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University of Edinburgh
 

The Accidental Counsellor: supporting others in additional support needs work

Presented on Monday, 23rd April 2018

Content

Staff often find themselves cast in the role of the 'accidental counsellor' to colleagues and parents. This can leave staff feeling unsure how best to respond. During this course there were opportunities to explore and better understand:

  • issues underlying parent and staff anxieties and challenges;
  • options for helpful responding: theory and practice;
  • how to address the expectations of others.

The course had a practical focus, including opportunities both to explore typical situations and to practice different approaches. A range of participants experience allowed opportunities to share and deepen skill sets.

Part 1: The Roots of Challenge

  • Common emotional responses: Anxiety, shame, anger and fear.
  • Challenging values, attitudes and actions
  • 4 options for responding - and what we know doesn't help
  • Intentions vs Perceptions: The unique nature of experiencing

Part 2: The Core Conditions of a Helping Relationship

  • Principles of a Person-Centred approach: The self-concept and autonomy. Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence: Why they are necessary - and the inevitable tensions.

Part 3: Emotionally literate responding

  • Active listening; clarifying issues; 'doing with' approaches (problem-solving, solution-focused and restorative)

Part 4: Boundaries matter

  • Expectations and role-clarity
  • Individual and organisational responsibilities
  • Revisiting the 4 options for responding

Participants said:

"Interesting, practical, good balance of information and active participation."

"Theory and practical information to apply to real situations."

[I will] "Be more confident in difficult situations with parents, and a better listener."

Target Audience

All those who work with and support the parents and school staff of children with additional support needs including visual impairment and deafness.

Presenter

Richard Hendry, ASN Consultant Trainer

Programme

10.10 am The Roots of Challenge

11.15 am The Core Conditions of a Helping Relationship

1.15 pm Emotionally literate responding

2.15 pm Boundaries matter

3.15 pm Course Summary

3.30 pm Course Evaluation and close