960's and today, sets the context for what Kain will discuss with you in this video. (Part 1 of 2).

The contemporary meaning of “relatable” is to describe a character, circumstance or a situation in which an ordinary person might see him or herself reflected. This concept was first popularised by the television industry back in the late 1960's and today, sets the context for what Kain will discuss with you in this video. (Part 2 of 2).

We are often more blinded by our prejudices and personal bias than we realize when it comes to issues of diversity. Self-awareness is critical because when we have a better understanding of ourselves and our natural discriminations (which we all knowingly or unknowingly have), we can experience ourselves as unique and separate individuals.

As you have hopefully learnt from the videos so far, prejudice is a broad concept which affects people from every walk of life, but how can anything be done to combat it when we are unaware of it's presence even in ourselves? Take this fun quiz to find out how prejudiced you truly are!

When we first enter a culture, only the most overt behaviors are evident. Our thoughts, values, and beliefs shaped by the new culture influence how we see and perceive the world outside of it. Using the Iceberg Concept of Culture, we learn that we cannot judge a new culture by the first glimpse we get. In order to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, interaction with their members is vital. (Part 1 of 2).

When we first enter a culture, only the most overt behaviors are evident. Our thoughts, values, and beliefs shaped by the new culture influence how we see and perceive the world outside of it. Using the Iceberg Concept of Culture, we learn that we cannot judge a new culture by the first glimpse we get. In order to gain a deeper understanding of different cultures, interaction with their members is vital. (Part 2 of 2).

A prejudice is an unwarranted attitude that is held against a person based solely on their social group membership. Prejudice may be held towards a certain race or gender (e.g. sexist). Throughout this video, Kain explores the various Dimensions of Personal Prejudice.

Counselors often use frames of reference to explain perceptions as a complex set of assumptions and attitudes. This frame can include beliefs, schemas, preferences, values, culture and other factors that distort our understanding and judgment.

It is our job as counsellors to handle issues unexpectedly, solve dilemmas, and solve problems. A solid understanding of the ethics that underlie our work can be invaluable when making important decisions about these matters. In order to achieve a consistent ethical base for our work, counsellors need to adopt counseling values. (1st part of 3 parts)

It is our job as counsellors to handle issues unexpectedly, solve dilemmas, and solve problems. A solid understanding of the ethics that underlie our work can be invaluable when making important decisions about these matters. In order to achieve a consistent ethical base for our work, counsellors need to adopt counseling values. (2nd part of 3 parts)

It is our job as counsellors to handle issues unexpectedly, solve dilemmas, and solve problems. A solid understanding of the ethics that underlie our work can be invaluable when making important decisions about these matters. In order to achieve a consistent ethical base for our work, counsellors need to adopt counseling values. (3rd part of 3 parts)

The Johari window is an excellent exercise for us as counsellors to take our clients through to show how counselling can help them identify their own blind spots and make sense of the unknown aspects of themselves. This simple tool emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the virtues of transparency with others. Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham created this model in the 1950s. (Part 1 of 2)

The Johari window is an excellent exercise for us as counsellors to take our clients through to show how counselling can help them identify their own blind spots and make sense of the unknown aspects of themselves. This simple tool emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the virtues of transparency with others. Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham created this model in the 1950s. (Part 2 of 2)

During counselling (also known as person-centered therapy), the counselor focuses more on how the client perceives himself or herself consciously rather than what the client is thinking. In the 1950s, Carl Rogers, an American psychologist, developed the person centred approach. Kain explains the principles underlying person-centered counselling.

Aristotle argued that virtue is the only path to effective action. When people have a positive outlook on life and other people, they lead fulfilling lives. Virtuous people see life clearly, make rational decisions, and judge well. Aristotle suggests some questions we can consider in order to test our character as counsellors. (Video 1 of 2).

Aristotle argued that virtue is the only path to effective action. When people have a positive outlook on life and other people, they lead fulfilling lives. Virtuous people see life clearly, make rational decisions, and judge well. Aristotle suggests some questions we can consider in order to test our character as counsellors. (Video 2 of 2).

In this video lecture, Kain discusses the three Greek terms that describe how we see and perceive as human beings. Thea = Greek for unconsidered observation. Theorei (Greek) = to observe intently looking for a reasonable explanation. Horao (Greek) To perceive and believe without personal bias or prejudice. (Video 1 of 2).

In this video lecture, Kain discusses the three Greek terms that describe how we see and perceive as human beings. Thea = Greek for unconsidered observation. Theorei (Greek) = to observe intently looking for a reasonable explanation. Horao (Greek) To perceive and believe without personal bias or prejudice. (Video 2 of 2).

In the right circumstances, the mind can be a valuable ally or a troublesome foe. The majority of people have difficulty managing their minds. Learning how the mind works can be the first step towards mastering it. There are three states of the human mind: the Reasonable Mind, the Emotional Mind, and the Wise Mind. We all possess these qualities, but most people operate most of the time in a certain one.

A person suffers distress when their emotional needs are unmet or when their resources are misused. Counselors help their clients understand their unmet needs and empower them to meet them by activating their natural resources in an empowered way. In the first place, we need to learn what clients' deepest needs are. (1 of 3 parts).

A person suffers distress when their emotional needs are unmet or when their resources are misused. Counselors help their clients understand their unmet needs and empower them to meet them by activating their natural resources in an empowered way. In the first place, we need to learn what clients' deepest needs are. (2nd of 3 parts).

A person suffers distress when their emotional needs are unmet or when their resources are misused. Counselors help their clients understand their unmet needs and empower them to meet them by activating their natural resources in an empowered way. In the first place, we need to learn what clients' deepest needs are. (3rd of 3 parts).

What could be more important than understanding our story and how it shapes us into the people we are today? According to attachment research, understanding our past is the best predictor of how we will shape our future. Our history is re-written for us when we don't understand it, leading to countless re-encounters of old hurts. (Part 1 of 2).

What could be more important than understanding our story and how it shapes us into the people we are today? According to attachment research, understanding our past is the best predictor of how we will shape our future. Our history is re-written for us when we don't understand it, leading to countless re-encounters of old hurts. (Part 2 of 2).

What you feel, how you act, and how you behave in life are all the results of the past experiences you've had? What if all your life experiences so far have had a profound impact on your life right now (including those that seem irrelevant or insignificant)? This video contains an enlightening exercise; How Present is your Past?

Social cognition is a special type of knowledge that allows us to understand other people and their behavior. It's also critical for predicting the meaning behind everyday speech, because there are many nuances we often miss when trying to read between the lines. This video offers an introduction into understanding different types of people!

The teaching in this video ties together the meanings from the story told in the previous lecture and the core conditions as initially laid out by Carl Rogers when he defined the key elements that must be in place for a counselling relationship to remain a healthy environment that promotes growth.

The term presupposition implies a preceding condition that is necessary to comprehend what follows. How do we determine what presumptions of counseling are appropriate? How do we ensure our counselling practice makes the impact it is intended to make? In this video, we explore presuppositions that surround person-centered counselling. (Part 1 of 2)

The term presupposition implies a preceding condition that is necessary to comprehend what follows. How do we determine what presumptions of counseling are appropriate? How do we ensure our counselling practice makes the impact it is intended to make? In this video, we explore presuppositions that surround person-centered counselling. (Part 2 of 2)

How we see the world depends on our core beliefs. An individual's core beliefs can be defined as their view of the world, of themselves, and of the future. Different people interpret interactions differently depending on their core beliefs. If you believe you can, you can! If you believe you can't, you can't! Kain will explore this idea in the following videos. (Part 1 of 3)

How we see the world depends on our core beliefs. An individual's core beliefs can be defined as their view of the world, of themselves, and of the future. Different people interpret interactions differently depending on their core beliefs. If you believe you can, you can! If you believe you can't, you can't! Kain will explore this idea in the following videos. (Part 2 of 3)

How we see the world depends on our core beliefs. An individual's core beliefs can be defined as their view of the world, of themselves, and of the future. Different people interpret interactions differently depending on their core beliefs. If you believe you can, you can! If you believe you can't, you can't! Kain will explore this idea in the following videos. (Part 3 of 3)

Who or what is the self? Is there one 'self' within every person, or are we made up of many different selves? Initially, most people would say there is only one "self" when faced with this question. Let us explore some essential ideas around the psychology of self. (Part 1 of 3)

Who or what is the self? Is there one 'self' within every person, or are we made up of many different selves? Initially, most people would say there is only one "self" when faced with this question. Let us explore some essential ideas around the psychology of self. (Part 2 of 3)

Who or what is the self? Is there one 'self' within every person, or are we made up of many different selves? Initially, most people would say there is only one "self" when faced with this question. Let us explore some essential ideas around the psychology of self. (Part 3 of 3)

This video will explain the components of a therapeutic relationship, which don't differ too much from what's necessary to connect effectively with anyone. (Part 1 of 2).

This video will explain the components of a therapeutic relationship, which don't differ too much from what's necessary to connect effectively with anyone. (Part 2 of 2).

Freud believed that our conscious minds are all that we are aware of. Freud believed the unconscious still determines our behavior, despite our unawareness of thoughts, feelings, urges, and emotions. Consciousness can only access things hidden in the unconscious if they are disguised. These ideas will be explained in more detail in this video.

One of Freud's most enduring and essential ideas was that the human psyche (personality) has more than one aspect. According to Freud, the mind is divided into three parts, the id, ego, and superego, which all develop at different stages of life. It's important to note these are NOT part of the brain, or in any way physical. This video will explain more.

Freud (1894, 1896) mentions ego defenses throughout his writings. Many other experts have since added more types of ego defences. Our defence mechanisms act as unconscious strategies to protect ourselves from feelings of fear or guilt, which occur when we feel threatened or when our id and superego become overly demanding. (Part 1 of 3)

Freud (1894, 1896) mentions ego defenses throughout his writings. Many other experts have since added more types of ego defences. Our defence mechanisms act as unconscious strategies to protect ourselves from feelings of fear or guilt, which occur when we feel threatened or when our id and superego become overly demanding. (Part 2 of 3)

Freud (1894, 1896) mentions ego defenses throughout his writings. Many other experts have since added more types of ego defences. Our defence mechanisms act as unconscious strategies to protect ourselves from feelings of fear or guilt, which occur when we feel threatened or when our id and superego become overly demanding. (Part 3 of 3)

We use defence mechanisms to protect ourselves from feelings of anxiety or guilt, which arise when we feel threatened in some way, or when we perceive someone to be bringing our ego under attack.

It's important to note that our defence mechanisms are not under our conscious control and are non-voluntaristic by nature.

Take this reflective 10 question quiz and discover just how well you understand Sigmund Freud's mechanisms of defence.

We will cover all of the core ideas that we have looked at so far in this video, and treat sections one and two of the training course as the foundation on which the remainder of this course will stand.

“There is no cure and no improvement of the world without starting with the individual himself.” – Carl Jung This notion of self-development, according to Jung, is based on the idea that self-awareness is the key to all positive human endeavour and interaction. In this video, Kain will ask a few provoking questions for you to reflect upon.

Most people live within (or very close to) their comfort zones. They'll use self-evaluations to justify their behavior rather than change it. Considering that change often engenders fear, insecurities and other awkward feelings, this is not surprising. As a counsellor, it's essential we learn how to 'check yourself' before you potentially transfer any of your own inaccurate self-perceptions onto those you eventually work with. (Part 1 of 2)

Most people live within (or very close to) their comfort zones. They'll use self-evaluations to justify their behavior rather than change it. Considering that change often engenders fear, insecurities and other awkward feelings, this is not surprising. As a counsellor, it's essential we learn how to 'check yourself' before you potentially transfer any of your own inaccurate self-perceptions onto those you eventually work with. (Part 1 of 2)

When listening to someone else speak, it's common for people to be formulating a reply while the other person is still talking. This and other types of ineffective listening lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication. As counselling practitioners, we certainly need to know what these unhelpful communication roadblocks are. (Part 1 of 3)

When listening to someone else speak, it's common for people to be formulating a reply while the other person is still talking. This and other types of ineffective listening lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication. As counselling practitioners, we certainly need to know what these unhelpful communication roadblocks are. (Part 2 of 3)

When listening to someone else speak, it's common for people to be formulating a reply while the other person is still talking. This and other types of ineffective listening lead to misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication. As counselling practitioners, we certainly need to know what these unhelpful communication roadblocks are. (Part 3 of 3)

The model presented in the following videos is an adaptation from Larry Crabbs contribution towards Christian counselling. In many of Crabbs' books, he asserts that counselling is a relationship between people who care and its goal is to equip people to exercise authenticity and personal freedom. This video explores the L. Crabb counselling model. (Part 1 of 3)

The model presented in the following videos is an adaptation from Larry Crabbs contribution towards Christian counselling. In many of Crabbs' books, he asserts that counselling is a relationship between people who care and its goal is to equip people to exercise authenticity and personal freedom. This video explores the L. Crabb counselling model. (Part 2 of 3)

The model presented in the following videos is an adaptation from Larry Crabbs contribution towards Christian counselling. In many of Crabbs' books, he asserts that counselling is a relationship between people who care and its goal is to equip people to exercise authenticity and personal freedom. This video explores the L. Crabb counselling model. (Part 3 of 3)

This lecture is designed to help students better understand and interact with people. Understanding people requires that we draw insight from other cultures and encourage those who are different from us to bring upon and share their experiences. Every attempt to help people must first begin with an effort to understand people

Life and death are two sides of the same coin. Life is the part which exists between birth and death of a human being. Every person has a particular role to play when they come on the stage of the world and depart after their purpose is over. Have you ever considered what life and death mean to you? It's very possible that many counselling clients won't have done so.

It’s not uncommon to struggle with motivation. For most people, motivation is fleeting; it comes, then goes and leaves people forever longing for more. But how might people experience life differently if they only understood the difference between positive and negative motivation? (Part 1 of 2)

It’s not uncommon to struggle with motivation. For most people, motivation is fleeting; it comes, then goes and leaves people forever longing for more. But how might people experience life differently if they only understood the difference between positive and negative motivation? (Part 2 of 2)

In theory, evidence-informed practice makes perfect sense. Sometimes an approach will make sense to us on a rational 'head' level, but not regarding the practical application of it. The challenge we all have as practising (or aspiring) counsellors are putting theory into practice. Here, we'll look at how to start putting principles into practice. (Part 1 of 2)

In this demonstration deconstruction, Kain and Karen will have a discussion about any insights Karen gained from being guided through the previous demonstration

The reality we experience each day is mostly determined by what happens inside our heads. This means that everyone can experience a given situation differently. It’s our subjective perceptions that determine how we view everything we experience. We often manipulate information to create our reality, based on our beliefs and past experiences. (Part 1 of 2)

The reality we experience each day is mostly determined by what happens inside our heads. This means that everyone can experience a given situation differently. It’s our subjective perceptions that determine how we view everything we experience. We often manipulate information to create our reality, based on our beliefs and past experiences. (Part 2 of 2)

Modern counselling and forms of psychotherapy provide clients with options for addressing different kinds of psychological distress. This section provides some background on a few of the different types of counselling and psychotherapy available today.

For many people, Counselling is an invitation to explore a philosophical way of looking at life with its inevitable emphasis on goals, values and virtues. An attempt to separate reflective practice from attributes would lead to an impoverished image of counselling. In this video we discuss the philosophical underpinnings of counselling practice.

Martin Buber is well-known for his book 'I and Thou' his philosophy of dialogue. Buber viewed human existence as grounded in relationships. However, in spite of his view of humans being mainly relational, his ideas have ironically received little attention in family theory and research. In this video, we will take a closer look at Buber.

Humanism is the school of psychological thinking which advocates the notion that all people have the capacity to grow, mature and develop in responsibility and character. This means that all patterns of emotion and behaviour can be modified by those who are ready to mature as human beings. Let’s explore the conditions necessary for this to happen. Part 1 of 2.

Humanism is the school of psychological thinking which advocates the notion that all people have the capacity to grow, mature and develop in responsibility and character. This means that all patterns of emotion and behaviour can be modified by those who are ready to mature as human beings. Let’s explore the conditions necessary for this to happen. Part 2 of 2.

A. Maslow's hierarchy is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve specific needs and that some needs take precedence over others. This video explains this model in detail. (Part 1 of 2)

A. Maslow's hierarchy is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow (1943, 1954) stated that people are motivated to achieve specific needs and that some needs take precedence over others. This video explains this model in detail. (Part 2 of 2)

Reflecting on and identifying core values can be a valuable exercise for us, as counsellors, and our clients to invest time into. A wise man once said that we'll never understand the reasons why people do and say the things they do until we know the reasons why we say and do the things we do for ourselves.

Transactional Analysis is a tool for positive change and growth. It can be used in therapy for the individual concerned or on a more surface level for problem-solving in everyday life. TA is the study of how people learn specific behaviours from others, then continue to play them out in their adult lives. In this video, we'll unpack and explore the TA concept of Ego States.

The personality for Transactional Analysis, for Berne, is based on the recognition of three entirely different ego states, explicitly called the Parent, Adult and Child. An ego state for Berne is: ‘a system of feelings accompanied by a related set of behaviour patterns.’ This video explores the relevance of this idea to our everyday life (or that of others).

Ego states are a pattern of thinking, feeling and behaviour. Berne’s tripartite model is an explanation of three main events that happen to all of us - childhood, the development of rational, logical thinking and exposure to parental or significant others’ influence. In this video, Kain will deconstruct the demonstration that was previously carried out with Karen.

Countertransference, which occurs when a therapist transfers emotions to a person in therapy, is often a reaction to transference, a phenomenon in which the person in treatment redirects some feelings they have for another person onto the therapist. The parallel process is when a therapist becomes fully involved in his client's story for relatability reasons.

In this video, Kain remains on the theme of Phenomenology and the transactional analysis approach to therapy, and shares a few metaphoric stories to demonstrate how we can all fall victim to harsh judgements and inaccurate misconceptions.

Moving from point A to point B when moving forward in life or quitting a compulsive habit can be easier for some and naturally harder for others. As counsellors, if we understand the typical stages of change, we can encourage our clients about 'where they are' as they continue putting effort into the changes they envision themselves making. (Part 1 of 2)

Moving from point A to point B when moving forward in life or quitting a compulsive habit can be easier for some and naturally harder for others. As counsellors, if we understand the typical stages of change, we can encourage our clients about 'where they are' as they continue putting effort into the changes they envision themselves making. (Part 2 of 2)

It’s OK to depend on someone else some of the time. In healthy relationships, two people comfortably rely on the other person for support, understanding, and help. The presence of each other adds something positive to both lives. In fact, a more proper name could be interdependency, and this is a very good thing. This video explores. (Part 1 of 2)

Who are you? Have you ever considered what the honest answer is to that question? In the middle of the night, when you are alone, how would you define 'you'? This is an important consideration because when life gets 'seemingly' out of control, and our centre has been lost, there must be a a unique reference point to which we return. (Part 1 of 2)

Who are you? Have you ever considered what the honest answer is to that question? In the middle of the night, when you are alone, how would you define 'you'? This is an important consideration because when life gets 'seemingly' out of control, and our centre has been lost, there must be a unique reference point to which we return. (Part 2 of 2)

The most important information we can use to read a person, is that person's behaviour. Words lie, but behaviours don't. People's behaviours are the only thing we as counselling practitioners can observe. Anything else is mind reading. We cannot enter the other person's mind, and it is, therefore, essential to calibrate on behaviour.

Counselling theory is the foundation and framework for any practice. Applying theory in an instructional design environment is crucial to ensure that learning occurs and can be assessed and measured. This video contains a demonstration session.

This video discussion is in response to the exercise that was carried out in the previous lecture's demonstration. Prepare yourself to take plenty of notes!

We know self-awareness is important, but how do you develop it? And, what’s the use? This video will offer some important introspection questions for you to consider. (Part 1 of 2.)

We know self-awareness is important, but how do you develop it? And, what’s the use? This video will offer some important introspection questions for you to consider. (Part 2 of 2.)

Thoughts exert a powerful influence on your life. Uninvestigated thoughts provide the emotional fuel for anger, anxiety, depression and unhealthy behaviours. It is wise to regularly investigate our thoughts, to ask ourselves whether they line up with what is helpful for us.

Thoughts exert a powerful influence on our life. It's wise to regularly investigate our thoughts and ask ourselves whether they line up with what is helpful for us. In this video Kain will demonstrate a model we can use for evaluating the calibre of a person's thought life.

For decades, the human brain has been compared to a computer and the only way the human experience can unfold is from the inside-out. No exceptions. The system only works one way. And the clarity of our seeing this underpins the way in which we handle every situation in our lives. This video contains a cognitive model taken from CBT.

People often believe that the emotions they experience are determined by external events they have no control over. If we become aware of the process that links an external situation to our emotional responses, we can acknowledge the steps between what happens outside of us, and what consequently happens on the inside of us. This video is part 1 of 2 videos.

People often believe that the emotions they experience are determined by external events they have no control over. If we become aware of the process that links an external situation to our emotional responses, we can acknowledge the steps between what happens outside of us, and what consequently happens on the inside of us. This video is part 2 of 2 videos.