Certificate in counselling skills Weekly learning review Today’s first part of the lesson was based on Advanced Empathy, we got into pairs then we each briefly described an issue and discuss the action implication of these insights, it was a very interesting thing to discuss. Again I worked with someone that I’ve never worked with before so it gave me a better experience of listening especially to someone that I don’t know and the fact I was trusted by my peer to reveal her issue with such confidence and allow me to give my views and comments.
I also felt comfortable enough to discuss my issue and get a different perspective from how I would deal with the situation which again helped me think of different solutions. The second part was working in our triads for the second week, for me the triads are going very well as I like feeling at ease as I don’t like to let people know my issues, problems or circumstances without knowing you for quite a long time and even then I’m always very sceptical, but this time feels different. I’m looking forward to the next sessions.
What did you learn from any of the exercises set? For example, pair work, skills, group exercises and discussions. Include your thoughts and feelings. From the exercises I learnt different ways on how to deal with situations in different ways as I’m not very good at confrontation so I tend to leave things rather than question or find out more in depth in order to help us deal with it in the appropriate manner. This tends to cause me a lot of trouble in the long run because by the time, I decide to challenge a situation it has gone too far for me to catch up.
I also learnt how badly I want to pass his course and move onto the higher level so I can complete the counselling course and get my qualification, as this is definitely the career for me. What did you learn from any feedback offered by either your peers or tour tutor? This also includes self-review of skills, identifying strengths and areas to work on. You may attach skills feedback and self review where applicable. The feedback I received was very helpful for me, as it helped me look in my inner self and realise I should deal with situations in different ways.
I was told I am sometimes too hard on myself, and I should take time out for myself rather than worrying about other people’s feelings. I totally agree with this, as when it comes to helping others I am totally weak in saying no, and this sometimes brings pressure on myself, as once I am aware of a situation someone is facing i take it on as my own trouble, which i try to avoid so i can concentrate on myself a bit more and ensure i am ok before deciding to take on other pressures from someone else.
Give one or two examples of how you apply the knowledge and/or skills learned to your own personal development and relationship with others. Every week when i get feedback i use it to the best of my advantage as its the only way to learn from any mistakes or to better my strengths. I apply the knowledge by reading over my work or any notes i have received and better my knowledge in any subject we discuss in class or anywhere else, by doing this i can only get better both mentally and practically. This is often shown through group work or my weekly reviews or through my day to life.
I also remain the same calm person throughout situations this tends to get very good results both professionally and socially, which helps me build very good relationships. I feel this is very important especially in the kind of environment we live in now, so i will continue to move forward and achieve any goals on the way. What else have you learnt about yourself? I have learnt that i need to be a much stronger individual especially in the social aspect; otherwise people will continue to take advantage of my kind nature to benefit themselves.
I also learnt i must take more time out for me rather than trying to solve problems that are not mine, i am also learning to listen more before making suggestions, comments or making judgements about anything or anyone. I am also enjoying my triads alot which i didn’t think i would but i have proved myself wrong. I still need to work on my question asking and more paraphrasing but i am working on this, it is my goal and i want to achieve it. Through the years i have learnt you can only learn through your mistakes, so any positive critiscm i receive i will take it and polish my skills and knowledge.
