vcc.ca
CNSK 1401: Basic Counselling Skills
Effective date
September 2023
Department
Counselling Skills
School
Continuing Studies
Description
This course provides an introduction to effective communication in a helping relationship, and provides an opportunity to assess interest in, and readiness for, working in the counselling field.
Credits
2.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply basic empathy skills to a client-centred approach
- Apply active listening skills in a helping relationship
- Explore own assumptions, values, biases, and beliefs in the context of helping relationships
- Recognize the effects of interpersonal communication skills in the context of helping relationships
- Identify elements of cultural safety in the context of helping relationships
- Explain and apply professional and ethical practice as it applies to the field of counselling
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR will be assessed by the Department according to standardized practice and using one or more of the following components: Challenge Exam, Demonstration, Interview, or External Evaluation.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 39
Total Hours: 39
Total Hours: 39
Instructional Strategies
Lecture, videos, group discussion/work, reflective writing, written practice of skills, readings, practice sessions, transcripts, peer and instructor feedback
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
35 |
Transcript |
|
Assignments |
20 |
Transcript |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Journal, other assignments |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
|
|
Participation |
10 |
Professionalism |
Course topics
- The Helping Relationship (What is Counselling)
- Cultural safety
- Nonverbal Communication
- Introduction to the Practice Sessions
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Active Listening Skills
- Assumptions, Values, and Biases
- Empathy (why we use it and what it is)
- Demonstrating and Applying Empathy
- Opening and Closing Sessions
- Stages of Counselling
- Self-regulation, self-care, and building personal resilience
- Ethics
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.