Course Resources Archive

This module introduces counselling skills and examines the importance of interpersonal skills within care settings. Emphasis is placed upon one-to-one communication, both in relation to facilitating learning and communicating with a range of stakeholder(s) / groups. It considers the challenges presented by diversity, mental ill health and youth.

This module will cover the following topics:

• An overview of communication theory;
• The function of communication in relation to health, community and social care delivery;
• The barriers to effective communication;
• The nature of a helping relationship and face-to-face work;
• The interview process;
• The provision of support and guidance;
• The use of basic counselling skills within a helping relationship – active listening, para-phrasing, summarising etc
• Problem solving models – Egan, Nelson-Jones;
• Signs and symptoms of mental ill health and the major categories of mental illness
• The limits of helping and referral to psychological services or to management;
• Diversity, young people and the helping relationship.

i. Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of the module the students should be able to:
a) Critically reflect on the interactional nature of communication and barriers to effective communication;
b) Analyse the components of a helping relationship;
c) identify the signs of mental ill health and the major categories of mental ill health;
d) Critically reflect on the limits of the helping relationship including those where referral to other agencies is appropriate;
e) Analyse and select different communication approaches necessary for effective access to, and acquisition of, support and guidance;
f) Recognise the importance of individual social and cultural differences and youth when planning and implementing helping activities.

ii. Skills
On successful completion of the module the students should be able to:
a) Demonstrate advanced communication skills;
b) Work with diverse individuals and groups

Staff student contact circa 20% (to include: lectures, groupwork, group tutorials, individual tutorial)
Student independent study circa 80% (to include video and assignment preparation)

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.