This is a one-day workshop suitable for counsellors, supervisors and counsellor-managers seeking to explore client assessment and encourage safer practice. It is part of the “Continuing Professional Development for Counselling and Supervision” programme being prepared by Ruach, and is aimed at people who already offer counselling as individuals or part of a practice.

Recommended reading material for this course may be purchased from the Ruach Therapy online shop at Amazon UK.

What is this workshop about?

• Initial client assessment - a theoretical and practical exploration of first impressions, history taking, basic risk assessment and suitable contracting.
• Ongoing client assessment - understanding and basic assessment of mental distress in both the client and counsellor.
• Poor assessment and counselling failures - what is happening when things go wrong in the counselling room?
• Safer practice - ways of working to protect mental health and encourage successful outcomes for both client and counsellor.

The workshop will provide opportunities for you to confidentially reflect on your work, using interactive learning in small groups and pairs. Counselling training to certificate level is assumed. A basic understanding of psychodynamic principles and practice will be helpful.

Who is this workshop for?

Initial and on-going client assessment is central to safe and successful counselling practice. Have you ever asked yourself the following questions?

• What kind of counsellors and counselling models are suitable for this client?
• What are my limitations as a counsellor?
• Why do my clients often terminate prematurely/get stuck/act out/push boundaries/fail to attend?
• How do I recognise and assess mental instability in a client, and what do I do about it?
• What is happening when the client destabilises me?

If you have ever asked yourself these questions, then this workshop could be for you.

Workshop participants will need to be able to attend all the training sessions within the day and will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion. Please contact ruach to confirm current prices.

Refreshments - please bring your own lunch. Drinks and biscuits will be provided.

Currently planned workshop dates

The next workshop dates will be announced shortly. Please contact us by email or post if you are interested in participating in this or other future courses. Please note that by arrangement these workshops can be hosted at other venues.