Introduction to Counselling Theories and Interpersonal Skills

Effective counselling begins with understanding human psychology and mastering compassionate, structured communication. This text-based course introduces you to the core schools of thought in psychotherapy and equips you with foundational interpersonal skills to support others effectively. What you'll learn: - Understand primary theoretical approaches, including Psychodynamic, Person-Centred (Humanistic), and Cognitive Behavioural models - Master essential communication techniques such as active listening, reflection, paraphrasing, and non-judgmental inquiry - Apply ethical standards, confidentiality principles, and healthy professional boundaries in supportive dialogues - Explore modern concepts of trauma-informed awareness and inclusive communication - Practice evaluating real-world conversational scenarios through structured written exercises and reflective prompts The course begins with fundamental terminology, ethical definitions, and the historical context of counselling before moving step-by-step through core theories and practical dialogue strategies. This foundational guide is designed for complete beginners, support workers, and anyone seeking to improve their empathetic communication skills with no prior experience needed. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in counselling principles and communication.