Includes bibliographical references (p. 231-234) and index.

Introducing you to our book -- Introducing you to our Relational Skills Model (RSM) -- Our teaching structure -- Introducing you to reflective practice -- Introducing you to the learning partner relationship -- 1.The skill of communicating -- The skill of communicating -- Defining the terminology -- The differences between counselling and counselling skills -- Embedding counselling skills -- The theoretical underpinnings and existing models -- The Relational Skills Model -- 2.Setting up the relationship -- Building rapport -- Setting the climate -- Attending and listening skills -- Barriers to active listening -- Non-verbal communication -- Contracting -- Setting up the learning partner relationship -- 3.Developing the relationship -- Phrases that help/hinder communication -- Paraphrasing -- Summarising -- Identifying and reflecting feelings, content and meaning -- Asking questions -- Contents note continued: 4.Working with the relationship -- The skill of challenging -- Confronting -- Use of immediacy -- Use of self-disclosure -- Use of silence -- Clarifying -- Reassessing -- Probing -- Giving feedback and sharing information -- 5.The established relationship -- Working empathically -- Focusing -- Use of metaphor and hunches -- Drawing together themes -- Clarifying and developing goals -- Action planning -- 6.Maintaining the relationship -- The nature of change -- Theory of change and change models -- Resistance to change and systems awareness -- Maintaining change and ending the relationship -- 7.Deepening your understanding -- The powerful tool of counselling skills -- Working within your competencies -- Working across difference and diversity -- Introduction to transactional analysis and the ego-state model -- Dealing with difficult clients -- Getting it wrong and accountability -- 8.Becoming a reflexive practitioner -- How do we learn? -- Contents note continued: What do we mean by reflective/reflexive? -- How can we understand ourselves better? -- The levels of reflection -- Applying a model of reflection to our case work -- Conclusion -- Future learning -- Further reading -- Appendix 1 The Relational Skills Model -- Appendix 2 The qualities of a helper -- Appendix 3 Skills sheet -- Appendix 4a Working with the relationship (Video Clip 4d) (blank transcript) -- Appendix 4b Working with the relationship (Video Clip 4d) (completed transcript) -- Appendix 5 Blank milestone table -- Appendix 6 Prejudices and judgements -- Appendix 7 Session to critique --- Janie and Becky (Video Clip 7a) -- Appendix 8 Boniface levels of reflection -- Appendix 9 Gibbs framework for reflection.

"Embedding Counselling and Communication Skills provides step-by-step learning for those looking to gain theoretical and practical understanding of using counselling and communication skills within the helper role and explores how to apply these skills in the context of professional practice. Becky Midwinter and Janie Dickson introduce the reader to a new Relational Skills model which demonstrates the phases of relationship development. The authors show what happens within each phase and identify how and when to use skills appropriately. Learning is brought alive through the use of online unscripted video clip sessions of a real helper/client relationship giving the reader opportunities and encouragement to reflect and evaluate their learning. Written in a clear and accessible teaching style, Embedding Counselling and Communication Skills progresses through the 'initial helper' communication skills that are used in everyday life, to the more complex and in-depth counselling skills required in a helper relationship. Knowledge of reflective practice, aspects of the relationship and how to manage change ensures the text considers the full range of general and specific skills and abilities required in a helper role situation, whilst the supporting online material is an invaluable tool to deepen and embed the theoretical understanding; practical application and self-reflection. This book will be an essential resource for students taking an introductory counselling skills course and qualified professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge of embedding counselling skills into their work and practice"--