Counselling in Mental Health (3 days)*

Mention Counselling in Mental Health and most people dive for cover! “But this cannot be done….these people are far too fragile” some will protest.
Whilst it is true that many people with a Mental Health diagnosis may indeed not fit the criteria for Psychotherapy or Counselling, there are many who would benefit enormously. Some of the reluctance to offer listening services to people has probably more to do with the fear of the helper than any fragility of the service user.
This course explores the nature and function of the Counselling process and how skills can ‘safely’ be adapted to provide appropriate support to people with Mental Health needs.

Please note that it is possible to provide a two day version for those with previous Mental Health training.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• What is meant by ‘Counselling’, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Active Listening’
• The difference between the three
• Different theoretical approaches-what is meant by:
        -Analytical
        -Humanistic
        -Behavioural
• What the assumptions are that underpin Analytical theories
• The criteria for access to Analytical Psychotherapies
• How a Behaviourist approach would be inappropriate in the current context
• The key characteristics of Humanistic approaches-the core philosophy that underpins all Humanistic approaches
• The active listening skills that may be utilised with any of these approaches:
        -The use of non-verbal communication
        -The use of Paraverbals
        -The use of questions
        -The use of Paraphrasing
        -Reflective listening
• The work of Carl Rogers
• The 3 Core Conditions for growth
• The use of Empathy and Advanced Empathy
• Person Centred Counselling adapted to the Mental Health context
• Holding appropriate boundaries
• Staying within the Job Description
• Knowing one’s personal and professional limitations
• When to ‘refer on’
• Common barriers to effective listening
• Overcoming these barriers
• Additional barriers presented and experienced by people with Mental Health needs. To include:
        -Poor concentration
        -Hearing voices
        -Fear
        -Low mood
        -Effects of medication
        -Restlessness
        -Different perceptions
        etc.
• How to form an appropriate working alliance with service users and work in harmony with their experience
• How to work with ‘Delusions’
• How to work with people who are hearing voices

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Large and small group work
• Role Play
• Video presentation
• Feedback
• Word shower method
• Chalk & Talk
• Pairs and triads work
• Demonstrations
• OHP/PowerPoint

CP54/4.9