Course 7: The Accidental Counsellor: supporting others in additional support needs work

Course evaluation summary

Number of Participants: 21
Number of Respondents: 21

Overall Assessment:

Will you do anything differently as a result of today's training?

Use all of the strategies discussed whilst working with parents and colleagues.
Consider my approach in relation to the core conditions – be a better listener without interrupting.
Listen attentively and explore roles - NOT ADVISE straight away (2).
Really think about listening, empathy, congruency.
Possibly a task where you move about – get off your seat etc.
I think this will enhance both professional and personal relationships.
Be a more active listener.
I hope to implement the skills learned.
Meet with my staff more regularly 'professional supervision'. Try to consciously use/demonstrate/ work towards the 3 core conditions.
Try to keep in mind everyone's perception of situations are different.
Practise empathy and sympathising. Links in well with mindfulness practice.
Be a more attentive listener and enable rather than try to solve.
I will pay far more attention to how I listen and react to people.
Manage and structure meetings more clearly.
Further training. Work on some things/try some ideas out.
Able to use what I have learned with work peers and also parents. Able to also reflect on situations and how I can act differently.
Lots to inwardly digest and then incorporate into my practice.
I will attempt to use the core conditions; particularly empathy.
I will explore the subject further, look into further counsellor training and spend time thinking about certain interactions.

What was best about the course/event?

Reassurance of what I am already doing. Further information and strategies on working with adults. All CPD so far has been supporting pupils. This has been really valuable.
Interesting use of theories and how/possibilities for putting into practice. Discussion and reflection!
Great time to reflect. 'Role playing' very helpful. Fab lunch (2).
Reflecting on difficult conversations. The presenter's reflective style. Great it happened in Perth!
Thinking about your own practice and being more self aware. Meeting other professionals.
Very practical and relevant to my role.
Putting into practice the theory aspects of the course.
Hands on, practical tools we can use to enhance our practice.
Sharing experiences. Learning a bit about theories. Practical advice (2).
I feel that this course was relevant and interesting. One of the most helpful courses I have attended. Good opportunity to network and share ideas.
Spread over 2/3 days.
I genuinely enjoyed it all (2). The practical talking and listening sessions were particularly helpful.
Mixed medium.
Content – find very interesting. Networking. Lovely presenter. Clarifying my role/expectations in meetings better.
Having the PowerPoint handout. The pack also great resource to refer back to.
Lots of great and very useful information.
The presenter was excellent putting his message across. The content was specific and focused on key points that can be used in practice.
The presenter clearly 'knows his onions' and was readily able to describe/explain and tease out the learning.

What, if anything, could have been improved about the course?

It was a lot to put in one day - would have liked to discuss longer.
Maybe some school based scenarios to chat about.
Lots of examples were about relationships with colleagues. Would have been good to do more examples about relationships with parents.
More information on theories and therefore opportunity to 'try out'. Will definitely be reading up on all of this!
Maybe more practical/videos etc but only if over 2 days or second day to reflect back how we support ourselves etc? But not overly needed. Just really interested and enjoyed. Maybe more examples/role play of actual situations.
I would have like to move a bit.

How did you hear about this course?

Course Info Email from SSC: 8
Co-ordinator/Line Manager: 9
Colleague: 1
SSC Website: 1
Other (please state): 1 searched for it; 1 (not specified)

What other CPD training would you like the SSC to provide?

Anything on leadership.
Mini course - collaborative working.
Leading staff, encouraging staff morale and building the relationships amongst teams.
Further training on counselling (2). CPD in North Scotland.
How to access support – in Scotland for access to mental health support for deaf children. CPD opportunities in west of Scotland? (Elderbank PS?)
Just having them more central like here in Perth very helpful.
Positive Mental Health training (3) at Fairview (as a venue) please (2).