Colleagues at work sometimes need confidential and private support from a trusted colleague, or friend. This may be because he or she may be experiencing stress at work or at home, have personal problems that are impacting upon their work, be experiencing work difficulties, or may have been recently bereaved and be finding it hard to cope. In these times of difficulty it is helpful to be able to turn to someone who can offer effective support because they have counselling skills - someone who knows their personal, and professional boundaries, rather than someone who may be well-meaning but ineffective.

This practical course, based on sound counselling theory, is designed to equip delegates with the basic knowledge and skills to enable them to support others in challenging circumstances whilst looking after themselves.

• Explain what counselling is and what it is not
• Use a simple model to manage and structure a counselling meeting
• Understand how to create the right atmosphere, put people at ease and establish rapport
• Understand the difference between sympathy and empathy
• Demonstrate the ability to listen actively
• Understand the difference between support and advice and know when to refer a member of staff on to a suitable counselling support agency
• Develop a range of methods, tools and approaches to help with counselling in a work environment
• Develop a person action plan to support your development back at work

This is an ideal introduction for managers, team leaders, HR practitioners and indeed anyone who will carry out workplace counselling as part of their job. It is essential that all participants attend voluntarily since counselling is a skill which needs to be utilised by those who are committed to it as a way of helping and supporting others.

For further information please call us on 0161 7772510 or alternatively email our training team