what are the likely interview questions for introductory to counselling course

[Ubah69]

Hi All,

I was delighted when I found this site.

I am hopefully starting a course in counselling with the introduction to counselling skills, then level 2 in counselling skills.

What kind of questions are asked at the interview. i am so nervous, as I completed my first Degree in Sociology as far back as 1998 and have worked in 2 LB Councils in the Revenue sections dealing with service charges and major work.

Can anyone give me an idea the kind of questions asked

Thanks in Advance
Ubah69

[Jenny]

Hello

:welcome: to the forum.. I'm glad that you found the forum too.

I have completed levels 1 and 2 in counselling skills and think I remember being interviewed, but for the life of me cannot remember what questions they asked. I'd imagine they'll ask questions such as why you're interested in counselling or similar really.. they wouldn't be there to catch you out but more just to gauge your interest in the subject.

Hopefully someone else will be a little more helpful than me but really just wanted to reply and welcome you to the forum. When is your interview? Hope it goes well :)

Jenny x

[Ubah69]

Thanks Jenny,

The interview is on 14 March 2012. I was expecting an interview for Introduction to Counselling first, instead I received an interview for intermediate counselling skills.

Any advise and help will be welcome

Regards
Ubah69

[Star]

Hi there!

Its a hard question to answer as of course different tutors will place importance on different things..

I recall being asked why I wanted to do the course. I guess saying because I want a high flying career and to make lots of money probably isn't the ideal answer. :happyno: So maybe share a bit of yourself..tell them about why it matters to you...what it means.

They may be interested to know how emotionally robust you are because many counsellors may have come into counselling because of having experienced it themselves which is normal however counselling courses do stir up emotions and so whilst we all have stuff in our lives it is hoped you are in a safe place emotionally to cope with the course.

I would imagine they are more intersted in your way of being and relating to others more than how smart you are or what you already know about counselling. My advise is to try and stay calm and to just be yourself. Thats enough for anyone to be getting on with in a stressful situation!

Also remember that they are not trying to catch you out..tutors are often counsellors and so they are generally nice people who do really understand an interview can be stressful for any of us. Don't forget that you are the paying customer too.. you are buying their course and so you might want to ask them a few questions. Like..is there homework? How much? That always throws me..when they say and have you any questions? So perhaps think of one before you go..

Still..if you really want to wow them or just want some knowledge before you start here are some other ideas..


Find out who some key figures in counselling are..

Freud - Psychoanalytical
Jung - Transpersonal
Rogers - Person Centred
Perls - Gestalt
Yalom - Existential
Beck - Cognitive
Ellis - Behavioural


Read Pete Sanders first steps in counselling as that will help in understanding what counselling entails and serve as an introduction to the different theorists and models.


Look up the Ethical Framework on the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) counselling website and within that document you will find the basic principles and moral qualities that are expected of a counsellor.

Empathy: the ability to communicate understanding of another person’s experience from that person’s perspective.

Sincerity: a personal commitment to consistency between what is professed and what is done.

Integrity: commitment to being moral in dealings with others, personal straightforwardness, honesty and coherence.

Resilience: the capacity to work with the client’s concerns without being personally diminished.

Respect: showing appropriate esteem to others and their understanding of themselves.

Humility: the ability to assess accurately and acknowledge one’s own strengths and weaknesses.

Competence: the effective deployment of the skills and knowledge needed to do what is required.

Fairness: the consistent application of appropriate criteria to inform decisions and actions.

Wisdom: possession of sound judgement that informs practice.

Courage: the capacity to act in spite of known fears, risks and uncertainty.



Finally if you can show them you have an interest in the subject and more importantly that you genuinely care about people and can demonstrate just some of the above qualities then you wont go far wrong..

Oh and the key skill of a counsellor is attentive LISTENING so be absolutely sure you do plenty of that too!!

:cheer:

Absolutely best of luck..


regards
Star

[Ubah69]

THANK YOU SO MUCH STAR.

AT LEAST, AM MORE CONFIDENT NOW.

HOPE TO SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN

Regards
Ubah69