A method of teaching counselling

The major part of one section of a teaching-methods course for general practitioner teachers (Harris et al., 1976) was concerned with teaching counselling skills. This paper describes the methods used to do so, in the setting of a residential course lasting for only a few days. The functions and objectives of counselling are defined, and the counselling process is divided into six stages which are reflected in the organization of the teaching. Five specific skills required are isolated, to clarify the teaching and to permit assessment of the members' learning. Three roles in a counselling interview are described, and members work in trios where they experience each of these roles. The problems at which the members work have to be real and unresolved problems in their own lives. Some conclusions are offered, drawn from the writers' experience and from the evaluation and assessment techniques employed.