Introduction

This unit is designed to introduce you to the communication skills used in effective counselling practice. You will learn about the communication process, microskills, specialist counselling interview skills, and how to ensure effective counselling communication practice.

Unit Purpose

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use advanced interpersonal communication skills to facilitate the client-counsellor relationship in a counselling practice.

Overview of Sections

Section 1: An Introduction to Effective Communication This section of the Study Guide will provide you with an introduction to effective communication, including the kinds of communication barriers you might encounter and how to overcome them. You will also learn about how learning styles can affect communication.

Section 2: Microskills and the Counselling Interview In this section, you will learn more about the keys skills that you will need in order to communicate effectively with a client and create a successful therapeutic relationship in the context of the counselling interview.

Section 3: Specialist Counselling Communication Skills In this section of the Study Guide, you learn how to appropriately use specialist counselling skills such as challenging, focusing, and reframing. You will learn how to use these skills to enhance client development and growth.

Section 4: Counselling Practice In this section of the Study Guide you will learn more about effective counselling practice, including the importance of self-reflection and its role in skill and self-development as well as issues of note taking.