'This book is a superb reference for counselling skills trainers and students. It presents practical key skills that are described and discussed clearly and concisely' - Dr Margaret E Smith, Programme Leader, University of Derby 'This Third Edition interestingly adds two relevant sub-themes to its impressive range of subject matter. The text offers a sound, practical and accessible introduction that serves to ground the purpose, application and practice of counselling skills' - Gerry Skelton, Social Work and Counselling educator, trainer and practitioner Introduction to Counselling Skills, Third Edition is designed to help readers acquire and develop the counselling skills key to effective helping relationships, using an easy-to-follow, three-stage model. Richard Nelson-Jones details each stage in the helping process, using examples to demonstrate counselling skills in a variety of contexts. Showing how skills work in practice and the diversity of issues they can help to address, this book covers: " what counselling skills are " improving listening skills " assessing feelings, thinking and communication " improving thinking skills and communication skills " conducting sessions " ethical issues. For the Third Edition, Introduction to Counselling Skills has been fully updated, adding new material on relaxation techniques and managing crises. Combining a clear explanation of skills with a host of practical activities, this is the ideal text for introductory courses in counselling skills, counselling and other professional areas including health care, management, education and social work. Richard Nelson-Jones is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the BACP. He divides his time between London and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION Who Are Counsellors And Helpers? Creating Communication Skills and Feelings Creating Mind Skills The Counselling and Helping Process The Counselling and Helping Relationship PART TWO: THE RELATING STAGE Understanding the Internal Frame of Reference Showing Attention and Interest Reflecting Feelings Starting the Counselling and Helping Process Managing Resistances and Making Referrals PART THREE: THE UNDERSTANDING STAGE Asessing Feelings and Physical Reactions Assessing Thinking Assessing Communication and Actions Challenges, Feedback and Self-Disclosing Monitoring, Summarizing and Identifying Skills PART FOUR: THE CHANGING STAGE Helping to Solve Problems Coaching Skills: Speaking, Demonstrating and Rehearsing Improving Communication and Actions Improving Thinking Negotiating Homework Conducting Middle Sessions Terminating Counselling and Helping PART FIVE: FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS Relaxation Interventions Managing Crises Diversity in Counselling and Helping Ethical Issues and Dilemmas Training Groups and Supervision Counselling Theory and Research Becoming More Skilled and Human