Basic Counseling Skills

This course introduces both Western and Japanese theories of counseling. Participants will learn what it means to counsel others and the techniques for effective counseling. We need a human connection in our lives. It gives us a sense of belonging, purpose, and greater well-being. However in today's world, we have fewer face-to-face interactions and more electronic communication. This affects our ability to express our ideas and feelings clearly and confidently, and can contribute to feelings of stress, isolation, and becoming less connected. Counselors can provide an emotional connection by creating a safe space for the client to discuss their challenges, to express their feelings, and, most of all, help them improve their quality of life. Participants in this course will develop the art of listening, asking the right questions, empathy, and staying present in the counseling session. This aim is to develop your own authentic counseling style. The interactive nature provides the opportunity to apply these counseling skills in role-plays. During these role plays, the instructor will observe and provide feedback on strengths and areas for development. Participants are also expected to self-assess their own counseling skills through a learning journal kept throughout the course. Business leaders, parents, teachers, and anyone else interested in counseling may also benefit from this course.

1. Apply counseling theories for developing that emotional connection.
2. Use powerful questions, active listening, and nonverbal techniques for empathy, developing trust, and creating solutions.
3. Develop your own authentic, professional counseling style.

Those who may wish to enter the counseling field or those currently counseling people in the workplace.
English Level: Advanced

No required textbook

Tom Frengos

Tom Frengos is an author, facilitator, and coach based in Japan. He holds a Masters of Applied Science (Psychology of Coaching), Masters in Education and Honours Bachelor of Psychology. He has delivered workshops on unconscious bias training, cross-cultural management and conflict resolution in Canada, Australia and now Japan. He is currently researching and writing about Wabi Sabi, particularly how it can develop empathy, resilience, and well-being in the workplace.