Wednesday, May 29, 2013
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | $175 (students $87.50)
Instructor: Sue Gallagher, MSW, RSW

Do you work in a role where counselling is not your primary focus, but where you are often required to assist, advise or counsel? This workshop is designed for people like you who find themselves assisting clients, students, patients, the public etc. with brief counselling and referral. The focus is on general counselling principles and skills and the integration of these into practice. The workshop will use lecture, role play and case studies as a way of engaging participants in the acquisition of practical skills. Participants can expect to actively participate in this course.

Throughout the day participants will:

• become familiar with a variety of individual counselling skills
• practice those skills through role play, observation and coaching
• gain an understanding about ethical and professional issues involved with the counselling process

Specific aspects of the program include:

• principles and ethics of counselling
• empathy and assessing needs
• contracting and goal settings
• solution focused interventions
• diversity and cultural issues
• crisis intervention
• self-care and knowing when to refer

This workshop will be of interest to those working in a variety of human services including healthcare providers, educators, social workers, social service workers, police and law enforcement personnel, residential staff and those considering careers in the helping professions.