Introduction to Counselling
| Course Code | SSWR-105 |
|---|---|
| Lecture hours per week | 3 |
| Lab hours per week | |
| Course Availability | Open |
| Description | This course introduces students to the foundational principles, theories, and practical skills of counselling in social service work. Through experiential activities such as role-plays, case studies, guided practice, and reflective exercises, students will develop essential helping skills, including active listening, focusing, nonverbal communication, questioning techniques, summarization, building rapport, and ethical use of self. Grounded in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive approaches, the course emphasizes how personal values, social identities, and systemic factors influence helping relationships. Students will explore strategies for building collaborative, respectful, and professional connections with clients, while also examining the opportunities and challenges that technology introduces into communication. Attention is given to ethical decision-making, boundaries, confidentiality, and the responsibilities of the helping role. By engaging in ongoing self-reflection, learners will begin to shape a professional identity rooted in integrity, client-centred practice, and a commitment to continuous growth. |