Learning to Counsel: How to Develop the Skills, Insight and Knowledge to Counsel Others

Drawing on their numerous years experience as counselors, tutors, and writers, Jan Sutton and William Stewart introduce readers to the basic principles that underpin counseling practice. Written in a clear, concise and jargon-free style, and with its wealth of case studies, examples of skills in practice, and practical exercises, this new edition is an ideal text for those embarking on a counseling or psychotherapy course, trainee counselors, counseling tutors to use in training, professionals working in the area of health care, management and education, and counselors working in the voluntary sector. It provides insight into various counseling approaches; clarifies the nature of counseling and the role of the counselor, and assists readers to develop a repertoire of key counseling skills and qualities, such as active listening, genuineness, unconditional positive regard, empathy, goal-setting, etc. The book also addresses the important issues of ongoing supervision to enhance counseling practice, and counselor self-care to reduce the risk of burnout.

William Stewart is the author of many books on counseling and had been distance learning tutor for the Institute of Counselling, Glasgow since 1992. Jan Sutton is an experienced counselor, trainer, and author of several books covering self-harm, counseling skills, and stress management.