Basic Counselling (Short Course)

National Code: HUM117
Campus: Warrnambool
Study Mode: Short Course
Enquiries: Contact the Course Coordinator on (03) 5564 8911
Email:info@swtafe.vic.edu.au
Study Area: Health and Community Services

Overall Aim
The aim of the course is to provide participants with the skills necessary for basic level counselling.
This is very much a practical course. It will focus on training in, and the practical application of, a number of interpersonal skills that form the basis of counselling (and are very useful in a wide range of other relationships).
Each session will focus on a specific counselling skill; will explain and demonstrate how and when the counsellor uses the skill, provide you with an opportunity to ask questions/offer comments, then you will be practising the skill under our supervision. Over half the time in each session will be devoted to practice.
We do, however encourage you to be realistic in your expectations of this course. This course is an introduction to counselling skills. While you can learn the basic skills of counselling in a few weeks, to become a fully experienced and trained counsellor takes many years.
On completion of the basic counselling course you should have the necessary skills to provide basic level counselling and be able to provide valuable support and understanding to others in their time of need.

Specific Objectives
WHO WOULD THIS COURSE SUIT ?
Many of us are asked at some time to help other people - when they experience personal hardship, sickness, death, separation or divorce, family problems, unemployment, career decisions, or any other of life’s tragedies.
For some people basic counselling skills are almost essential. Those working in education, health, the public service, administration etc. regularly talk with people in need. Similarly, parents of teenagers, those with troubled neighbours / friends / families or those interested in finding a job in the welfare areas, would find this course particularly useful. No previous training or experience is necessary. We begin by assuming that you know very little about counselling. A Certificate of Attendance will be issued on completion of the course.

Course Content
Body language in communication
Helping other to feel comfortable
Helping other to talk more openly and
Developing better listening and
observation skills
Responding verbally - what to say, what not to say
Building trust and empathy
Clarifying and understanding the feelings of others
Helpful and unhelpful questioning
Mixed messages in communication
Steps in the counselling process
Exploring possible solutions to a problem
Ethics and responsibility in helping others
Role of the professional counsellor

Course Commencement
Warrnambool Campus
5 October - 16 November 2009
6.00pm - 9.00pm

Course Costs
$350.00
Full payment is required at the time of enrolment, which should be at least one week prior to course commencement. If course is cancelled due to insufficient enrolments a full refund will be made. If a participant cancels, one week’s notice prior to course commencement date must be given for a full refund to be made.

How to Enrol
Contact the Course Coordinator on (03) 5564 8911 or email info@swtafe.vic.edu.au

Students with Disabilities
Assistance is available for students with disabilities. Contact the Disability Support Coordinator on (03) 5564 8964. Appointments can be made through reception.