The Accidental Counsellor: supporting others in additional support needs work

Presented on Thursday, 14th November 2019 at Fairview School, Perth

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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. Course participants had 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, with opportunities both to explore typical situations and to practice different approaches.

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Presenter

Richard Hendry, ASN Consultant Trainer

Programme

10.10 am The Roots of Challenge Richard Hendry

  • 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

11.15 am 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.

1.15 pm Emotionally literate responding

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

2.15 pm Boundaries matter

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

3.15 pm Course Summary

3.45 pm Course Evaluation and close