Personal Development Groups for Trainee Counsellors: An Essential Companion

Personal development (PD) groups are a key feature of many counsellor training programmes. Personal Development Groups for Trainee Counsellors: An Essential Companion is a comprehensive and accessible study guide written by experienced tutors and lecturers to support students with their PD group work and other personal development activities, helping students to get the most out of these experiences.

This essential resource is aimed primarily at those who are new to counsellor training. It will also be useful for anyone who wants to understand more about the nature of PD groups and how these can be used effectively. Case studies, questions and activities encourage readers to reflect on different topics and on themselves, including looking at how to improve self-care and how mindfulness can help. The book looks at the historical background to PD groups; how they can be used effectively, and also real-life experiences from both tutors and recent students. Other chapters invite the reader to develop their self-awareness through gaining an understanding of how ethics, relationships and identity are developed. There is a discussion about the merits or otherwise of mandatory personal therapy for trainees and also a discussion about the use of supervision. Finally, other important aspects of personal development are discussed including personal therapy, supervision, self-care and mindfulness.

Personal Development Groups for Trainee Counsellors will be of use to counsellor trainees on undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas to introduce them to PD groups and other essential activities. It will also be highly informative to those who are on counselling certificate courses to introduce them to aspects of personal development, as well as for tutors to support them in their work as PD group facilitators.

Jayne Godward is a Person-Centred Counsellor and Supervisor, who has been teaching and leading counselling courses in HE and FE since 1993. She has facilitated personal development groups since 2006. Jayne is a co-director of Yorkshire Counselling Training, working with students on the CPCAB L3 Certificate, L4 Diploma and L6 Certificate in Supervision courses.

Heather Dale is a Senior Practising Counsellor and Psychotherapist and is a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Higher Education Academy. Alongside her private practice she has taught counselling courses at all levels, from complete beginners, to those studying for postgraduate degrees. She also writes and presents on ethical issues within the profession, such as the making of contracts, fitness to practice and charging for counselling.

Carole Smith is a Gestalt Psychotherapist working in private practice and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield. She has been a counselling and psychotherapy trainer, supervisor and consultant for many years, and currently working as UKCP Trainer/Supervisor for the Manchester Gestalt Centre.